3 Parent Tips on Raising a Child Model

One thing many parents of aspiring child actors and models fail to realize at the onset of their children’s careers is that they have to be 100 percent involved in every step of their child’s career. And more often than not, it’s when parents fail to be there for their children when their prospects of achieving modelling or acting success get sidelined.

Here are some tips for parents looking to manage their children’s careers the right way.

1. Let Go of Rejection

Rejection is something every child model will have to experience. Unless you have the greatest of luck, your first audition will likely result in you being turned down. But that’s alright, as it’s part of the game. When you’re done with an audition your child didn’t get accepted to, move on and don’t talk about it, unless of course, your child wants to discuss it.

See every chance to be in an actual audition as a win on you and your child’s book. The mere fact that you were considered for the audition is already a big deal, so don’t take things too hard if your child didn’t get accepted at an audition or by the best modeling agencies for kids.

2. Parents are Not Directors

When your child is working, let go of the reins and allow her to work on her own. Nothing annoys an agent or photographer more than a parent who tries to get into the shoot, making suggestions, and generally prying into the work their child does. Remember that at shoots or on sets, you are there as your child’s source of emotional support. Your presence is meant to keep your child safe. It is not your job to interfere into a photographer or director’s workflow.

3. You are Only a Team Player

A parent’s in a child model or actor’s life is to work within a large team of people working on your child’s career. That role, as mentioned earlier, is to provide emotional support and guarantee your child’s safety. Many parents, after learning a thing or two about how their child makes money as a model, make the mistake of thinking they can expertly manage their child’s career. However, what they don’t know is that they don’t have the crucial network of contacts the best modeling agencies for kids have.

Long story short, don’t take on more than you can chew. Learn your role and stick to it.

Stage Parents: What to Do at Auditions

A good audition is perhaps the most telling sign that your child has booked an acting gig. Whether it’s you who’s doing the auditioning or your child in front of the panel, it’s important that you know the rules of decorum that acting agencies in New York for kids and other agencies around the country expect you to abide by.

Approach it Like You Would a Job

Think of an audition as a job interview. As with any job interview, child actors and their parents have to be aware of a number of rules before they even step into the audition or casting area. More importantly, parents have to make sure that their children know how to behave when auditioning for a role.

You Are Also Auditioning

If you’re the parent of a child actor, do take note that acting agents will also judge your ability to support your child through his career. Casting directors and agents will want to know right away whether you have the right attitude and ability to be pleasant to work with when they hire your child. Child actors must always have their parent or legal guardian on set during an acting job, so you’ll be playing a huge role in your child’s career.

Some of the more specific rules on proper behavior at a casting call include:

Avoid Chewing Gum 

Although it may seem like common sense not to chew gum in an audition for courtesy’s sake, many kids still come to casting calls chewing on gum. Unless it’s actually part of a character’s description, ensure that your kid steers clear of chewing gum.

Make Eye Contact

When instructing your child on how to best behave in a casting call, teach him the importance of making eye contact with the members of the panel. Teach your child that making proper eye contact is an essential part of proper etiquette.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that during the entire length of the audition, your child should make direct eye contact the whole time. Instead, teach your child to make direct eye contact when introducing himself.

Let your Child Be

Nothing’s more annoying to casting directors and agents than parents who can’t seem to let their children work on their own for a few minutes. It’s normal to want to be there for your child during an audition, but please, don’t overdo it. Let your child work on his own and show the panel what he has got to show.

Modeling Tips to Give your Career a Boost

The modeling industry may look glamorous and fun, but underneath the glitz and glam is an industry that’s highly competitive, with many models vying to get signed with the top modeling agencies in New York and Los Angeles.

That said, it’s not surprising why many models will gladly jump at the opportunity to gain an edge over their peers, whether it’s through reading tips or knowing insider secrets about the industry.

Below are a few tips that should boost your modeling career.

1. Be On Time. Always. 

Tardiness seems to be a symptom of many models in the industry—little do they know that it actually hurts their career and puts them in a bad light in the eyes of photographers and agents. When attending open calls or appointments with agents from modeling agencies in New York, it’s important to make as best an impression of yourself in the eyes of your interviewers. Besides, punctuality is a basic factor in being professional.

2. Be Yourself

This actually means two things. First, agents and clients want to see the real you during an interview, so don’t go overboard with the makeup and outfits. Use as little and natural-looking a makeup you can when going to interviews and don’t be too fashion-forward with what you wear. Go for the classy, professional look.


