why does it always take so long to hear back from a modeling agency? Answered!

Hey Girls,

I was recently asked on my Facebook by an aspiring model, why does it always take sooo long to hear back from an agency??

My reply might also help your own pursuits:

Well, they might not have any work that fits your stats right now, they receive a lot of submissions, they might not be interested, they might be holding onto your comp card /images and waiting to see if any work comes in for your look, before they call you.

The best thing to do is keep striving and keep submitting your comp cards out to other agencies, and to stay busy. :)  After you've submitted and submitted, if you don't get any interest you may feel doubt but remember modeling is competitive and legit print modeling agencies are not going to waste their time working with you if they can't market you and book you work. Keep moving on, keep submitting and even re-submit to the agencies again a new comp card with new photos. As a striving self-made model you are always striving to improve your photos and prepare as best as you can for creating your opportunities.

It's true, hence my memoir Almost 5'4" (it's also an ebook for $3.99, make sure you have your Kindle and Nook and iBookstore apps, for reading on your phone at night when you can't sleep!)...anyways, it took me some time (a couple years and some mistakes later) to get my stuff together with the right photos, comp card, and the right mindset. Targeting the right agencies with the right photos is so important. Make sure you are creating marketable photos that are realistic for your realistically ambitious modeling goals. Here is more on photos and also more on the marketing mindset as a model.

~Isobella

P.s:  Love finding $15 in my rain coat pocket, was on my way to TJ Maxx and Marshalls today on Sixth Ave, both stores have a nice selection of petite sizes which is nice, and made my rounds also to Pippin Vintage Jewelry, I bought a cute pair of Jade earrings (wink).
http://pippinvintage.com/

I'll have a video up soon featuring the earrings and some of my recent finds shopping bargains.

Creating the right photos for print modeling takes work and time

A girl recently sent me a message through my website asking, "I've been a freelance model for the past four years and just moved to NYC a month ago. I'm already taking acting classes (10 weeks of them) and have visited two agencies with my hard cover portfolio. They both told me I need new pictures-that I look prettier in real life than my photos. I have a lot of friends that are fashion photographers that want to help me build my port, but the advice they give while critiquing my port isn't appropriate for the kind of work I can realistically get since I'm only 5'5. Could you please tell me what your advice is when it comes to pictures? Do you only have a modeling agency or a talent agency, or also a casting director, etc."



My reply below might also help your own pursuits as a model.

I've worked with and got work with agencies (while working non-exclusive with them and worked with up to 5 at a time) and I've worked with talent agencies and casting directors as well over the years. There is a booklet in Barnes and Noble and bookstores in the magazine section called The Call Sheet, it is about $12, and it has a list of casting directors and talent agencies. You should grab one of these as well.

I've heard it all myself, "your pics are too sexy" "your pics don't flatter your assets." "you need better pics." And photos are what seperate a model that works with real agencies and brands and jobs from a model that just takes photos, the best way to also start improving your photos for the area of modeling you want to pursue, is to ask questions, ask for examples of the type of shot they are talking about. The "commercial" part in commercial print modeling implies personality, relatable to a mass market of consumers. Here are some examples:

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2009/08/commercial-print-modeling-photos-for.html

The words model and modeling tend to make a girl change herself, as in her attitude and actually because "herself" is what she needs to focus on for print modeling. Her real smile, laugh, natural expressions, natural makeup, natural outfits and natural, comfortable, realistic pose, is best. If the shot can involve a discreet product such as a handbag, a cell phone, coffee cup, working out at a gym, the more your shot looks like you are "doing something", and the more it involves your personality and the more it involves looking realistic and like an implied ad or editorial in a magazine, the better.

If you want to model within print modeling "smiling shots" are very important. You could be smiling and walking, dancing, acting like you are hanging out at a cool cafe and enjoying your coffee, candy, even dusting, or putting on some makeup, etc. Think of real life situations. Just keep it a shot that relates to a mass market consumer, not just one demographic.

