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 Nick.. I will check out your pics today and get back to you Pronto!! Cheers!! xo
Send me those pics!! New York agencies are always looking for new faces and I would love to work with you to get the right snapshots of your daughter to present to them.. please emails them to model@lisaphillipsny.com
THANKS!! XX Lisa
Of course Christy.. I would love to give you my opinion. A lot of aspiring models think if they don’t get in with a NY agency then they don’t have what it takes… but agencies in different markets (like Tokyo, Miami, London,etc) like different looks… so it’s good to have a Scout see your pics and help to advise the best market for you to start your career in…
I’m looking forward to seeing your photos CHristy.. xo Lisa
Wilhelmina has a teen division for girls who are shorter but still photogenic and pretty.. and you could do tv commercials.. Yes, there are still options to work in this business if you live close enough to a market like LA, NY, Chicago, Miami…..
Hey Lavender,
Great Question. Yes, models have to be very disciplined people because the look the industry wants is not a normal weight for young women, models have to eat very healthy and exercise to have a thin frame AND beautiful skin, hair..etc. The best way is to always put healthy food full of vitamins and nutrients and good protein into your body. So of course lots of raw organic veggies (and cooked) and nuts.. fruit (but not too much, watermelon, berries,etc) and to only eat meat that is free of antibiotics and hormones (like Grass fed beef or free range organic chicken) Stay away from breads and pastries.
I really good healthy drink packed with a ton of B vitamins and probiotics is KOMBUCHA. I drink 3+ a week. This helps to keep your tummy flat and gives you tons of energy, always my favorite pick me up during the day. I think snacking on a handful of nuts and berries or a banana fruit smoothie or some coconut water is a healthy quick meal to rejuvinate during the day.
Visit your local Wholefoods or health food Market and start trying their healthy snacks.. and get accustomed to eating lunch at Vegan restaurants (even if you’re not) for lots of nutrients and energy meals.
I also walk everywhere. Take long walks in the morning or evenings, play a sport (tennis, swimming, yoga) and incorporate this 2-3x week.
It’s ALL ABOUT A LIFESTYLE change not dieting. Models do not diet.. we don’t count calories. We choose to only eat healthy food and exercise and the weight will come off!! Always READ food labels. If there is high fructose corn syrup or MSG or anything you can not pronounce.. do not eat that food. Nothing makes you gain weight quicker then chemicals in your body. SO, try to eat a chemical free diet and watch the weight come right off. This is how I and a lot of my model friends stay model slim.. We eat trust me.. but home cooked natural Clean food and snacks and drinks!! : )
Love, Lisa xoxo
Hey Stardasha,
Kid Modeling agencies are ALWAYS looking for babies. You have to send the right photos to the right agencies. You live in NYC so you should only send your babys photos to NY agencies. Some really good baby agencies are Generation, FORD, Wilhelmina, Product, CESD, Abrams.. Go online and get their address and make copies of your babies snapshots and send them to them with their birthdate and your contact info.
The actual snapshots HAS to be a very beautiful picture of your baby. Smiling and looking happy.. also, no food on her face or hats.. just a very nice pretty pic of your baby. This is what they want.. these are modeling agencies so they look for pretty babies. Photoshop any drool out or pimples…. really I am serious! Agencies get pictures of babies with food on them all the time.
You do not need professional pictures..
Hope this helps.. JUST DO NOT GIVE UP. I know agencies need babies so you just need your pics to get infront of the right people.
Good Luck!
xx Lisa
hey Kihadijah.. I always write you back my dear ; ) You need to get better snapshots of yourself to submit to Atlanta agencies.. You are so young. You need to wait another year or so until you are old enough to work!! Hang in there ; )
Hey Lillian.
The models on the Mugshot Management website are the models I have placed with agencies and are working models. So, yea.. I don’t add them onto that site until they are signed working models. I am going to add a scouted section for the new faces that I am still waiting to place.. Thanks for asking sweetie. I am glad you checked out the Mugshot site.. I am actually not done completing it LOL Soon though..
