How to Start a Modeling Career for Kids & Teens

Kids and teens are used to model products aimed at their age group.

Companies that sell products that are marketed to kids and teens, such as toys or clothes, need kids and teens to promote the products as models. Modeling can be a way for a teen or kid to not only have fun but to also make good money in the process. For some kids or teens, modeling can develop into a successful career that continues when they become adults, opening up a variety of lucrative opportunities for them along the way.

Things You'll Need

• Photos

Instructions

1. Take photos of the kid or teen that shows a close-up of the face. Then take another photo that shows the entire body, clothed of course. Make sure kid is clean, smiling and looking presentable.

2. Submit the photos to a modeling agency. The agency is what will help the teen or kid find work and make sure he is taken care of. Many agencies list instructions on their websites for how to apply for representation. Some hold casting calls at local malls or other places where interested people can attend and meet with an agent. Be careful though. Some agencies charge high rates for unnecessary modeling classes or don't treat their models well. In addition, you shouldn't have to pay big up-front costs or fees. Consider talking to the agent's current models to see if they are happy with the agency.

3. Sign with an agency once you've found one that you believe will be a good fit. Read carefully over the contract. Make sure the agency is taking the right percent and not ripping you off. Consider having a lawyer look over the contract.

4. Get professional photos taken. You can do this before signing with an agent, but some agencies are willing to sign kid or teen models before these are done. These photos will help the model get work. Also put together a portfolio with photos that show the kid in various poses and outfits.

5. Learn basic modeling techniques. There are classes you can take, sometimes given for free by agencies to the models they represent, as well as other ways to learn modeling skills, such as online resources. Again, do your research before you sink a lot of money into any classes.

6. Make sure the child or teen is on time to meetings and photo shoots. For many children or teens this might be their first lesson about the importance of professionalism. This is key to their success as a model.

7. Keep the teen or kid model healthy. This includes maintaining good skin, good oral hygiene, good physical health and more. Not only is this good for a healthier life, it is also very important to the career of a model.

8. Get used to rejection. It can be very difficult, but it's a part of the business. Understanding that the teen or kid model will not always get the job is important to learn and accept.

References

• Berkeley Parents Network: Child Modeling

Resources

• Teen Model Star