Secondly, being yourself means just that—letting your personality shine in front of the agents and clients. Of course, being yourself doesn’t give you clearance to misbehave. Don’t chew gum, suck on a lollipop, or do anything inappropriate in a business setting.

3. Speak Up

In an interview, you want to exude confidence when speaking to the agent or client. Make it a point to speak in a clear and confidence manner when answering questions and telling the recruiter/agent about yourself. Relax and let your personality show, but don’t be sloppy—and by that I mean not slouching and giving a firm handshake.

4. Don’t Do Anything you’re Not Comfortable With

Many unscrupulous people and organizations pose as agencies looking to rip models off or at the very least, milk them for all their money. There are also those who harass models by goading them to do nude pictorials and other potentially embarrassing acts. Never get yourself forced into these situations and never allow yourself to do something you’re not comfortable with. Far too many models have fallen for this scam all because of their desire to get in the industry.

Using the Web to Find a Modeling Agency

If you’re a teenager in Pennsylvania looking to become a model, one of the first things you’re likely to do is get signed to one of the many reputable modeling agencies in Pennsylvania. The jury’s still out on whether a modeling agency is necessary, as many models out there who work on a freelance basis. However, it’s hard to deny that a modeling agency, particularly one that specializes in representing teens, makes life better in general. Agencies help you save time, effort and energy—all of which should be focused on trying to become a great model.

In the old days of the industry, models often had to troop down to New York or Los Angeles to attend casting calls at the country’s top modeling agencies. Thankfully, the advent of the Internet has changed all that, with agencies now offering online portals of their respective organization online. This has made it easier to search for an agency—however, it’s also made it more dangerous.

While the Internet has made it easier for legitimate agencies working within the law to reach out to more talents, it has also made it easier for unscrupulous agencies to hoodwink talents into paying them exorbitant fees.

What to Watch Out For

You should always be wary with agencies that ask you to pay up large amounts of cash for something as simple as a few pictures for your portfolio. Although there are agencies that require you to pay for certain fees, they often explain clearly where the payment goes to, showing that it’s justified.

Likewise, an agency with no physical address or contact information should raise red flags—it often means they’re operating outside the law.

Look for Feedback Online

Perhaps one of the best things about the Internet in context of the modeling industry is how it gives you access to feedback about agencies and agents. You could for instance, go to online forums where other teenage models post about their experiences with agencies, ala product review style.

A Legit Agency Takes Care of You

A legit agency will often go out of their way to help you build your portfolio, starting by organizing a professional photo shoot for pictures to forward to clients. When scouting for information about modeling agencies in Pennsylvania online, ask about what they can do for you as a talent under their care. Always be aware of the perks of signing up to an agency, that way, you know why you should even bother applying.

So You Want to Be a Victoria’s Secret Model? Here’s What you Need.

Even if you’re busy still looking for the right modeling agency in Pennsylvania to represent you, it’s likely that you have the dream of making it big as a model in the back of your head. Perhaps one of the biggest achievements any model can reach is being part of the Victoria’s Secret lineup of models, who each year, walk down the runway in a grand fashion show to promote VS’s latest collection of lingerie.

If being a Victoria’s Secret model is a goal of yours (hey, if you’re going to dream, dream big), here’s what you need to know and have.

Measurements, Height and Age

As with most other high fashion agencies and houses, Victoria’s Secret hires models that usually stand between 5’8” and 6’. Besides height, VS models must meet specific measurement characteristics, the better for designer clothes to hang on them. Since Victoria’s Secret’s main products are lingerie, models must have the coveted hourglass figure to wear them. A model with a 34-inch chest, a 24-inch waist, and 34-inch hips is perfect, although slight variations are more than acceptable, especially if a model has other desirable traits, such as beautiful facial features.

Age is also another important factor for Victoria’s Secret models. Since VS makes a habit of investing in models for the long run, younger models are usually desired. Victoria’s Secret’s main market is composed of young women, but not too young. Rookies should at least 18-years-old, but not older than 22.

Body

Victoria’s Secret models are often referred to as goddesses, and for good reason. Models under the fashion house must be in great physical shape, capable of modeling revealing lingerie and walking down runways in high heels on live television or at the very list, in front of a highly esteemed panel of casting directors.

At the very least, Victoria’s Secret models have to have full lips, high cheekbones, small nose, smooth skin, glossy hair and a toned body.

