Is 26 too old to start modeling (for a female)?

Question

Hi,

I've always been told I should be a model because of my height (5'9), small frame and look. I've always wanted to be one, but I put off the idea of modeling as a young woman due to a highly overprotective mom's influence and determination that I get my degree.

Now I'm about to turn 26, have recently finished my degree and have worked a 9 to 5 for a year. However, the urge to at least try to model has never went away, and I want to go for it. But I'm afraid I'm too old now to start.

Am I too old to try and start modeling? I know that some modeling advice sites said that runway is a no-no at 25+ unless you're already well seasoned in the industry, so is that really true, and are there other modeling options out there for a 25 yr old newbie?

Thanks in advance!

THANKS EVERYONE for all their answers. I appreciate all of them, whether you all said "Yes" or "No" to my question, it was all great input. They gave me different perspectives on how many would give me a chance too, so I also appreciate that. Take care, and good luck to all of you!!!

Answer 1

Well, according to the fashion industry the average model starts out as a teen and is beginning to move on to other things by the time she is 25 or 26 but, if you look youthful then you probably have a shot. Have you thought about trying out for "America's Next Top Model"? A lot of the girls on their are around our age (I want to model too, and I am 25). Yoanna, the girl from season 2, I believe she was around 23 or 24 when she won the competition, so its not impossible. I personally don't think that you are too old to model, if you have what it takes and you have a portfolio or are going to start one, then I think that it is worth a shot. There are other options for modeling besides runway. There's catalog, print, etc.....There's a lot of different options out there for you. Go for it, you never know what could happen if you don't try. ~Best Wishes~

Answer 2

I don't think you have your priorities in check. Your son is number one!!! You are a 26 year old mother and if you continue focusing on what other people have and what you don't have, you will go nowhere which will effect your son in many ways. And if you were not aware the purpose for having god parents is if something happened to you they would step up and guide the child spiritually. They are not obligated to do anything else and if the do then that's a bonus. You say you cant stand being around each other so why is he your fiance? It's not going to get any better once you get married and if you think it will you better wake up. Now it's time to get real and stop spending time looking to win your way out with sweepstakes, that's immature and a waist of time. Go to school, they offer free childcare to low or no income single parents, it's not too late to figure what you want to do for your career but you better do something because it's not just you anymore its you and your son. Good Luck

Answer 3

Look in the newspaper and magazine... notice anything about the ads? You see models of ALL ages, from babies to people in their 70s. Models are needed for EVERY type of product, not just for bathing suits and beer ads. Get some head shots done, even try to do a few in "character" (I have a few friends who do modeling and they take regular head shots and some in character: snoopy next door neighbor, grumpy old guy, boxer, etc. because you never know what an ad agency is looking for in terms of character ads).

Answer 4

No not at all I really think you should go for it with all you have to offer. And I say your not to old because Janice Dickenson is around in her forty's and hasn't retired yet. Then again you might of want to be known as a youg modle rather than a old modle cause Tyra Banks just retired and she is 31 and she started to modle when she was about sixteen so it was about time for her to retire. So I think you should but it's totally up to you. Don't worry about your mom just go up to her and say you know what this is what I want to do, and if I have to I will go without any of your consent.
All my love and my luck so you will make in the modeling agency.

Answer 5

You are probably too old to start a supermodel runway career. However you should probably contact a local modeling agency as there may be some work in your area. You may also be able to do some catalog/advertising modeling for women's clothing, not juniors.

Answer 6

No one is too old to model if you are how u say u look then you are great for a job my aunt was actually 33 when she started modeling and she looks really younger and you probably look younger and they can use you for anything.
Good Luck!!!

Answer 7

I guess you're thinking to be a Cat-Walk model or something....those models are young and alot taller than 5*9.....their like 6*5 etc......Sorry to say but your way too old for that....

Answer 8

You are not too old. They even need senior models. You don't have to be a runway model. There are other options. Catalog modeling for example.

Answer 9

It may be a little old to start for certain areas of modeling, but not all of them. I'd say get some headshots and start sending them out to agencies. See what kind of feedback you get.

Answer 10

Who is that black model they discovered in Nigeria? I think she was in her 20's.

Call a modelign agency. The time is right for non-traditional models, I think. Just be sure you don't have to PAY anything to be a model. That is just a scam. Real agencies photo you for free.