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 ; ))
Hey Lisa,
I’m was just wondering if you you know any angencies that will take models 5’7, By the way I live in NY. Also I don’t like vegtables so staying thin is really hard even when I exercise. Do you have any suggestions on what I can eat?
Hey Rosalina.. ALL Agencies in New York will take a model 5’7″.. especially if she’s under 18. It all depends on how well the model photographs and if her look is in that season. It’s not the norm but it does occur. Now, fashion agencies like models in shape and thin so eating your veggies girl is a MUST. Try going to Vegetarian or Vegan restaurants and ordering the veggies there.. the food is so delicious the way they prepare it I think you would find a new love for veggies. Or try Indian food.. they cook with a lot of veggies curried and taste delish!
I think the american way of putting a little stack of veggies (like corn or green beans) next to your meat or starch is boring is all (!!!!) If you start eating veggies mixed into your food.. like on pizza.. in a burrito.. in a lentil soup… you will start Loving veggies this way. Please try it.. it is essential if you want to be a model or just want to stay thin.. eating just meat and carbs will take it’s toll ; )
Thanks for your time. I will try the veggies. Now I can’t seem to send or upload my mugshots is there any other you can see them
Thanks . I will try it . Now I’m having a problem uploading and email-ing my pictures. Is there any way for you get them . Or for you to let me know if you got then
Hi its Kelly. One question I have for lisa. I’m on social security cause I take meds. What should I do with that? Please get back to me. Thanks, kelly.
I think you the file is too large.. try making the pic smaller before sending. If you signed up for my Bi-monthly newsletter then you will have direct access to my personal email address..
I look forward to see you! xo
I send the pictures . Please let me know if you got them cause I received a message back.
Hi Lisa,
Im 16 and have no modeling experience, and im nervous about being intimidated by other girls at open calls. How can i shake off the nerves?
That’s a GREAT question Essence.. I will answer that in my MODEL MENTOR MONDAYS video series.. look for it on Monday next week ; )
p.s. You are beautiful and fabulous.. and you shine brighter than you know sweetie.. Don’t let anyone make you feel small.. YOU are more powerful than that.. Believe that!
Hi Lisa!
I am 23 years old and I am exploding with the passion that I have to model! I can never express in words how much I love doing it! I took the route that led me to receiving my degree, but I could not imagine myself being cooped up in an office corner. My dream is to make a career out of modeling, but my biggest dilemma is the fact that I am 23 years old. Sometimes I almost cry when I think of the reality that it may be hard for me to get started at this age when many successful models start at ages 14 and 15! How old is too old to break into the modeling world? I also have another question. After graduating and moving back home, I experienced the worst breakouts ever so I visited the dermatologist. I knew that I wanted to model so I that is why I took that step. Right now my skin is absolutely radiant with NO MORE ACNE:-) but I do have pesky acne scars on my cheeks. They are very very light, but it seems as though models have crystal clear skin!:-( I am in the process of using treatments that are lightening them up a great deal, but I am wondering if I will automatically be shunned away for having these scars? I do not want to give up and I am definitely not getting any younger so please share any information that you may have. I am willing to do whatever it takes to get where it is that God has meant for me to be and I know that it is modeling. By the way, I think that it is wonderful that you are reaching out to help people like me..I was elated when I found you on Facebook and I almost jumped out of my skin when you confirmed my request. I am so grateful to even get this chance to communicate with you! THANK YOU..and I mean that with everything in me! I will be awaiting your response:-)
Hi Lisa,
Will agents reject you if your snapshots are great but your walk is not? And is it possible to go to college and pursue a modeling career?
Hey Rosalina.. YES, I got them! Great job on sending the right kind of pics!! I am emailing you back now ; )
Hey Lisa,
Thanks god you got them . But I did not receive your email.
I emailed you through the backoffice… but if you signed up for my newsletter then you automatically get my personal email address.. Can you email me your age, stats (height-measurements) and a little about yourself ; ) thanks..
Hi Lisa,
I’m a 30 year old petite Indian. I am also a proud Mom to a one year old boy. I’m considering taking a shot at catalog or print modeling. I’m just not sure where to start or what the demand is for ethnic models. I live in NYC. Any suggestions on how I can get started would really be appreciated.
Thanks!
Deepa
Umm. I don’t know how to receive through backoffice
Hey Deepa! I am of Indian decent as well ; )
You could work in Commercial Print. New York (and London, Capetown) is a great Market for Ethnic Models and agencies in CP (commercial Print) are always looking for new faces. Since you are petite and 30.. this is the best type of Agency for you. You can still do mags like Heath and Fitness and hair ads.. and of course all CP advertising. Some agencies you could send your snapshots too are BELLA AGENCY.. CESD TALENT.. ABRAMS.. FUNNY FACES.. if you are at least 5’7 then FORD< CLICK AND WILHELMINA have CP divisions.. So, take some KILLER MUGSHOTS and send them to these agencies.. put your height, measurements, shoe size and if you don’t hear back in 6 weeks.. send diff’t pics again!!!
