You Ask, I answer
Hello My Friends!! The Fashion Modeling Biz can be so frustrating to figure out exactly how you can break into it, right? There are so many different ways to get signed to an Agency.. every model is different.. different backgrounds, looks and experience. So what is right for you? What is the best way for YOU to become a Working Model in NY, Miami, Paris, London… etc. There is so much BOGUS info on the web. You don’t need modeling schools, conventions or a Portfolio!! You don’t even need model Websites to find a photog, or get booked for a job.. You NEED a Modeling Agency to sign you in a Major Market.. WHERE THEY WORK FOR YOU!!! Get the RAW TRUTH from me~ Your model mentor. I know you have Questions..
Well, I have the Answers baby ; )) Let me know what it is you have on your mind.. What is upsetting you, frustrating you.. Your achievements.. Your most burning Question that you need answered TODAY!! I will do my best to answer them and If I can’t answer it I will find someone who Can (another Model or Agent,,etc)!
So, feel free to leave ALL your questions on any Video on my MODEL MENTOR MONDAYS Video Series on my LISA PHILLIPS NY Youtube Channel.. or below!
Also, make sure you Subscribe and become my friend over there (on youtube) so you can post comments & feedback to my Answers.. You can even post video responses!! Matter of fact~~~ if you REALLY want to get your question Answered by me PRONTO.. Ask it in a Video Response on ANY MODEL MENTOR MONDAYS Video!! This way I get to SEE you! We’ll ALL be one big happy community of knowledge ; ) Helping us ALL get closer to our goals!
Ooooh I am so excited ; ))
Love, Lisa XoXoXo
P.s Make sure you sign up for my FREE Newsletter because then you’ll be the first to get my MODEL MENTOR MONDAYS newest Vid directly into your email inbox!! Woo Wee ; ))
Yes Moriah you are very correct! It’s all about how you photograph. This is why proportions/measurements are more important than weight/height. The camera is the judge on your potential. So, if you want to model the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO TO PUT YOU AHEAD OF EVERYONE ELSE… it’s work out/eat right until your body is lean and tight and looks tall in pics.
Yes, Twiggy was a Twig. She was 5’4 but she looked 5’10 in pics.. Same with Letitia Casta, Jamie Rishar, and now the IT GIRL of the moment ANYA K who is only 5’4 http://www.marilyn-ny.com/index.php#p=anja_k./portfolio But look at her body.. Anya looks 5’9 too! SO, its all about how you photograph. I meet models 5’10 all the time and I will take their snaps and they look 5’4 in their pictures.. so trick the eye and you can get signed!
Yes, I love Twiggy too… there are always exceptions to the rule.
Hey Laura.. really the best way is to get a mother agent. They will work hard to get you signed to the best market for you to start working and they strategically work to get you signed with the best agencies worldwide and manage your career..
Hi Lisa!!
I am so very excited to have come across your website and find answers to all of my questions about starting a successful modeling career. Thank you in advance for all of your help!!
I am currently plagued with an issue Im sure many people face. I sincerely believe that I would do well in high fashion print modeling due to my unique facial features but I don’t meet the height requirements. People always feel as though I am taller than what I am because of my body proportions. But the reality is that Im not. I am an aspiring model currently living in the Miami area and I know this is a great place to start! I would like to know the probability of having a career in fashion print modeling with this specific situation. I could also be very wrong in my assumption about which market would be best for me. I’m hoping you would be willing to assist me with this!!
P.S. I am 5’7.
Hey Lisa, just want to know if you provide any training?
Hi Shanika,
If you have great body proportions and you are photogenic/current than you can work. The key is working in the markets that you are best suited for to build your book.. very few models can start in NY or Paris. Most in the US must start in LA or Miami or they travel abroad (asia) to get experience and tearsheets/good test shoots.
There is also the commercial print market in LA and NY, where a photogenic model at 5’7 can do well with this type of agency (Bella, CESD, IMAGES) and also shooting TV commercials. So there are options at your height. It pretty much all matters how you photograph. You definitely have to work harder at 5’7, but it’s NOT impossible to have a career modeling if you approach it right and YOU keep your body in great shape.
Miami is a great market to start!! Thanks for stopping by my blog xoxo Lisa
Hi Sharn,
I educate models about the business but I don’t believe in modeling schools.. simply because modeling is a learn as you work kind of business. Scouts look for models that face/body are photogenic and once they’re testing with photogrpahers they learn their personal style of movement- this is how models inspire photogrpahers/clients people.. so it’s agencies don’t do training in that sense.
How I “train” my models is by signing them and getting their skin, body in the right shape- then I send them to work abroad or in NY/LA for a few weeks to test shoot and the model learns the business by actually doing.
