So you've decided to enter the world of children's modeling. Whether you simply want to "sample the water" or "dive right in", there are good ways and not-so-good ways to go about it. First, lets define some of the avenues available to child talent: Fashion Modeling, Commercial Modeling, Pageants, Screen Acting and Theater Acting. Each of these areas have their own requirements with most pay or professional jobs acquired through the representation of an agency. There are two types of easily defined agencies. There is the Modeling School "Agency" which focuses on providing fee-based curriculum, such as "How to be a Model or Actor". Many of these are national companies or franchises and may or may not provide true representation and job opportunities. On the other hand, the Modeling/Talent Agent or Agency is extremely selective but provides representation for their client including "go-sees" or open call information. Their goal is not to charge you money for their services but rather benefit economically from paying jobs that they set you up with . So, where to begin... Define what the purpose is in getting involved in modeling. Are you looking to create a career for your child? Benefit economically? Indulge your child's desires? Curiousity? Or just to have fun? If it's any of the latter reasons, then local opportunities are your best first step. If a career is really what you're seeking, then you'll want to meet with a reputable agency. But even at that level it's good to go in already having a little local experience under their belts! Local opportunities can run the gamut. Depending on where you live, finding them may be part of the creative challenge! Although most local opportunities are free or non-professional, they do allow your child to gain not only experience but also the poise and confidence that will make them successful throughout their lives. Below is a list of some places that you might look for opportunities for your child to model: *Major Shopping Malls - Look at their monthly calendar of events for seasonal model searches or fashion shows, incl. the dept. stores. *Local Stores - Contact children's or other boutiques you frequent regularly and offer free modeling/talent services for the experience. Small businesses may be welcome for this "free" advertising experience. *Photographers - Let your photographer know you'd be happy to have your child's photos displayed. *Trade Shows/Conventions/Hair Shows - Watch the newspapers for coming events. They'll often be sponsoring "crowd-gathering" events that are fashion related. Kid's events are always good for drawing traffic. Hair Shows will often showcase hair/make-up makeovers and shows with volunteer talent. *Word of Mouth - Get the word out amongst others with the same interest. News of opportunities travel fast in small circles. Then there are The Pageants! Unfortunately, these have gotten a bad rap over the years with tragic stories and a few unscrupulous people. In reality, pageants are often not only lots of fun for the participants but also helpful in building that important confidence, poise and social skills mentioned earlier. There are many different pageants out there. Each with there own requirements, fees, goals and exposure. As with anything it pays to do some research on what suits your child best. You'll also want to consider your financial involvement, as certain pageants demand "more" in the way of wardrobe, registration fees or photographs. Most participants however, will walk away with some type of prizes and perhaps scholarships, bonds or cash. There are several websites that provide directories to such events, including http://www.kidspageants.com. (See "Photography by Tammy" aticle for more info.) Another, relatively new area of opportunity are the on-line model registries and photo/beauty contests. Many of these options are fee-based. The registries act as an on-line directory for models to post pictures and stats about themselves, usually for a fee in hopes of casting agents and scouts "finding them." The barriers to success here are usually geographical. Do your research before buying into this. The baby contests and on-line model searches may or may not charge for entries. If they do cost, determine the benefit per pricetag. What do winners receive? Merchandise? Cash? Or on-line exposure? Free and low cost contests can be fun for the models as well as the family who gets to see their "little one" on-line. Lastly, there are the agencies we touched upon earlier. Modeling schools can provide classes that are helpful in a child's personal development and they should be considered as such. A good agent, however, will take a look at a "model" and know if they have what it takes to go out and succeed at a job. It never hurts to contact these agencies (do your research) and determine what opportunity that there is. (Note: A good, reputable agency will never ask you to pay them money to represent you or force you to only use their suppliers etc..) Children's modeling can be an extremely competitive but rewarding experience for both you and them. If you approach it from a well-informed, realistic and fun-loving perspective the rewards can be phenomenal! |
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