Hi Lisa,
As I’m sure you’re aware, model trends come and go. Agents may be searching for a model with a certain look one season and another look the next season. What “model looks” are currently in right now, and for which markets?
Hey Rachel,
Yes you are right.. the looks that are in today will be out tomorrow! I would definitely say I see a lot of Eastern Europeans right now and Asian models are pretty popular. Last Season there were tons of Brazilians but not so much today. I have noticed though a big crossover market for the typical “swim” girls being seen in a lot of designer ads right now. I’d say the models aren’t as curvy as the last few seasons with the Brazilians but now more thin statuesque types, pretty popular now in the high fashion markets…
thank you Lisa I appreciate your advice and I’m going to give it another try.
-stardasha
Hey Lisa,
Just wondering, of all the agencies you’ve worked with, which was your favorite and why? And also who is your favorite high fahion model?
Hello Lisa;
Is there a demand for transsexual models in USA and Europe?? At what age they should be???
Kerry.
i’m 5’11 , 17 years old , senior in high school, live in Atlanta Ga , around 136 pounds , black/brown hair , dark brown eyes , and brown skin . How do i get my career started ?i have been trying to be a model since i was about 14 an there really has been no luck , only because most of the agencies that i have been with only wanted money . i just really need to know what it is i can do to get my career started , i would love to send you pictures via email ( ChelseaaHall@yahoo.com ] and maybe get scouted by you ! i have the look and personalty , please give me a chance !
Chelsea,
There should be good legit modeling agencies in Atlanta that don’t ask for money up front. Although a small market, a lot of NY models are represented by Atlanta agencies for catalog work. I believe there is FACTOR and CLICK there.. you just have to send in the ‘right’ snapshots for Fashion agencies. Clean faced snapshots, profiles of your face and body that show your shape and remember the measurements that FASHION agencies are looking for are 34-24-34, give or take an inch. If it’s tough for girls to keep those strict measurements then it’s best to send your snapshots to a talent agency that focus more on commercial print, TV commercials and advertising..
I would love to help guide you in the right direction.. Please sign up for my newsletter and you will have my personal email to send me your snapshots and then I can help!
Thanks, Lisa xoxoxoox
Hi Lisa,
I’ve been having a struggle trying to get with a modeling agency. The closest city I live to would be Chicago which is still 4 hours away. Is there by any chance you could help me or give me some tips? ~Thanks Lisa~
Hello Lisa. Have you ever heard of Proscout? What about an agent named Victors International ? what is your comment about them if you do know of them? well what would you say to an agent who wants to sign you and wants you to pay $590 to take pictures and to do comp cards??? thanks for your help.
Hey if you get a sec, check my site out, and I would love any advice
Hello madam, I’ve been trying to become a male model but I find it hard to find the right people in my area. You seem like a strong minded enthusiast, with an extremely well rounded Passion for your work. What it basically comes down to is I need an opinion from a person who knows what kind of possibilitys are out there. If tou could take a look and let me know from a professional point if view, to see if this could be career material.
Thank you! I would love to check out your pics Kristian.. Can you post them to my Facebook Biz page Lisa Phillips- Model Mentor and Scout and I will check out your pics.. you can also post a quick video of you! thanks, Lisa xx
well, what’s the site? ; )
Yes I have heard of Proscout.. but you NEVER have to pay to be represented by an agency or for a Scout (like myself) to help get you signed to an agency. I charge models NOTHING!!! And anyone asking for money is only interested in making money off naive young models.. Do NOT be that girl/boy!!!! I only make money when I sign you to an agency in NY or other markets after you start working…
That’s why I created this blog, to educate you guys so you know that you can —ESPECIALLY IN THIS DAY AND AGE— Just send simple snapshots to scouts and agencies.
You shouldn’t have to pay so much money to sign on to an agency. I just hate hearing this.. An agency finds you work and makes money when you work, so they only sign on models they know will work in that market. That’s the problem with smaller cities.. there isn’t that much work so these agencies make money off of evry girl that walks in who will fall for their scam.. it’s SAD… but I am here to help!! Instead of giving your hard earned money to these guys.. send your snapshots to every agency in NY that you see on Models.com and sends some pics to me so I can help guide you to your best market/ or agencies right for you…
Thanks!!! good luck.