Basically, all agencies around the world (mother agencies) send their new faces to other model fashion markets to learn how to move/pose, build their book etc- this is how they get ‘trained’.. then once they are ready then they go to the bigger markets to make money! Hope this helps
Hello Lisa,
My name is Fabiola Noel. I am very anxious on starting a modeling career. I am just confused on where to start, since most agencies that I went to asked me for hundreds and even thousands of dollars. I heard that you really don’t have to pay for anything (from reading your website). Since I lack of experience, I would like you to offer me some of your help in guiding me towards the modeling path. Currently I do not have any professional pictures, but I can send you some snapshots of me. If you can email me so I can have your email address I can send you some of my pictures. I really look forward to hearing what you have to say!
Thank you!
Fabiola Noel.
?Hi Lisa I was just wondering how long it takes for agencies to get back to you if the do end up wanting you? I’m also curious, do they look at every photo submision they get? Or is it possible that they haven’t even looked? Its been 2 weeks and I’ve heard nothing but I’m going to continue to try!
HI LISA IM REALLY LUCKY TO FIND SOMEONE LIKE YOU DOING SUCH AN AWESOME JOB. IM JUST WONDERING IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE FOR ME, by the way i live in Morocco and im 6 FT , to be a male model ,im 18 YEARS OLD. ILL SEND YOU THE PICTURES VERY SOON.
Hi Lisa, Is it possible to get a mother agent if you’re in your early twenties ( 22yrs young) ? I was offered representation at a commercial agency (exclusive stated on the agreement) and I was wondering would getting a mother agent interfere with the commercial agent?
hei lisa,
i just went to youtube and saw your video about your reccomend of going to miami for modeling.
well now i would really looove to work there and have an agency but it’s very hard to find something because I’m from switzerland.
do you know if it’s anyway possible to go there and work? i just heard from few people that it’s so hard because they take there just really models with a perfekt book. i worked already 3 years as a model and have my book which is, shour, not perfekt but ok.
maybe u can help me ..
thanks for your answer
x nina
Hi Lisa! Just wondering if you got my pics I sent you!? Thanks:)
Was wondering if you needed any maternity models??
Hi Lisa, I sent you my pictures and I was just wondering if you got a chance to see them yet?
hello Lisa,
My name is Aaron Snider I am really trying to get started in a modeling career, and based on what I’ve read I think that you can help me get started! First off, I’m 6’3 feet tall, muscular and very athletic, I have ice blue eyes and blonde/brown hair, I would be more than happy to send the pictures to your email, if you could send an email to Birdmansnider@yahoo.com or reply with your email, I could sent the ones that you need and we can go from there. I’m sure I have what it takes to get into this business I just need some help getting started. Thank you!
Hi there Ms. Lisa! I had sent you some pictures to your MUGSHOTmgmt@gmail.com, back towards the beginning of February, and I wasn’t sure if you had a chance to look at them and critique, or maybe you hadn’t received them, so I just thought I’d follow up, have a nice day there!
Get back to me for the mugshots ygsuperswag@gmail.com yasin gresham
I remember you were saying it’s best to start off in la, but re Atlanta, DC, or Chicago are good places as well?
Hi Lisa! I am so happy for finding this blog!
My dream is to become a model but I am too short and I’m from Portugal…
I’m 16 and I’m 5′/5′ 0.5″.
I want this so bad!
Do you think that I have a shot in this career?
Hi, my name is Leo kaufman and I am looking to do some part time modeling while in college. I was wondering if it is even possible for me to get into modeling if I am 5’8 and 145. I know that i am not able to do runway work but I was wondering if it is even worth my wild to try and do catalog work? If you could email me back that would be great! Thank you
Hi Lisa, i havent taken alot of pictures so im the type of guy who i guess isnt “natural” in front of the camera. i want to get to the point to where i can be able to walk into a photoshoot, and just start taking pictures (good ones) naturally. i posted photos to your wall but i want to know how can i get the ability to be good in front of the camera! i cant afford alot of professional pictures and taking pictures in the mirror like i did is sort of dull. please help! i want to be a model so bad!
Hi Lisa!
I would love to send you some photos to gain your expert opinion on if I would be right for this industry and if so what market would best fit me. Where can I send them to?
–Shanika J.
Lisa, congratulations on all of your incredible success, and for helping so many people in the industry.
I will be offering a great online workshop that deals with fashion modeling. I am looking
for an agent who would be a great person to interview to discuss male modeling.
Can you recommend someone to me?
Lisa, at some point, perhaps I could interview you as well.
Best of luck with your continued success.
Aaron Marcus
aaron@howtomodel.com
http://www.HowToModel.com
http://www.facebook.com/howtomodel
http://www.twitter.com/aaronrmarcus
410-764-8270
hey lisa !
i would love to send you some pictures for your personally opinion im very inerested in modeling im 6’4 in half 22 years old and i’m very interested in modeling please let me know your honest opinion and where can i send the pictures to?
Hi Lisa,
Just one quick question. Is there any demand for older male models? Mid 50s, 6’2 full head of salt and pepper hair. athletic and in great shape with a young, rough and ready look. Thanks
hi lisa, i want to be a male model , im 18 AND 6foot got toned body NICE FACE,but i live in morocco AND IF I GET SIGNED I DONT KNOW HOW TO GET TO NEW YORK AND WHERE TO STAY . ILL SEND YOU THE PICS SOON.