Always keep in mind that working as a model isn't just about you, it is about the product you are modeling for and it is best to remember this when creating photos, sure you want to look great but a client for a cell phone company, a skincare brand, a shoe brand, wants to see that you "know how to model products naturally," and that you have a natural energy about you that their customers can relate to. Study what print modeling is and it will also help you. Any ad with a smile or real-life expression and pose is a print model and a print ad usually.

A model is needed because her look represents what a brand's marketing campaign needs or fits what an ad concept or editorial concept is. A model's purpose is to model for something, so keep that in mind too.

I suggest working with a photographer who understands what print modeling is, and yes you will most likely have to invest some $ and time into getting the shots you need. It's a part of the process.

Another thing, think about the type of modeling jobs you want to get. If you want to be in ads for print modeling then you have to study some print ads, so look at magazines of all types, study commercials and pay attention to the expression, what they are wearing and their makeup and how natural they look.

If I wanted to leg model, yes despite being so petite, I had to create and show on my com pcard shots of my legs that looked like ads for lifestyle products or something you'd see in a Glamour, Allure, Marie Claire or Cosmo. Take it upon yourself to create a comp card that fits your goals and be realistically ambitious about it. Show you can, to get the opportunity.

Remember, print modeling is about relating to an everyday consumer in the ad or commercial so an everyday look in the photos you have for print modeling is best. Of course if you wanted to model for fitness, swimwear, undergarments, that's fine, but keep in mind in print modeing is less about impressing a man and more about selling the item you are wearing to a female consumer. Here is more on print modeling:
http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2009/07/print-modeling-has-become-many-things.html

I hope this helps girl, and keep rocking on, here are some agencies in NYC to send your comp card to when you have print modeing photos ready for action! :)

It's a tough pursuit, a tough competitive hustle, but usually those who don't give up, get what they want, I've included links to some other tips are below. There is a lot of marketing that goes into being a self-made model,

~Isobella

These links will also help :)

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2009/09/do-you-have-model-compcard-you-should.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/03/does-your-photographer-know-what.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/02/think-twice-before-posing-for.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/12/are-your-best-assets-for-modeling-being.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/02/six-differences-of-fashion-model-and.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2009/01/unrealistic-modeling-goals-and-facing.html

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2010/02/five-steps-to-get-ahead-as-short-model.html

Learn, know, grow, get and strive for more. ~isobella jade

5 tips to a modeling agency when you're short podcast

Tune into 5 tips to a modeling agency when you're short on Model Talk Radio, catch the live show at 1pm EST 3/10, or listen to the archive any time my sweet shorties :)

Listen here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2010/03/10/5-tips-to-a-modeling-agency-when-youre-short

The Model Mindset for All Sizes

A question I often get is "how do I find a modeling agency?" Many girls who reach out to me are at the start of their pursuits and curious about "if they have what it takes to model?"

My answers are always based on "the work you put in" and "knowing your self".

At the start of my own pursuits I encountered many mistakes, approached the wrong agencies, had the wrong photos. All experiences which I learned from. But every step towards the tearsheets and opportunities I later gained came from my own hard work, research time, and the investment in myself.

Finding a modeling agency, especially if you are not fashion height, starts with a mindset that models are not all tall. And understanding that: not all working models are signed exclusively to fashion modeling agencies. There are many, many print modeling agencies out there that work with models of all sizes, but you have to seek them out and on this blog I have listed many agencies for girls of all sizes to pursue in many different cities. I would aim high in a realistic way and approach print modeling agencies with your compcard.

Here is a post on the photos you need for your submissions to agencies.

Working with a modeling agency comes down to your own prep work. The work you put in to create your professional photos and create your compcards, and then promote yourself to the right agencies. Finding a modeling agency is about finding out where you fit into this modeling business, and marketing your self in that direction.

Approaching the modeling agency in a professional way, which brings results, starts with knowing your self and knowing what is marketable about your self as a model.

How you present yourself in photos to a modeling agency, can mean you will get a call and a meeting and an opportunity to work with the modeling agency, or not.

