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Have you ever looked at your child’s intense gaze and charming smile and wondered, “What a star?” Perhaps kids’ modeling could be a career you might be thinking of exploring for your child but are not sure yet. Modeling is a glamor and glitz field, filled with exciting opportunities. However, behind the scenes, there is a lot of hard work and commitment that goes into making it a successful career for a child. There are a lot of sacrifices that a child and the parents have to make to be able to meet the needs of the profession. To give you an idea of what it takes to be a child model, continue reading the post to understand the needs and preferences of the field of work. From modeling for editorial and commercial prints to TV and runways, there are several options and opportunities for kids modeling. Discover how parents can be prepared to help and support their child to follow this career path. Also, learn ways to navigate through the complex world of modeling safely.
Can Your Child Be A Model?
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You can initiate your child into modeling only if they like it and are comfortable with it. Ask yourself if being a model is your child’s aspiration or yours.
- It is okay for your kid to do modeling as long as they are enjoying it and having fun. But if they are uncomfortable, call it quits.
- Remember that modeling for children is not a money-making venture, and it should not be a source of income for you or your family.
- As a parent, understand that modeling is not all about glamor and a pretty face. It takes hard work, confidence, and patience to get the first gig and then sustain there. Therefore, analyze if your child is willing to take this additional burden along with their education.
- The most important thing is you should not compromise on your child’s needs and rights such as their education, playtime, and relaxation.
Let’s suppose that you and your child have ticked positive on all the above considerations, would that be enough? No, because you need to consider your convenience and availability as well.
Are You Ready For Your Child’s Modeling Assignments?
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Consider these points before you make a decision:
- You will have to undergo a lot of stress and workload, which will be in addition to your career workload.
- Sometimes you would need to keep yourself free for an entire day to take them for auditions, wait there for your turn, and then drive back home.
- If your kid gets selected, it means more breaks from your job. You should be available whenever you get a call and not just during the weekends or in the evenings.
- You need to see if your work schedule is flexible enough to accommodate all these demands.
If you have planned all this and your child is interested too, then you can take a step towards modeling. The first step is to know the traits of a child model.
What Makes A Good Child Model?
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Children do not need to have that so-called ‘perfect beauty’ to become a model. But here are some usual requirements:
- Agencies look for children with good features like healthy skin, big and bright eyes, shiny hair, and a smiling face.
- Conventionally good-looking kids are in high demand. Children are selected depending on the type of cover or advertisement.
- A “different” or unusual look might make your child unique. For example, young boys having long hair or an Asian child with green eyes or any other unconventional features could have an edge over others.
- A child’s overall personality also matters. A fearless, happy, and smiling kid is preferred to a kid who always needs their parents around.
- The child needs to be friendly, outgoing, and comfortable interacting with strangers as they have to meet photographers and baby wrangles. They should be okay with a crowd of other kids.
- The aspiring model should be good at taking advice and instructions from new people during shoots. A shy child will not be able to enjoy all the attention and thrills that come with modeling, while a carefree child will not like to listen to others.
Child modeling demands the same level of professionalism as the adult modeling industry, but securing work is not an insurmountable challenge.
What Kind Of Modeling Opportunities Are Available For A Child Model?
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Child models can find modeling opportunities in a number of fields.
1. Commercial print modeling
Children’s toys and food brands look for child models to be a part of their catalogs, magazine ads, and other forms of print media. If your child enjoys photo shoots, then print modeling could be the category to start with.
2. Editorial modeling
Top fashion brands such as Burberry and Moschino often require child models to launch their new clothing lines. These are exclusive, high-fashion photo shoots that are presented artistically. Having the name of a big brand attached to your child’s portfolio adds weight to their profile.
3. TV modeling
Children have been a part of TV commercials for years. However, this kind of modeling requires the child to be comfortable and interactive in front of a camera. They may or may not have to say a dialogue but will have to act in a certain way as required by the video script of the advertisement.