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for sharing your experience and info with us! I would like to submit photos of my 17 yr old daughter who is extremely interested in modeling.
Hi Lisa , I just recently stumbled across your site and I was wondering if you ever scouted male models and sent them abroad?
Hello Lisa ,
I’m soooooo excited I ran across your site.
I’ve heard so much about you & I could never get here.
But I wanted to ask a million questions because I have a million
Pictures & I don’t wanna send them to the wrong person.
I really need your help.
If you can get back to me soon as possible.
Please & thank you.
- neisha.
Hey Lisa,
I’ve facebook messaged and emailed you some photos, just wanted to make sure you received them.
I am a signed model in New Zealand and am very serious about working overseas but I need your help!
I’m also growing my hair out longer if you were wondering, as my agent believes it makes me look editorial.
Can you help me get international placement?
Thanks so much for your help,
Jamil
Hey Lisa. I am willing a lot to become a model. I am 21 years old and 5 feet 9 inches. Where should I send you my photos? Please help me out.
I am interested in modeling. Please email me ASAP.
Hello Lisa I live in a very small town in South Boston, VA with the dream of being a male model. I would like to know what type of photos you need in order for me to submit so you can critique what I need to work on. Also Living in such a small market how can I market myself more? I’m interested in commerical modeling or modeling for catalogs or fashion websites or urbanwear such as Sean John or Rocawear etc.
Thanks
hey lisa:
I came around your site by chance, i went on to did some reading about u and it interest me. so the question is i am 29 yrs old southeast asian, dark think hair and brown eyes, athletic built between 170-175.I have be told numerious times since high school that i have the look and build that i should try modeling, i almost came close to went to the auditions but never have the courage or faith in me to go do it. So what i have to do it to find out from a expert like u that i have what it takes to go to the next level or not?
Hi Lisa
I am i am filip from Serbia and i am 18. I am realy interested in this modeling job, i think that i have good propositions for a model i am 6.2 feet tall and i am 80 kilograms weight, i am athletic build but i don’t know how to start, what to do first. If you have some time please tell me what should i do first.
REGARDS Filip
Hey Lisa
I HAVE A QUESTION FOR YOU? I AM 9WEEKS PREGNANT AND I WOULD LOVE TO DO MODELLING.I HAVE NOT SHOWN YET THAT IM PREGNANT BECAUSE ITS STILL MY 1st TRIMESTER,SO CAN I BE PART OF ANY MODELLING AGENCY OR MUST I RATHER JOIN A PREGNANCY AGENCIES??? I WOULD REALLY LOVE TO JOIN YOUR AGENCY THOUGH SO PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT TO DO.
THANKS!
Hey Lisa,
I have emailed you and facebooked you and I would really appreciate your advice and help to get representation internationally.
I am signed to a agent in my home country, New Zealand, but would love to get more experience and work overseas.
I’m 20 and my height is 185cm.
Thanks for your help,
Jamil
Hello, I’m 15 years old and I was wondering is there an age limit to catalog modeling? Or even Editorial?My mesurements are as follows: 35, 25, 35. Is that “too” big for a 15 year old? Thank you
You give great information.
I am 17 years old and would like to be a face and eye makeup model.. Can you guide me on where to look and what to do please Lisa…
Hi Reanna – so you want to be a beauty model. Of course this is one of the most desirable contracts as a model, to have a makeup campaign. These types of model are very photogenic, with big eyes and full mouths and perfect flawless skin. Just like any other type of models.. you need an agent. once signed and your working as a model, your agenct can push you for contracts. I would suggest first focusing on getting an agency. Have you sent in your pics yet to me or other agencies>? send up close pics to show off your skin!
no age limit Lynn… you can shoot mags or catalogs at 13 or 59! It’s all about finding the best agency to represent you and your days will be filled with castings for both.. 35-25-35 is perfect for a 15 yrs old… stay true to yourself
Your agency in NZ, most likely is your mother agent, so you have to tell them your desires to work abroad.. maybe your book isn;t strong enough so focus on testing and building it and having your agency send you to the market you’re most suited for Jamil.
Hey Lisa,
Thanks for your feedback, very much appreciated. Just wondering what markets you would think I would be best suited for? I’ve emailed and face-booked you some pictures from my book, not sure if you’ve seen them yet though.
Hello Lisa I live in a very small town in South Boston, VA with the dream of being a male model. I would like to know what type of photos you need in order for me to submit so you can critique what I need to work on. Also Living in such a small market how can I market myself more? I’m interested in commerical modeling or modeling for catalogs or fashion websites or urbanwear such as Sean John or Rocawear etc.
Thanks
Hi, Lisa! I’m so interested in becoming a male model! I feel like I would love this so much! I would like to get in contact with you to send my pictures! So is there like a direct line to you? I’m 6 foot 3 inches, Hispanic, 18 years old and slim.