Personality

One of the most common factors aspiring models forget when applying at modeling agencies in Pennsylvania and the rest of the country, is personality. Victoria’s Secret models don’t just model lingerie, they play an active role in promoting VS’s clothes. Victoria’s Secret models may look ravishing, but their appeal is mainly towards women, so it’s important for models to be friendly, outgoing, professional and courteous. Indeed, a Victoria’s Secret model should be beautiful both inside and out.

4 Teen Modeling Tips to Take Home with You

Now that you’ve made the decision to become a teen model, what’s the first thing you should do?

Despite how the media portrays modeling as an industry focused solely on looks, most, if not all, modeling agencies in Pennsylvania look for teen models that have more than beauty to boast of. Looks are important, but commitment, smarts and perseverance are just as crucial to your success.

You also have to have an understanding of the challenges and difficulties you will face when becoming a fashion model in the highly competitive modeling industry. Thousands of teens each year try to chase the dream of becoming a top model, but only a few actually manage to succeed.

Here are some tips to help you join the select few talented and successful teen models out there.

1. Be Punctual

Just like in any other job, it’s important to show up to shoots and gigs on time, every time. Do take note that your job as a teen model may require you to go to different locations, some of which may be far from home. That said, be sure to set out early and prepare yourself for traffic, getting lost, and finding a parking spot.

2. Be Available

Between a teen model who’s always available and one that’s not, modeling agencies in Pennsylvania will always go for the former. So you want to make sure that you’re able to say “yes” to as many gigs and shots as you can. Be sure to take calls and return them promptly.

3. Be Professional

Modeling is not your typical office job, but that doesn’t mean you can be laid back and easy-going. Be professional, pay attention at shoots, be attentive during auditions and interviews, and always be ready to work. Professionalism, not looks, is one of the most effective ways to built a reputation for yourself in the teen modeling industry—especially when you consider the number of childish teenagers out there.

4. Be Yourself

Let your personality shine as a teen model. Be yourself, be comfortable, and be confident when you’re at work or auditions. Part of being yourself means that you should be honest when answering questions and sharing your opinions—but that doesn’t mean you can be rude. Be assertive and don’t allow yourself to be forced into a situation you’re not entirely comfortable with.

These 4 “Be’s” are just some of the ways you can be a successful teen model. Remember these tips and you’re more likely to gain an edge over your competition.

Tips to Get your Child into Modeling, Film and TV without Packing your Bags for New York or LA

Looking to get your child into the entertainment industry?

More often than not, talents that want access to a steady stream of jobs may have to leave their hometowns and move to entertainment industry hubs like New York and Los Angeles.

However, there are actually ways to get your child into the industry without leaving the comforts of your town or city. Below are 5 tips to do just that.

1. Build their Resumes

Start by building your child’s resume, depending on what facet of the talent industry he/she is interested in. If it’s acting on film and TV, it pays to help your child get experience at the local Community Theater. This allows your child to gain experience with auditioning, learning lines and being in front of strangers.

2. Search for classes in your area

A child with acting and modeling classes under his/her belt is far more likely to catch the eye of talent agencies. Classes are essential in a child talent’s resume, so be sure to sign your child up for local classes if you can. Your city or town is likely to have on-camera acting classes for budding actors, or runway classes for young models.

3. Practice Taking Photos

Headshots will be the first thing most modeling agencies in New York will look at when accepting applications from child models. Headshots will be most important for children over the age of 10. For little tots younger than 6, professionally-done snapshots will be most effective.

When selecting pictures for submission to agencies, it’s important not to be overly cute. Yes, a child is adorable when making cute faces, but casting agents prefer to keep things simple, choosing photographs of children with sincere smiles. Neutrality is the best course of action here.

4. Find Agencies Near You

If you’re from Pittsburgh, it makes perfect sense to find modeling agencies in Pennsylvania. You’ll be surprised to know that there are more agencies than you think there are in your area. Of course, it’ll probably take some driving to get to the agency, but that certainly beats having to pack your bags and take the risk of moving to New York or LA.

5. Don’t Force your Child into Show Business

Show businesses can offer a lucrative career for your child, but be a good parent and do the right thing: don’t force your child into this industry. It’s all well and good if your child has a good time acting and modeling, but if it’s taking time away from living a normal childhood or causing distress, you should know when to stop.

Spot a Legit Modeling Agency from a Scam

Becoming a successful model in the industry means that you have to be careful with the company you keep. Some modeling agencies in Pennsylvania are actually run by fraudsters who rip off unsuspecting models of their hard-earned money. Their promise of turning you into a”super model” might just get you into trouble or financial problems. Protect yourself and know how to spot a scam from a real agency that’s willing to help your career.