4. Local fashion shows
Many shopping malls host fashion shows to promote local or new clothing brands for children. Such fashion shows are a good way to help your child gain experience in ramp walking. However, this might require lots of practice. If your child likes to be the center of attention, a ramp walk might be a good field to explore.
What Kind Of Headshots Are Needed For Child Modeling?
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When you approach any agency, they will ask you for headshots of your child. Every brand will have unique requirements in terms of pictures. Headshots, too, are of different types that suit different preferences. To ensure a wide reach, click a variety of headshots, including.
- A close-up of your child looking into the camera with a neutral expression (straight face).
- A close-up of your child smiling while looking at the camera. The smiling picture can also be clicked from different angles that highlight your child’s best features.
Ensure that your child is not wearing any makeup and is as natural as possible. Preferably dress them in simple, neutral-toned, and non-patterned clothing and click their picture against a plain or natural backdrop.
Point to considerWhat Are The Chances Of Your Kid Getting A Modeling Job?
Out of 100 submissions, agency directors meet about seven to eight children and work at most with three of them.
Agencies that represent child models from birth to teenage receive several stacks of pictures and letters from parents and out of every day’s pile they generally meet two to three kids.
Your child’s chances of getting selected are high in the below cases:
- The kid fits into popular fashion clothing sizes.
- You live in proximity to the agency’s office.
- You are a capable parent – not pushy, good in handling rejections, can reschedule your day within a short notice, etc.
Your chance of success could be high if you personally know somebody in the industry. They can guide you and maybe connect you with the right people. Ultimately, it depends on your perseverance and preparation.
How To Get Your Child Into Modeling?
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- Click some good-quality photos of your little one. The photos need not have to be professionally shot. One headshot and two full-body photographs should be enough to start with.
- Approach some genuine modeling agencies after proper research, and share your child’s photographs and details such as age, weight, and height.
- Share the profiles with multiple agencies. Then you have to wait for casting calls, also known as go-sees.
Point to consider- They will get back to you if they like the profile, and you will have to take your child for auditions.
- If your child gets selected in the audition, your agency will intimate you. After your kid is done with the work, the agency will cut 10 to 20% of the model’s pay.
- Remember that legitimate agencies never ask for money upfront. They only take their cut once your kid gets work. Be wary of such cheats who feed on the excitement of parents.
- Do not get confused between a model scout and an agency. A scout charges for the photo shoot of your child, which they eventually send to agencies. You can do this on your own.
- Your child may not be earning much from runway modeling. The rates are higher on television and movies. Sometimes, very prestigious magazines or companies pay less but provide good exposure to your kid.
- Do not relocate to a new city or country to kick-start your child’s modeling career as no agency can promise assignments. Alternatively, you can continue sending photos to modeling contests and competitions online.
- For modeling assignments, children are often required to take leave from school. Whenever your child takes a day off from school, keep the permission letter ready as most agencies will ask for it.
Your child may not get an assignment immediately after being selected by an agency. There is a process for that.
How To Prepare Your Child For Modeling Auditions?
In addition to sending photos, several modeling agencies require kids to audition. Here are some general tips to get your child ready for modeling auditions:
- Inform them about the process involved and discuss the environment of an audition eg. they might be surrounded by new people.
- Teach and practice some basic poses and expressions with them.
- Motivate them to be attentive to instructions.
- Teach them to introduce themselves.
- Dress them in comfortable and appropriate clothing.
- Prepare a portfolio with recent photographs.
- Make sure they are well-fed and rested to be confident enough to face the camera.
- Encourage them to keep a positive attitude.
What To Expect After Signing Up With An Agency?
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Here is what happens after signing up:
- Go for auditions and go-sees: Your child may have to attend many cast calls before getting selected for their first assignment. These go-sees are usually tiring, and sometimes you may have to stand in a queue with more than 200 children waiting for their turn to strut their best catwalk.
- Additional photos: You may have to expand your child’s portfolio depending on the client’s requirements.