Creating your modeling photos first takes a lot of self analyzing and also observing ads for lifestyle products, commercials, and editorials in lifestyle magazines, and noticing where models are used of all sizes. The more you show you "can model something," the better.

But remember the work you put in and the belief in your self is the biggest part to finding opportunities as a model, no matter your height.

Here is a post on the 6 differences between fashion models and non-fashion models:
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2010/02/six-differences-of-fashion-model-and.html

And here is the difference between exclusive and non-exclusive modeling:
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/12/exclusive-and-non-exclusive-modeling.html

Back to the model basics

Maybe you're thinking of being a model, maybe you Googled the word model and found my blog, maybe you saw America's Next Top Model and wondered if there is more than what Tyra is offering, well no matter where you got inspired-- if you are thinking of being a model here are some tips.

Well, first, don't fall for a scam, or get misled, with all these model-show-off-sites, amateur modeling scams, modeling schools, it can be hard for a shorter girl to get herself going in the right direction.

I think of it this way, "if it sounds too good to be true. It usual is."

Take a modeling class, be a model, pay this fee be a model.

"If it seems too easy to work as a model, then it could be a scam and usually is."

An agency won't be so over the moon to work with a shorter girl, they might like your facial assets, your energy, but still a legit print agency won't ask you pay for photos but also will not often pay for them either, so you NEED your own marketing material to get the door. The agency will also use your comp card that you created and submitted to them in the first place, to market you to their clients.
You can freelance and work with more than one agency non exclusively and most shorter girls do this.

Remember modeling is work. Working as a model takes time, energy and a marketing mindset. The word "easy" is not a word that goes with the word model. Skipping the scams is a step closer in the right direction however.

I have mentioned what to skip when trying to model in the Internet-Age and another part of that is "having your professional marketing tools."

Remember, a modeling comp card will get you further, with more professional experiences, than an Internet model social site. I am against model-sites and advocate to skip them often.

A modeling comp card is an aspiring models best marketing tool.

Yes the compcard needs to be professional, with very professional photos that represent you as you and your assets. A smile shot, and shots that show you modeling a product, a handbag, jewelry, shoes, etc.

Yes it takes time to research, to find, and submit to the proper agencies that work with models of all heights for commercial print modeling but it is worth it if you want professionalism.

No matter your height, if you want to work with a modeling agency, then you should put the time in to market yourself with the right photos. To get an agency if you are shorter you must have a comp card perpared. You don't need hundreds of photos or so many photo-shoots, you just need to focus on "what you need" that a print agency wants to see. Bring it back to the basics. Investing in yourself, is how you make opportunites happen. You need a headshot, a full body shot showing your personality, smile, and you "doing something" -walking down the street, having a good time, feeling confident, showing your energy in the photo. Here are samples on photos to create for print modeling.
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/08/commercial-print-modeling-photos-for.html


A girl on Facebook asked me today:
First I would like to say that you have been a true inspiration and motivation for me to even consider myself to be model material. I too am a petite girl of only 5'1 and have recently been researching possibilites for myself in this industry. I was wondering if you could give me any personal thoughts or insights on the John Robert Powers Company in NYC pertaining to skills I could learn or opportunities they could provide? Thanks for all that you've done in this industry and all the things you will certainly accomplish.

My reply:
In my opinion you don't need a class to learn how to model. But I do suggest studying ads, and working with a professional photographer, skipping the internet model sites, and focusing on getting your own professional comp card made. Then you can mail your comp card to print modeling agencies in NYC.

Here is insight on why I think modeling schools are a waste of time:
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-am-against-modeling-schools.html

Instead focus on creating YOUR OWN marketing tools is best, and make your own comp card and market it to the right agencies. Insight on that and how to skip some scams that lurk below. Calling yourself is one thing, working as one is another, beware of amateur agencies, focus on finding a professional one, there are MANY print modeling agencies and talent in NYC to submit your comp card to, but it takes work, time and effort to create professional photos to target print modeling and time to mail and research to find the right agencies.