Hayley,
Yes, 4 hours away is too far to work in Chicago. because this business is spontaneous and last minute.. you get your appointments usually the day before and castings can pop up that day! But you could start off slow and eventually once work picks up and you decide this is what you want to do, you could move into the city. There are several great agencies in Chicago (Factor, Ford) that if you signed with them and they felt your look would do better in a different market, they would get you with an agency in that market (like Miami or NY) The best thing to do is start sending your pics.. there is a Mother Agency in illinois that is called MOTHER MANAGEMENT and they are a scouting/placement agency like mine, Mugshot Management.. and they find models in that area and sign them to agencies in NY and everywhere else.. Send your pics to them too.. ; )
Hope this helps!!!
Dear Lisa, my name is Joeden, after reading about you and your attitude towards people like me I decided you may be the person most suited from whom to get advise as well as hints and pointers to help me more to achieve my dreams. At present I am just doing that! Running toward the pursuing of of my dream to become a model, specially an androgynous one. Since you seem to have many contacts would you please kindly give me some information as to guide me to the kind of modeling agency always searching for androgynous models? It would really make me very happy if you could check my blog and -if you have time for me- give me any feedback? Furthermore if you could send my blog link to your contacts in the industry would be awesome! To finish with I could prepare more photos for you if you think the current book is not appropriate or needs improving. I am always learning so I am open, really open to new ideas and expert knowledge. It would be a honor to get a reply from you, many thanks and lots of love in advance! Joeden Cho (http://www.joedencho.blogspot.com/view/magazine)
Hey Lisa,
I’m thinkin about sending pictures and I have talked to my mom about it and she kind of takes it as a joke, and doesn’t think I’m serious about it. Do you have any tips as to trying to talking her into letting me send some pictures in to you? I am also worried about my height because i’m only 5’4 almost 5’5 but im skinny and not even 100 pounds. Would I still stand a chance since I’m so short? I’m alos a military brat so I don’t know how all of this would work.
I have recently discovered your page and I love all the information you give to others! I have been involved in modeling with my first agency last year that I didn’t resign with this year. I am always looking for ways to move up the ladder and for others to see my photos. I have worked with different local photographers and have a lot of experience in modeling and shooting as I have done many pageants. Would you mind me emailing you some of my work and you letting me know what you think?
Thank you in advance,
Sharnal Stidham
Hi Lisa,my name is Dina . I recently sent you an email about my daughter. I did receive an email from you today. As I opens it on my I phone the email deleted. I am not sure if you were responding to my question. I’m very sorry this happened. My daughter is only 14. She does modeling for local boutiques in our town. But, I was wondering if I took some pics could you give us some advise. I know she is not tall enough. The doctor assured us she is still growing. She is very eager. Since sending you the last email , I have really enjoyed your website. You have alot of great information. I would love your advise. Should we wait a couple of years. Or would you like to see some photos. Hope to here from you soon. Thank you very much Dina Sulprizio
of course Sharnal, please email me pics. You have to join my newsletter to get my personal email though
Also, if your agency didn’t resign you then they probably weren’t the right fit for you.. maybe a different market would be better or doing more test shoots to build your book.. email me your pics and stats (measurements) and I will help point you in the right direction!!!!! thanks! xooxox
Hey Dina. I will email you again sweetie, thats not a problem. I am ALWAYS looking for amazing 14 year olds. Agencies in NY definitely like to see them and will ‘follow’ them or keep an eye on them until they get taller/older. So, its a GREAT idea to get started younger. That’s pretty tall for a 14 year old…
I have a scout friend who just signed an AMAZING model 12 and 5’6 to IMG NY… and the girl lives in Utah. So, it’s not impossible, most important are to have a supportive mom LIKE YOU so let’s see the pics!!!!