- Quick process: Once you get your turn, the process gets over in a couple of minutes. Often your kid will be asked to try out the outfits.
- The scope of work: Child models mostly work for in-store advertisements, magazines, catalogs, and store circulars.
- Commitment: The work opportunities of your child will greatly depend on your patience and commitment. You may have to attend multiple go-sees in a day or none for several weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the youngest age to start modeling?
You can start modeling your child as young as a few weeks to a few months old. There is no specific age limit because different campaigns necessitate different ages.
2. What should parents keep in mind when selecting a modeling agency for their child?
When choosing a modeling agency, make sure to research the company, including its reputation, work ethic, and modeling team. Also, make sure to read the contract attentively and see if their requirements are suitable for your child and if the company prioritizes the child’s well-being.
3. Should I pay for a child modeling agency?
Most legitimate modeling agencies do not charge application or membership fees to aspiring baby models. Other legitimate fees, however, may exist. So, if your child’s modeling agency demands registration fees, double-check their authenticity.
4. How can modeling help boost a child’s self-esteem?
When opting for a modeling career, children work with professionals around them, giving them a chance to be treated like adults and making them feel responsible. Even if they don’t want to make a career out of it, it is one of the most unique extracurricular activities for kids, which will help them gain valuable life skills. Moreover, when they do a good job, words of appreciation and encouragement will help boost their self-esteem.
5. What are the potential drawbacks or risks associated with child modeling?
Children can often be judged for their looks, skin color, height, and weight when entering a modeling career. These judgments can affect their confidence. Rejections are normal in any career, but children may take them negatively, making them self-conscious and anxious. However, parents can always guide their children and support them in making proper decisions, ensuring their children’s well-being.
6. Can children modeling help them develop discipline and professionalism?
Yes, since children are likely to work around adults who are professionals and work with utmost seriousness, they are likely to pick up habits from them, which will help develop discipline and professionalism.
7. What should I include in my child’s modeling portfolio?
A child’s modeling portfolio typically consists of one or two headshots, two or three full-length body shots, a resume consisting of modeling experience, and other information such as your child’s physical description, traits, and skills. To make the portfolio stand out, you can also add information regarding any special training that your child may have undergone as a model.
8. What are the signs that modeling might not be right for my child?
Modeling is a fun but difficult job that requires a certain type of personality to enjoy and thrive in such a dynamic industry. A shy child who does not like meeting new people and does not take instructions well might not enjoy modeling. If they do not like facing a camera and lack the confidence to perform in front of an audience, they might not be suitable for modeling. It would not be better to force a child into modeling when they are not liking it.
Kids modeling may be an attractive career choice, but you need to give it a good thought before walking this path. Opt for modeling only if your child enjoys the process and is comfortable before the camera. You should also analyze how your child will manage the modeling assignments and their education, playtime, and other engagements. If you are ready for the effort, you may apply for a modeling career in ad agencies. Agency directors are often attracted to good-looking children or those with unique features. Remember that all children may not get modeling assignments. It should not discourage you. Also, encourage your children to identify their passion and support them in their journey.
Infographic: Characteristics That Agencies Look For In A Child Model
If you plan for your child to walk down the path of modeling and would like to start early, the following infographic can be helpful. Here, we have included a list of characteristics most child model recruiters look for while selecting children. Scroll through! Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Support your child’s interest in modeling if they are comfortable in front of the camera.
- Be flexible with your schedule to accommodate modeling demands.
- A child with good features, unique looks, a striking personality, and outgoing nature is a good fit for modeling.
- Chances of selection are high if the child fits popular clothing styles, lives near the agency, has a capable parent, or knows someone in the industry.
- Submit your child’s pictures to reputable agencies that only charge fees upon securing work.
Illustration: Kids Modeling: Can Your Kid Be A Model And How?
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Modeling is not a cup of tea for everyone. However, with these five unique poses, your child can display a killer masquerade for every photo session.
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