Let me know how it goes ; )
Thanks for checking out my Blog ; ) xo Lisa
Rosalina.. If you signed up for my newsletter than you can email me back through any of the emails that you receive. Please email me and I will write you back through email ; )
hi Lisa
i’m from Tunisia and i love modeling so much , i’m askin if have posiibility to work in NY as a model
Hi Lisa,
I am a 28 year old black woman (5’9″ and 120 lbs) from Dallas, TX. I am happily expecting my first child in March and I’m interested in doing some maternity modeling. Right now I am only 15 weeks along and I’m barely sporting a bump. Is it too soon to start sending in pics? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Valerie
Hey Ms.Lisa_ i have been emailing you_ is everything OK??……i have sent you the pics like you asked_Did i worry you to much? im still trying…and i am doing fine just to let you know…Waiting to here from you…_K_
Hi Fares.. Of course you can still work as a model, even tho you are from Tunisia.. If you have what agencies are looking for they will fly YOU to NY (with your Mum if you’re under 18) and put you to work!!!!! So, go for it,, send your pics to agencies!! Make sure you watch my videos first so you know exactly the type of pictures NY agencies want to see!!! Good Luck!
Hey Lisa,
My question for you is.. I’m 8 weeks pregnant
) (expecting May 2012) with our second child! I’ve got some past modeling experience from when I was younger but, my mother was my mentor for mostly everything I participated in. I’m 21 and I’m trying to get back into modeling for maternity and hopefully further my career lol.. I’ve emailed some head shots and body shots into agencies near me.. What should be my first step other than taking some headshots and body shots.. I know I’m early into my pregnancy but, I figure if I get some grounding now.. Maybe I can make it into American Baby or Expecting Models like you 
Hello Lisa,
I wanted to submit my niece’s pics via your website. She is 18. 5’10 and fashion model measurements. She is based in Atlanta and recently traveled to NYC for the first time during fashion week. During her visit, She booked a show during Fashion Week. She got a chance to walk in the Daisy Fuentes show by attending a casting she was referred to by a relative.We went to a few agencies but no one was seeing new faces due to Fashion Week. Can I submit her photos to you? She loves this industry and I think she definitely could have a career in this industry. Let me know!!!!
Cornelius
OF COURSE!!!! I am always looking for new faces— that’s what I do!! How awesome she booked a show during Fashion Week without being represented by an agency, that’s awesome! Yes, agencies are so busy during Fashion Week it is not the best time to go.. but now is a great time. Please send me her snapshots to model@lisaphillipsny.com
Thanks so much ; )
Hey lisa,
I was just wondering if an agency doesn’t find you photogenic but you have a strong walk can they place you in there runway division even if your shorter than other fashion runway models .
If you are not photogenic it’s impossible to be a model.. that’s what a model is plain and simple.
but, YES you can be signed to the Runway division of an agency and book only runway work and showroom.. I know agencies like FORD, ELITE and CLICK have Runway divisions. Usually the girls are a good 5’8 and up still and nice proportions. These girls are different from the SHOW GIRLS (highend runway like at Fashion Week).. these types of models are extremely photogenic and signed to the HIgh Fashion division of Modeling agencies.
; )
Hey Lisa,
I wanted to know being 6’5″ and wanting to be a model is that a good thing or not? I have been calling alot of agencies and they have been telling me that im to tall. Can you please give me some tips and how to go about persuing my modeling career?
Hey! Ms.Lisa! Will you stil help me…I Need It!<3
Hey Clement- Thanks for stopping by.
Hmmm.. that’s a hard one… because there are ALWAYS exceptions to the rule. Pro Volleyball Player Gaby Reece has a successful career as a model and SHE was 6’3″… so I never say Never.
But yeah, the cold hard truth is MALE fashion Models are basically 6′-6’3″. With only a handful really 6’3″. Most agencies if you look at all their compcards, like male model 6’1-6’2. But this business loves change and basically the modeling biz all comes down to how YOU photograph.. if you have a FACE that an agency just has to have.. they will sign you and you will be all the rage. It does happen.. the only way to know for sure is get some killer snapshots taken of you and send them off to NY agencies!! If you want to send me your snapshots first for my opinion~ I will check them out! ; ))
Good luck!
Hello Lisa, I’m 17 year old and all my life since now I wanted to be a male model, but I don’t know if I have any potential.
I would like to apply to an agency in my country, but first I want if you want to give my some advice and send you some pictures see what I “can”.
Thank you!
P.S. You’re really beautiful!
Hi Lisa, i have a quick question. . could one be a model with a gap. not spaced out teeth. just a gap in the front.
Hi Lisa, What’s the odds of an aspiring african american model that has a gap in two front teeth?
Hey Lorenzo! The odds are better if you don’t have a gap between your teeth of course but there have been plenty of models through the years with a gap between their two front teeth. Since Lauren Hutton.. to Lorraine Pascale (black model).. to the most recent Lara Stone… I have seen several models with Gaps over the years. Remember modeling is all about your image.. not a specific feature.. it’s the whole package.
