Could I ever be a model?

Question

I'm 19, 125 lbs, 5'5", dark brown hair, brown eyes, pale complexion. I've wanted to do some part-time modeling for extra money. I've been told I'm pretty enough but I know I don't have the classic body for it (tall, stick thin).
If not, what would I have to do to become a model? Or should I just give it up?
If so, where and how do I get started?

Thank you everyone, I appreciate the honesty. I'd like to add that I wasn't really considering runway modeling, and while I'll lose some weight (5-8 lbs at most), I refuse to be a stick.
And PS. to Chaos - I actually am a waitress part-time :)

Answer 1

One opportunity you could have as a model is to be a fitness model instead of a 'runway' type model. Runway models are usually extremely tall and thin as you said in ur question. I would suggest (if you like working out), to get into fitness and workout, eat clean and get a good figure going. You don't have to be a bodybuilder, just look fit and pretty and you'd easily be accepted as a fitness model. Just do some searches on the subject. There are even competitions around that you can try out for (fitness model competitions) and they'd definitely recognize a girl like you!
Here is a link to give you an idea of what the fitness model industry is looking for:
http://www.wnso.com/competitors/categories/model.asp

Another thing I would like to add about the fitness model industry as opposed to the runway model industry is that it is A LOT healthier to be a fitness model lol. Most runway models have eating disorders and the like. Fitness models take pride in being healthy.

If you're REAL interested in this, try looking into oxygen magazine. They also have a website: www.oxygen.com

Here is a pic of a typical fitness model:
http://www.jamieeason.com/gallery/fashion/FASHION/Albums/Album1/Large/9.jpg

You don't generally have to be AS 'muscular' as her (her name is Jamie Eason), but you definitely need to have a 'fit look' to your body. Nothing wrong with that! I myself am into fitness.

Well, you take care and hope I helped ya out a little bit!!!!

Answer 2

Well...honestly? I'm sure you're gorgeous, but that doesn't cut it in today's modeling world. Yes, they want you stick thin. My best friend is 5'9 3/4" and only 108lbs...she got asked to be a model at GUESS...so I don't think you're there yet. I'm 5'6" and 120lbs, and no one's ever given me a second glance. If you're really wondering about it, ppl like a "perfect 10." This means your measurements have a ten in between. For example, I'm a 34"(bust), 24"(waist), 36"(butt). They wouldn't like me cuz my butt's too big. If you're really interested in it, try some HEALTHY weight loss programs or something...But I wouldn't go changing your body just to impress some dumb photographers who have no idea what real beauty is. You know, just as another idea, waitressing really does pay a lot of money if you're good... You can bring home an easy fifty bucks a day in tips, along with your hourly rate. It'll take some time to save up some extra money, but at least you won't have to sacrifice your current self-image. :) Be careful hun! :) Don't sell yourself short.
Another venue, is just send some photos of yourself to a modeling scout. If you're really photogenic, some people like that for clothing models for stores that a little lower end who don't have Sarah Jessica Parker on the front of their store all the time. :);)

Answer 3

You're going to have to try to get yourself noticed as a model the hard way: by going to where there might be opportunities for this type of thing. You'll have to respond to "cattle calls" for aspiring models; find an agency and see if they'll take you on; put together a "book" of mugshots, et cetera of yourself doing model type things...

Getting started as a model is the toughest part. The you get to do the really tough part: staying in the business as a working model. It ain't all private jets, living in Paris for weeks at a time and multi-million dollar contracts with cosmetic companies. A few get that; most slave away at openings of supermarkets and the occasional auto show. I'd say keep your dream and work toward it, but temper it with an education in a worthwhile field if it don't work out for ya...

Answer 4

Never give up. Have some shots taken for a portfolio and send them out to some of the modeling agencies(either in your area or in another area). Keep in mind that you will get turned down from some of them and that not all of them will be kind. Some will be very critical or cruel. You have to develop thick skin and keep on going. I had a model tell me once that he was turned down for so many that he lost count and one place told him that he should do something else because his ears were too big. His EARS for goodness sake! Who the heck cares about his ears?! Eventually he got a contract with Ford and made it big. All because he didn't give up.

P.S. Don't lose any weight unless they(or you) want you to! Curves are in, sweets!

Answer 5

You don't need to follow the rest of the models. Just because MOST models are tall, and slick, doesn't mean ALL models are like that. Be what you want to be. If you think you have the potential to be a model, then go for it.

Answer 6

I would say get with a company first. My friend is 5'6 1/2" She is with Main Line Models and she gets paid by the hour. They book jobs for her. Recently she worked with Boscov's. She modeled earmuffs and clothes for them, I saw her in the ads last week I couldn't believe it. she got with them because a lady approached her in the mall and gave her a card.

Also Barbazon is a good company.

Of course you need to take some pictures for your book and they'll give you your call card, I think. I don't know, I'm not in the business.

Answer 7

if you have a dream .. don't give it up aim for it

i would say you have a good chance.Look in the phone directory and look for a local modeling company or a help wanted.It varies where you live.Like California modeling everywhere along with Florida and New York.

Answer 8

It depends on the requirements for models in the city where you live. If you want to be a professional model in NYC, the minimum height is 5'8" tall.

Answer 9

Dont let ANYBODY bring you down like that..

You can be anything you wanted to be, and you should let some of these people judge you for that, Id say youre perfect enough to be a model..

:]

Answer 10

i think you could be a mode lj ust cuz ur not tall dont mean nothin make sure when u start looking to get noticed you dont pay for anything if they ask u to pay first then its a scam any actual modeling agency doenst ask for money up front and never go to someones home to ahve pics taken it could be dangerous