Always ask questions

A legitimate, trustworthy modeling agency isn’t going to have any problems providing you detailed and reliable answers about the company and would even offer you references of their clients and models if you ask them. If the agency representative your talking too seems to ditch your questions about the details of the company, has a hard time answering you when it comes to references, or is more interested in getting a signing fee from you, then it could be a possible scam.

Fees or no fees

You have to check if they have a sign-up fee or not. Modeling agencies that ask you to pay them before you can actually get a modeling job are often not legitimate. Most agencies actually explain to you that they will not ask for fees or would only take a small percentage of your talent fee as their commission. If they ask for some kind of payment for a photographer for a shoot to make your portfolio, then there’s a big possibility that their not legit.

Review the roster

You should be able to ask them about the models who are under their wing. Ask them to see some of the projects their models have done and check if they are of high quality or not. No matter how small or well-known the modelingagencies in Pennsylvania are, they should be able to give you top quality output.

Time and place

No legitimate modeling agency would ask you to have a meeting at night or during the weekends. Keep in mind that this is a business you’re dealing with so they should also operate during usual business hours. They should also have a real office where you can visit them during meetings.

Pay for your own classes

Most legit agencies would gladly pay for your modeling classes and even your photo shoots for your portfolio. They’ll treat you like an investment and make sure you’re ready to take on the modeling world because you represent them, and they want their clients to know that you’re one of the best models around.

Band life and the Music Scene – Starting From Scratch

Living the life of a rockstar is definitely something a lot of us fantasize about. However, it’s not all about the fame and fortune, as being a rockstar also means that you are a musical artist.

Getting your music out there as a band can be a big challenge these days, with not all bands making it and very few actually become famous. But there’s nothing wrong with following your dreams of making music and spreading it to others. As long as you and your band work hard, nothing is impossible.

If you don’t know where to start, here’s a short guide on how to start a band.

Find the right people

You have to find the right people to work with when you want to form a band. The members have to click and have some kind of chemistry when playing. You can start with your friends and ask them to join or ask around if you can find someone who knows how to play the instrument. Most bands have guitarists, bassists, drummers and vocals, but other bands also experiment with what instrument they know. What’s important is, the members have to know how to work together.

Make it a point to practice

No matter how good you are, if you don’t practice, you’re not going to make it. Band members need to find a way to spend some time practicing to perfect their music. Other people might say that it’s a natural thing and a musician will always find a way to play their music perfectly, but this is only true if you spend hours and hours of practice.

Gigs 

Play a few gigs at your local music lounge during open mic night. This is a good opportunity for you to show people your music and help the band get more gigs. You might get discovered by a talent scout from music agencies in Pennsylvania. You can also try to join band competitions and music fests for exposure.

Find a manager

If you want to go professional and hit the main stream, then you might want to get into music agencies in Pennsylvania or hire a manager. Most bands actually argue about getting a manager and if they really need one, but if you want to make it big time, you’ll need all the help you can get. A manager can help you settle deals, find gigs and even sponsors. Find someone you know you can trust and work together with them to figure out where your band is going.

What to Do When you Don’t Have a Band Manager

When bands decide to get out of their comfort zone, or their garage, and finally show what they got or plan to go full time, the members usually start asking themselves if they need a band manager.

The band manager is basically the other member of the band. He or she is the person who looks for gigs, finds contracts, deals and sponsorships and makes sure that the band makes money. He or she is also the person responsible of making sure the band delivers and preforms. Before contacting the nearest agent or manager you know, think of the things that also come along with having a band manager.

Professional managers would usually take 15 to 20 percent of what the band makes. This means that new bands can’t really afford getting a manager since they have to work with what little they have. However, there are a few things that you can do to help get your band to the stage without a manager.

DIY

Manage your own bad. Bands usually have members or two that drives the band to go where they need to go. This is actually easier compared to having a manager since all of the band members are aware of where the band in leading to. What bands don’t realize is that there’s the music or the creative side and the managing or business side. There should be a balance between both so that the band makes it on top. Otherwise, people will just forget about the band.

Friends as managers

If you have a friend that’s interested in the music industry and might want to become a band manager someday, then ask them to give you a hand when it comes to managing the band. Your friend’s going to grow with the band and gain contacts and experience in the music business. Band members should also brainstorm with their friends to think of ways to make it big.

