Amazing 21 Tips to Get Your Child into the Modeling Industry
You may be thinking about getting your child into the modeling industry. Do those words send tingles along your spine? More importantly, is this something that your child wants?
There are many reasons why parents or grandparents pursue modeling for their children and grandchildren. Below we will discuss some tips to help you decide if modeling is for you and your child.
Is it enough to be a beautiful child? –Every parent thinks their child is the “most beautiful baby ever”. But, will a modeling agency think the same thing? Can you and your child handle it if they don’t? Just being a beautiful isn’t enough to make your child stand out in the modeling crowd. There needs to be something unusual which will catch the eye of a prospective agent. It could be a unique eye and hair color combination. We aren’t talking about something strange, but an unusual quality that will draw people to your child.
Should I send professional photos of my child to an agent? –When your child is very young, personal pictures are better for an agent. There is no reason to spend the money on professional photos when the child’s appearance will change substantially in a short period of time. When the child is 4 or 5 then you can consider professional photos. Even at this point, you don’t need an expensive freelance photographer. Take your child to a photographer at a local department store or studio for these pictures. Olan Mills or a similar studio would be fine.
Do I need to dress my child up for pictures? –The most effective pictures are simple. Let the agent focus on your child, not a floppy hat or a cowboy outfit. If your child is a toddler, you can take photos in a diaper and a simple background. They could sit on your clean kitchen floor or on the grass in your yard. Make the composition of the picture simple and unobtrusive. When your child is older, pick flattering and understated clothing. Subtle colors and simple patterns would be best. Again, you want the agent to focus on your child’s overall appearance, not a crazy outfit.
Should I look in the yellow pages for an agency? –The best agencies don’t need to advertise their services. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s true in this instance. Top modeling agencies get business from positive word of mouth. This is true in most any type of business and is true in modeling. A quality agency will not insist that your toddler have “special” pictures taken by “their” photographer. They also won’t charge you any fees upfront. Reputable agencies make money when your child makes money and not before. This gives them the necessary incentive to work for your child.
Does my child need a website? –An online presence would be a good start. This will get additional exposure that you might not get any other way. Again, don’t be lured into paying for an expensive website. You only need a simple website with plenty of quality pictures of your child. The idea is to feature your child and promote them. Web hosting and a domain name should not cost you more than $100 a year. There are many companies that offer expensive packages, but they usually won’t get you enough additional exposure to justify the additional cost. Research this carefully before agreeing to a long term contract. There are also inexpensive sites which offer you a chance to design your own site, only if you feel qualified to do this.
Can I promote my child as a model if I work a fulltime job?
In order to attend auditions, you need a flexible schedule. You will usually get about 48 hours notice about an audition, but it can be at the “last moment”. Each audition you miss lessens your child’s chances of getting a job. Another thing to consider is that only one parent needs to accompany the child to an audition. You should stay out of the way and never tell the agents, directors or others how to do their jobs. Keep an eye on your child, but don’t interfere with the audition. Even if your child is what they are looking for, you could ruin their chance to get the job by your behavior. Remember that they are auditioning you and your child.
I think my child wants to be a model, but I’m not sure. –This is critical. If your child doesn’t want to model, they you shouldn’t make them. There is no sense in running yourself ragged and making your child unhappy. If your child has made it clear they aren’t interested, either through words or their actions, you need to honestly evaluate why you are doing this. Do you want to be involved in the industry and your child is the only way to do that? This is NOT a good reason to put your child through the process. You need to be sure your child really wants this lifestyle.
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