A.K.A. Models

Young Teen Male Wants To Be A Model ·


I was sent many pictures of a good-looking teen male by his mom. I've changed the names just to respect their privacy because she did not send me the pictures via Facebook. He had his dark hair dyed very light and was trimmed, shaved and styled very trendy for his age.

The Proud Parent of this young teen male wrote:

Dear Carol-Anne,

Thank you for taking the time out not only to read my e-mail but to respond to it. I have had a hard time looking for the right agencies for my son, I can understand if there is nothing you can do for him but I really do appreciate you taking the time to welcome me to sending some pictures of him over to you for you to have a look at. My son's name is "Jay". He will be 13 years old on Monday, He is 5'7" and is a 28' waist, size 9 in shoes.

I WROTE BACK:

Hi Jill!

One thing I was curious about was the major city that is closest to you...it gives an idea of the modeling market.

Jay has really great features...his look is trendy regarding his hair, so that may limit modeling as a "young" teenager. Teen boys have a narrower range of clients, so while his hair is probably lovable with the girls ;)...clients and agencies may be missing his universal appeal.

In modeling, models usually have to conform to the "Look" that will get them the most jobs...the client decides everything else. My advice if you want to market his teen look for print is to start with his classic look. He may not like keeping it simple, but get his hair to grow out to his natural color and keep the cut as basic as possible. If he doesn't understand or want to try it...then know he's not ready, yet. If he follows through and gets pics of him with "natural hair color & style", wearing jeans, fitted T-shirt..."happy looking young guy smiling at the world", as well as smirks, big smiles or laughs looking off camera, etc...check catalogs, fliers, other models his age that are working in the business. You could always try and put one of the pics that you sent to me on the back of his composite card to market him while you search for an agent that represents teens.

If he insists on wanting to keep a trendy look with colored hair...he may have to hold off on modeling. That won't be flexible enough to keep him working and gaining experience. Usually musical artists have a bit more flexibility with their look at first, as well as "character" actors, so that's the likely path I can see his look working better for if he wants to stay trendy...although even actors need a great, natural head-shot that shows diversity in character.

So, Mom...have no worries that even if he doesn't find the right agency right away that male models have their ENTIRE lives to model...they get better with age, too! He is not done growing, yet, either, so there's plenty of time to experiment with looks, practice skills in front of the camera, learn a lot about the industry, and maybe even take an acting class! Acting classes help models get into character more easily than those that don't use those skills.

I hope this info helps a little...keep me updated as he grows through this stage. I recommend keeping a little journal with notes and your own digital pictures to show his progressing looks...then if he professionally re-tests again, add his very best head-shot, 3/4 & Full length Body Shots to a portfolio...don't have too many of the same looks in the portfolio...less is best! Also, keep notes of names and dates, too. If you show me his gradual progress, I may be able to put things in better perspective, too! ;)

Carol-Anne



This is only basic information, so if you can take any tips and apply them into a another similar situation...my mission is complete today ;) Have a Great Weekend!