Consult Music Agencies in Pennsylvania

Rather than signing with an expensive full time band manager, get a part-time one. You can get consultations for a smaller fee if you approach season managers and even music agencies. Some music agencies in Pennsylvania would even gladly help you out by posting gigs where bands can play for free or for a small talent fee.

At the end of the day, a band doesn’t really need a band manager unless they need to be managed. If the band makes it big, then consider getting one. But if you’re still starting out, it’s best to take baby steps and learn.

The Pros and Cons of Letting Your Baby Model

Businesses and brands based in New York City are always looking for models and endorsers who can help them market their products and services. Baby models for one, are always in demand in the Big Apple, so it’s not surprising why parents see this as a good career opportunity for their children.

When deciding to put your baby in the spotlight for modeling assignments, you need to consider the good and bad things that will come along with the role. Here are some of the positive and negative aspects about babies ‘working’ as models.

Pros

It’s a great feeling to see your baby smile in front of the camera and have fun. Of course, just seeing your child’s face on promotional materials gives you a sense of pride—you can’t help but share your baby’s accomplishment to the world.

Depending on how far your baby will go, your child could very well grace TV screens, magazines and even baby product wrappings. If things turn out well, you may even be signed with baby modeling agencies in New York who can see to it that both parents and child get what’s best for them.

Parents and babies are also given the opportunity to travel around to other states, cities and even countries to see the world while earning money. Finally, it’s also a good way to save up money for your baby’s future. Baby modeling isn’t exactly a stable job, if you can even call it that, but at least you get the chance to make your child some money for the future.

Cons

Living under the limelight can get to a person, especially if he or she starts out young. Your kid might grow up spoiled, developing a bad attitude of entitlement when growing up.

That said, it’s important to be always watchful of your baby’s treatment and interactions with people around him or her. Any negative effects of being in the industry should be mitigated if you stay by your child’s side and keep a watchful eye on things.

Another problem that may arise can have to do with the hectic schedule of being in the modeling industry, which may take a toll on your baby’s health. But again, this boils down to proper guidance and supervision.

These negative factors are precisely the reason why it’s important to work with reputable baby modeling agencies in New York, who can see to it that your child’s interests and welfare are always put first.

5 Tips to Successfully Apply for a Modeling Agency

A common scenario modeling agents and agency representatives encounter when accepting applications from aspiring models is that most people they see don’t have a clue on how to submit a good application.

The truth is that poorly submitted applications only make the task of assessing skills and looks harder for the people in charge of making the call of signing up models. In fact, the problem is so bad that many talent agents from big-name agencies disclose that out of every 200 applications they receive, only 5 are chosen to sign up with them.

Here are 10 tips to increase your chances of being accepted by a model agency while making their job of examining your application easier.

1. Know the ins and outs of the modeling industry

Before you even think of signing up at a modeling agency, it’s important that you first know what you’re getting yourself into. Aside from knowing how to project different looks and walking the catwalk, you have to know how the industry works, how talent agencies work, and what’s expected from you when you’re a signed talent.

Remember that modeling is a tough job—glamorous perhaps, but tough to a point wherein not everyone has what it takes to succeed.

2. Short and simple is the way to do it

As tempting as it is to make your application flowery, the better to catch the attention of model agents, don’t do it. The only information agencies want is your name, age, height, body stats, contact details, and experience, if any. More importantly, they’ll want good headshots of yourself.

Heartless as it sounds, agencies don’t care much for your hobbies, high school grades, and other details irrelevant to the job of modeling.

3. Clear photos are best.

Your obscure, faraway shots may look good to you, but model agencies more than anything want clear, close-up shots that show what you look like. Professional-grade photos aren’t needed, but that doesn’t mean you should unflattering images of yourself either. Put your best foot forward by submitting great photos of yourself that highlight your figure and facial features. And please, don’t send group photos with a note saying you’re the third person on the right.

4. Be yourself

Modeling agencies want original models with new, fresh and unique looks of their own. As great as it may seem to send an application of with photos of yourself ‘inspired’ by Brad Pitt, Channing Tatum or Johnny Depp, you’re better off veering away from copying their looks.  Agencies want new faces, not clones.

5. Research, research and research

Before you send your application to a modeling agency, you owe it to yourself to know as much as possible about that agency first. Find out about their track record, which models they’ve handled before, their policies, minimum requirements and more. You want to know what you’re getting yourself into.