• Q: I am quite small in height (below 5ft 6") but I am quite pretty and I know I am photogenic. I am also not very toned. Will I still be able to Model even though I am small and have curves?

A: In the world of Fashion Modelling- the answer will be clearly a NO. For a number of reasons inlcuding height and structure as the obvious ones. If you also think that you may need to tone up, then just go to the gym a little and do some sit ups. Once you are more toned, perhaps gather some home snaps together or organise a 'TFP'- (Time For Prints) shoot. (See Test Shoots for more info) Agencies that recruit smaller models, will not guarantee you work, but it might be that they need petite models for "Petite Clothe Ranges" or Catalogue work - which often require petitie attractive people.

• Q: I am a young male who wants to get into Modelling, do I have to be really muscly or really slim to get into Modelling?

A: If you are naturally slim, then this is good. Overly muscular guys are not very common in the Modelling world. It is always good to look fit, so perhaps make sure that your body looks toned with good muscle definition. Toning is better than muscle, especially if you want to work in the Fashion industry. If you already have a particularly natural, muscular build, it might mean that you have more of a commercial look. This might also mean that you will be able to do a variety of model shoots, that do not necessarily rely on you fitting into clothes that are made for slim built men. (See Different types of Modelling for more info).

• Q: I'm a good-looking guy and I get all the girls, does this mean I am Modelling Material?!

A: This does not mean that you have what it takes to be a model. Just because those that know you or see you in a bar find you attractive, this does not mean that a Top Client will pay you for a big shoot! Have a read through the FAMODE Advice and Info sections to determine whether you really have what it takes, both in looks and perserverence wise. to become a good model. Remember, what you see in the mirror and what the client or Agent sees- is not necessarily the same!

• Q: I have quite a few scarrs on my legs or I have a scar somewhere quite visible- can I still Model?

A: Scars can be problematic, especially if they are somewhere very visible- ie: Your legs, neck, arms. If it is something that you realistically can cover up with good makeup, then it might be that you can get away with it. However, if you are going to see a Modelling Agent- YOU MUST BE HONEST. Tell the agent that you have this scar and if you can still work with it then they will tell you so. These days, many photogrpahers can "photoshop" the scar out, which means camera trickery will come to your rescue to hide it. However clients will not be pleased if you turn up for a shoot only to find that thay did not realise you had a scar or even worse- that they can not use you for the shoot. This will only get you into hot water.

• Q: I have piercings, such as tummy, ears, lip, nose and/ OR I have big/small tatoos in visible areas on my body. Can I still Model?

A: Again the asnwer is very similar to the above reply. Be honest with yourself-  Is it obviously noticeable? If you remove it or cover it up, can you still see marks? Whatever it is, be brutally honest with yourself. Ask someone else for their opinion. If need be, get in touch with a photographer for a second opinion. They can always take a few free snaps to see if your makeup has worked. Whatever you do though- do not get the photographer to photoshop (erase) the marks before ou present yourslef to an Agent. They must be aware of all marks in order to help you.

• Q: I have what it takes to become a Model, I am sure of it. I am tall, really striking and I match all the checklists out there. Will this guarantee that I will work straight away?

A: No one can guarantee you work in the Modelling industry. If they do - they are lying. It is a simple as that. The Modelling industry is so unpredicatble that it is all down to whether your face fits. It might even just be luck. Unless you are in a realistic position of being able to command a salary- such as the Kate Mosses of today- it it not guaranteed that you will earn anything in the first few months of your career. The  unfortunate truth is that most models (who are with Top Agencies) will actually be dropped by their Agent if they have not worked within the first 6 months. This goes to prove how quick the turn over for New faces really is. It does not matter how beautiful or model perfect you are, it might be the case that you are with the wrong Agency or that it is not your season. Whatever the cause, NO-ONE can guarantee you work.

• Q: I am 14 and would love to be a model. I am 5ft 8, very slim and have a good bone structure. I weigh 8 stone and I am very determined, I know that I could do this. Do you have any advice for teenagers on how to break into the business or any tips?

A: At the age 14 this can be quite a young age for you to get into modelling. In this case, it would be best to always have a parent or guardian help you research everything carefully. Once you have their consent and support, it is wise to contact a wide rnage of modelling agencies to see if they have a "teens" section to their agency.  For information on how to get into Teen Modelling go to: www.albamodels.info

• Q: Is it harder for an individual with a certain ethnic background to enter the modelling bussiness?

A: The Modelling industry caters for all ethinic backgrounds. Regardless of the colour skin that you possess, more often than none, it depends on the willingness of the models to work rather than any prejudices within the industry. For example, in some communities, a modelling career may not be fully appropriate or inline with cultures or traditon, in which case it may be sometimes harder to find a model of a specific origin for this reason alone. However in this day and age, there is now a wide selection of Modelling Agencies that cater specifically for a variety of ethinic backgrounds.

• Q: I think I have what it takes to be a Model. I found an agency online who said that they will take me onto their books if I pay them an "administartion fee.' How do I know whether they are telling the truth or genuine? And will I get work from this?

A: Unfortunately, in the entertainment industry, it is NOT against the law for an Agency to ask for money upfront to join their books. However this does not make it right for them to ask for this either.  Our advice to this is: DO NOT HAND OVER ANY MONEY unless you have met with the agency beforehand. A good agency will always meet you first and they will never ask you for money upfront. This way they will be able to assess what you look like and what kind of person you are ie- whether you have the right characteristics to work for yourself. A good agency will also always hand over a "terms and Conditions" agreement to you, of which you will be able to take away with you and have a look at. If you feel that you have handed over money and you have not received a response in the form of work, it might be worth contacting the DTI. (Department of Trade and Industry. See Why licensing for more info).

• Q: I have found an agency who said they will take me on as long as I loose weight. Should I do this? Surely if I am happy the way that I am I shouldn't have to do this?

A: This can be a sensitive subject in the Modelling industry. It is not uncommon for Top Fashion Agencies to ask this of you if they feel you may win a job by loosing a few extra pounds.  This also only happens when the clothes are designed as one size only. In this case, you simply may not fit into the garments unless you shed the extra pounds. Whatever the case, it is up to you to assess for yourself whether they are asking you to "loose wieght " or simply "tone up."  If it is the latter, it might do you some good and it might be for good health benefits too. However if you are already quite slim for your BMI (Body Mass Index) then it is recommended that you take your own innitiative. If you do feel pressurised or uncomfortable doing this, then it might be clear that Modelling in the Fashion industry is not for you. There are always other types of Modelling that you can do. (See Different Types of Modelling).