How to Get Your Child Hired as a Model

Can't you just see your gorgeous child in a magazine ad--once you get that frosting off his or her face? Modeling is not a piece of cake. It's tough, demanding work for you and your child, and involves dealing with tight schedules, rejection and impatient art directors. But if your child is patient, easy going and comfortable in front of strangers, it may be worth a shot.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yellow Pages
• Photographs
• Photographs

1. Be realistic. Child models must live in or very near a city where work is routinely available. The current top markets are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami.

2. Contact reputable modeling agencies (check the Internet or Yellow Pages for "Modeling Agencies") with a brief letter stating your interest. Include two or three clear photos of your child (both head shots and full body). Write your contact details and your child's name, age, hair and eye color, and clothing and shoe sizes on the back of each picture (not with a ball point).

3. Visit the agencies that offer you and your child appointments. Show up promptly, come armed with questions, and trust your instincts. If you don't like what you see or hear, try another agency.

4. Review contract offers carefully, and understand the fees and how they're paid. Agencies generally expect a commission of about 20 percent. Be aware that most contracts require you to release control of all photographs; read all provisions and make sure you consent to them.

5. Hit the pavement once you've signed the contract. The agency will send you and your child on go-sees (short meetings with prospective clients). You may face countless go-sees without ever seeing a job. Ask how you should dress your child and bring several changes of clothing, hairbrush, wipes, snacks, drinks and toys to keep your child happy through all the hurry up and wait.

6. Prepare yourself and your child for rejection. Agencies usually have a very specific look in mind, and not even a child as adorable as yours may sway them.

7. Help your child be comfortable throughout the process. Try not to get stressed. Be as natural with him or her as you can, as you are the anchor in a chaotic situation. Listen to the director at the shoot and do what she says. Help your child succeed under the lights by translating the director's instructions into words he or she better understands. Photo shoots can be long, hot and tedious. If you see that your child needs a break, tell the crew.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out any agency you are considering with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org). If it has any outstanding or unresolved complaints, go elsewhere. Same thing if an agency asks for money up front. A reputable agency won't earn any money until your child is hired.
• You don't need to spend money on professional photos. Your own regularly updated pictures are fine. Your child will build up a pro portfolio over time.

[Batz212]

on 11/20/2008 I really like the artical but, what kind of pen do you write with if you can't write with a "ballpoint" pen?

[Batz212]

on 11/20/2008 I really think this is a really good artical but, what do you write with if you can't write with a ballpoint pen?

[crossroad]

on 1/6/2008 What do you write with if not a ball point pin? Pencil? or felt tip pin? I thought the article was good.

on 8/8/2006 Don't let anyone fool you. If your child has a talent for modeling, the agents will be paying you up front money, instead of you paying them.