Every child is
beautiful. I mean it. All children are beautiful… Tall ones, short ones,
round ones, lanky ones, purple, green and friggin’ rainbow ones are all
ridiculously beautiful because their eyes are full of wonder and their hearts
are filled with innocence.
Now that I have your attention, I’ll cut to the chase.
We all know that our babies are
beautiful, but what happens when a modeling agency thinks your kid won the
genetic lottery and wants them to pursue a career in the fashion industry?
Well first of all, don’t fret.
Here’s a handy little ole’ guideline for parents that need advice from someone
in the business. Just a little warning, some of my advice may seem harsh but I
promise that it’s all true.
How do I know such things? Well, I grew up in a pretty normal way,
married parents, one sister, happy childhood (blah, blah, blah…) and I’ve
always been tall and skinny. Growing up, everyone’s given me the advice that I
should model. Fast forward to age 15- One
day, I took a few self-portraits and sent them to an agency in New York City.
Totally thought it was a long shot, but I got a response back and I was put on
a plane a few weeks later and was signed with a great agency. They housed me,
took care of me- all in the great Manhattan. I’ve done some pretty cool stuff, worked
for some well-known companies, have been featured in magazines, etc. I’m 21
years old and still signed with this awesome agency.
Anywho, here’s my guideline:
1.) The
first rule of using a legitimate modeling/talent agency is NOT PAYING for
modeling classes.
The biggest names to ever prance
on a catwalk did not pay for classes
to teach them how to do so. They simply learned on their own. When a modeling
agency seeks a fit for their team, they pick their beauties with or without the
rare talent of being photogenic or runway ready because they are the ones who shape their models. Any “agency” asking for
money to pay for classes is a joke,
NOT an agency.
2.) Meet
your friend, Google.
Conduct a thorough background
check via Google on any agency/agent that may be interested in representing
your child. Past employees will review the agencies and scam artists will be
brought to light.
3.) A
legitimate agency doesn’t make you pay out of pocket but takes out a percentage
of every check.
That’s just how they make their
money. My agency takes out 20% for every paycheck I receive through them. If
you think their percentage rate is too high, look for other agencies.
4.) They
take forever to pay back.
Well, not forever but just about.
The average turn-around time for receiving a check from the agency is
anywhere from 20-70 days. My agency’s standard is 30-60 days. I’m not too clear
on why this is typical for many agencies, but its just the way it is. Don’t fight
it.
5.) Don’t
get butt-hurt over castings.
Your child will attend several
castings for many companies. Guess what? Your child won’t get all of them. At every
casting, there are directors who are looking for a certain something. That could be a certain hair texture, a certain eye
color, a certain kind of personality- anything. So, don’t get butt-hurt (your
feelings hurt) if your precious child doesn’t get a few castings. To think that
your child is going to get every job out there is straight up unrealistic. Your
child will get some jobs though.
6.) Agents
will give critique.
I’ve been put into a bikini and
had all of my flaws pointed out to me when I was as young as 16, but you should
know that a toddler shouldn’t be forced to do the same. When an agent gives
critique, let your inner momma bear take control- at such a young age, your
kids can’t speak for themselves. Do it for them, voice out your concerns
especially regarding their health and safety. Kids should always be kids. Don’t ever let anyone deprive them of the
childhood they deserve.
Whether your kid is a sweet 2 year
old or a sassy 10 year old, as a parent you should understand the basic ideas
of working with a legitimate agency and deciding whether or not working with an
agency is good for the sake of your child and family.
What questions do you have about
child modeling? Would you allow your kid to model? Share your thoughts!
-Ash