Here are some tips. http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/12/starting-to-model-photography-and.html
And this will give you insight on comp cards: http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/12/put-that-modeling-compcard-to-use-and.html
And one on what to mail “commercial print modeling agencies” and how to do it: http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/12/what-to-mail-modeling-agency-answered.html
:)
-Isobella

Why modeling agencies charge you for photos?

I was recently thinking about how and why agencies charge aspiring models for photos. Is this wrong, is this ok? It is helpful? Or is it a scam?

I decided it is wrong.

I think they are charging you because they think you are unable to handle making photos. They want some easy money from knowing you don't know what you need and how to do it.

Well if you do know what you need and how to do it, you can save money and time.

If a model is ambitious, can create her own photos, and is determined to be apart of her marketing process and basically isn’t a lazy model she can skip scams, get ahead faster, and even save money. I have never been one to just sit and wait for things to happen, or believe that someone else can totally make my dreams and goals come true. Having the “want” to do something is not enough these days, you have to “want to do the work.” The work involves making your own comp card, working with professional photographers, knowing what type of photos you need and really being apart of your process of working as a model.

It is a process. It is time. It is not an overnight thing.

Recently a girl commented to me about an agency charging her for photography and to be on their website…she asked if this was a scam. I think it is.

If you can produce your own compcard and photos you can skip the scams. Also the scams will be less likely to approach you. If you come off professional, together, and capable, ready, then how can you get scammed?

I always suggest a girl manages her own photography, her own look, how she wants to be marketed, and the photos she shares, however a commercial print agency will often give girls tips, comments, advice on photography you should never be forced to use an agencies photographer. There are even warnings on legit modeling agency websites that mention this.

Remember at the early stage, you also do not need a “whole” portfolio to start modeling. You just need some good commercial print modeling shots. A nice headshot. So don’t go crazy over getting photos that won’t help you. Focus on what you need and get in and get your compcard made and get rolling!

It is a scam if an agency charges you to be on their website, it is also a scam if they force you to use their photography. An agent is a person who is suppose to “market you” and while you will give the agency your own marketing tools, provide compcards, --the agency will use what you give them if they want to work with you and at least try to use it to market you, until you can improve your photos. Even when I had a not so marketable compcard, the agency took it and did their best with it, until I had better photography and a better compcard to give them.

Short Model Support: Modeling Agencies 101

Short Model Support: Modeling Agencies 101

On this segment of Model Talk, Isobella shares insight on how a shorter girl can approach a modeling agency. Also as one of the tiniest models in NYC, she announces her self as America’s Next Top Model’s Short Model Judge for cycle 13 this fall, sharing commentary on the show this fall.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/08/19/Short-Model-Support-Modeling-Agencies-101

This segment was live on 8/19/09 at 11:30am, you can listen to the archive of this show and any other shows anytime here.

Meeting the Modeling Agency interview tips

A girl on Facebook asked me:
2morow I have an interview with a modeling agency..what should I do if they ask me to describe myself? And what should I wearing 2morow?

Here was my reply:

Agencies want to hear that you have personality and that you are easy to work with, likable, friendly, and capable of being on time, confident, and able to get the job done. Think about situations that interest you maybe by saying something like “I enjoy learning new things, or being around creative people etc,” Whatever it might be. Also modeling involves pressure and deadlines on set, I shot a shoe campaign and we had a certain amount of hours that we had to shoot a certain amount of shoes, and even me, as the model came up with a few ideas for some shots when the crew got stuck on the next shot concept. I think being a model means being creative as well if asked on the job and having an upbeat personality, "we can do this" attitude is liked.

Here is also a videos on:

Modeling Agency meeting tips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvB52_tZDvs

What to Wear when meeting agency tips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3ilUOlolmA

Here is a tip on amatuer modeling agency scams and things to avoid:
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/07/they-say-you-can-model-but-is-this-scam.html

The type of photos you will need to work with a print agency:
http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/08/commercial-print-photos-with-smile.html