If a model inspires others, moves you.. makes you go buy that outfit.. then it doesn’t matter if they have a Gap or not.. ; )
YES! There have been a lot of models with gaps,,, working models, famous models, supermodels and famous actors… etc. It’s not that noticeable.. and can be very quirky on some models… sexy on others…….
Hey Lisa , my name is Rosalina and I’m an aspiring model. I’ve wanted to model for a very long time. I’ve talked to photographers called ny agencies for scouting hours . However I never get the opportunity to go. I spend more time researching about the modeling/fashion industry than I spend on homework. I really want this please help me . I’m 15 Latin decent 5’6 1/2 bust 34 waist 23 hips 34 shoes size 8 hair black eyes black
Hey Rosalina,
It’s really great to research the business and gain knowledge but this is an industry where you learn while your work. I understand though because I used to do the same thing before I became a model.. then I found out that it was nothing like I had researched it to be. You really need to experience working as a model to understand this business.. so start local and test with photographers.. or send your snapshots to agencies and see if you get a response. You will not ever know if you have what it takes if you don’t Jump in and Go for it. You can upload your images to all NY, Miami and LA agencies, or choose agencies closer to your hometown since you are only 15. Keep me updated too ! ; )
Hey Darius!! Well, you need to find out if you have potential! So, you have to start sending your snapshots to agencies closest to your hometown, send to agencies in NY and to model scouts (like me!!)
Please send me your pics so I can see where you need improvement, I am here to help so please email them to me at model@lisaphillipsny.com or post them to my facebook wall.. Lisa Phillips-model mentor and Scout ; )
Looking forward…. xoxo
I wanted to know if you would come and get me and be my mentor.I have sent pics every where and just dont know what to do ..I need help???? For real I just really want this and it is my dream and I have parents that want this too but i cant afford to pay to go to modeling schools to teach me to walk and I dont want to start off wrong…
Hey Megan! If I could.. I would. Your mom and I have been emailing and I understand your passion to be a model. It’s hard when you live so far way from a fashion Market.. who can you trust?!! Some agencies do just want your money. It’s really only wise to sign with a local agency that has relationships with agencies in NY and abroad, so you can actually work as a model. You are still so young.. when you come to NY I would love to meet you and take some snapshots and we can go from there. Remember, you have to actually live pretty close to a major city to work as a model so for those os you that live outside of the radius.. then you have to wait until the Summer to see agencies.. : )
Talk to you soon xo Lisa
Hey Lisa, I’m 16 and almost 5’4″, I was wondering if height is going to hold me back in the world of modeling? I have long legs and my body is proportionate. I am with a smaller agency now and have done a couple of high end hair shows this year. I’m thinking larger agencies in NYC will turn me away because of my height though, let me know what you think. Thanks.
32′ 22′ 32′ eyes: green hair: Auburn/Brown
Hi Lisa, how are you? I was trying to upload a photo on e!online.com using my phone because I just watched Scouted (great show) & thought I’d heard something about being able to do that, but was having difficulties. I was wondering if there was an e-mail address or another way to upload a photo…thank you for your time
-Savannah
Hey Lisa, I noticed that your new website Mughshot Mgmt does not have alot of the models you posted on your website before. Are you still managing them, or are you not their mother agent anymore? Just curious.
P.S. You’re really pretty
hey ms.lisa are u still willing to help me. i have emailed you. please write back.
hello Lisa,
I’m from Manhattan, New York and I’m writing you because I been trying for a long time to get my baby into modelling but it seems like no one is trying to give us a chance. I have received calls from modelling agencies in Connecticut and Florida but my mother told me I need to work with agencies close by in my area but it seems hard and I feel like just giving up. I was hoping if you could work with us or give me any information being that you know about this business. I hope you have some type assurance for me because i dont want to give up.
-Stardasha
Hey Lisa,
I am a model from Australia and I work in Brisbane. I am working hard everyday and I am finding it hard to take
time to exercise to keep toned for our particular market. I was wondering how you stayed so thin and healthy looking and
working long hours. I get tired and just want to crash haha
Thank you
P.S. what is a quick meal that I can eat that could possibly rejuvinate my body the job the next day
Hey lisa, ive wanted to be a model for a long time i am 15 years old..i am very thin however 5’4.I know i wouldnt be on runways but i would love to be print modeling.is there any agencies out there for this ?
I would also love to know if maybe you could help me out.I could send you some pictures and maybe you can get back to me on them?
This is everything to me so please let me know .:)
I have an amazingly beautiful, unique daughter who is dying to model, and is almost ready to go to agencies. She is 5’9 and bi racial. She is stunning. I am hoping to have some input if I send her photo, and possibly some hints regarding looking natural while taking photos and help with walking. I can not figure how to load a photo. I am sure that she will be picked up right away..(Not saying that because I am her mom!). Thanks l paterson
Hi,
I have read your blog, liked you on Facebook, watched your videos on youtube and i think it is amazing what you do.
I am a aspiring model from the UK and was wondering if you would look at my images and see what you thought.
I know you are a busy lady and i would just appreciate some feedback both from your own opinion but mostly the American side of things.
I hope i have what it takes to become a well known model in the near future.
Nick Shaw