P.s. If you sign up for my free newsletter, you get my personal email address that you can send all the pics you want
I live very close to San Francisco and wanted to know what the best modeling agencies here are. I’m not sure if you could help me with this or if you are devoted to one agency. Also I have just submitted some applications to a number of agencies and was wondering what is the usual amount of time an agency takes to respond to a submission and when would it be okay to assume they aren’t interested? And is telling an agency your ethnicity helpful in any way?
One last thing, do I have what it takes to be a male model. Thank you so much Lisa (:
P.S. Is there any other way to submit my photos I can’t seem to get them into a zip file.
Ive recently signed up for the news letter to email you some photos but I haven’t seen anything yet as to where I should email them to. Until then is it a rediculous dream to want to model at a height of only 5’5? I know runway wouldnt be wanting to sign someone as myself but I would love to be in a printed ad. I’m am a little insecure with little things such as a very slightly crooked nose, is this something an agency would say no to imediantly or would they be able to work with angles so you never notice?
Hey Cesar,
San Fran has great modeling agencies. There are several including FORD, go to their open calls. If you submitted pics already they will call you within a week or two if interested, this business moves fast so If you don’t hear anything within a month they are either not interested or you sent the wrong types of pictures. Agencies need to see clear pics of your face and profiles and body and you have to send the pics after your body is in great shape.. so meaning, when you are 100% ready to start working, submit your pics then.
It doesn’t matter really what your ethnicity is.. All that matters if you photograph well and your skin, body are in great shape and you meet the height and measurement requirements for male modeling.
I think you have a great look cesar and you shouldn’t have a problem getting an agency. Just make sure you don’t go on open calls until your body is cut and you feel 100% confident. Also, dress like a model..
If you signed up for my newsletter, you can submit your pics directly to the email I provide you. (but you did that already because I’ve seen your mug;)
Do not give up!!!! Keep improving and ask for feedback, so you can!! xoxox Thanks for asking! Lisa
Hey Ashley
You must’ve figured it out because I have seen your pretty face
No, no, no sweetie it’s not a ridiculous dream to want to be a model at 5’5. If you are photogenic with clear skin, pretty eyes, smile, hair etc.. you can sign with a commercial print agency and still see great clients like Clairol and Pantene ads.. Biore strips or clean and clear ads.. fitness magazines..etc A lot of commercial Print agencies in NY and LA get a lot of the same castings fashion agencies do (sshhh!!!!) so you can get the feeling of being a real fashion model!!! Of course commercial print will focus on advertising for toothpaste, banks, cars, phones.. etc but the shoots can be still super fun and in New York, very creative and cool teams of people. So, don’t turn your nose up to it.
Actually, most girls even 5’10 will have a hard time getting signed to a fashion modeling agency anyway because its very very very specific what they look for.
Lots of models have crooked noses!!!! It all matters how the darn thing photographs!! Look at Gisele, she has a big nose and Linda evangelista had a crooked nose.. and tons of models have huge noses, gosh remember Yamilla Diaz.. Sports illustrated Model? But if it’s balanced properly on your face, it doesn’t matter. Don’t focus on one feature..
ALL models have certain angles that look their best, this is what makes a great model… and then work that angle more!!
plus, I saw your pictures sweetie… and I wouldve never noticed you had crooked nose if you hadn’t pointed it out!! So, stop telling everyone and they will notice your amazing smile instead!!! Keep your head up my love xo Lisa
Hi lisa i am contacting you because i was interested in modeling,and i was wondering if you could give me tips as if there will be any up comming auditions or something to where i could sign up. ive seen many websites and the ones i contacted wanted three thousand dollars for training. And i was going to do it because i want to model ive been trying since 13 but my mother and every says dont pay its a scam if i just send my pictures to different Agencies and they want me they will call me.So i was wondering if you could help me out. THANK YOU.
Hi Rayah! If you are interested in modeling you have to send simple clear snapshots to model scouts and modeling agencies. This is the only way to start modeling professionally. A modeling school isn’t going to teach you what you need to know for the real world of modeling, so at $3000 that is a SCAM and rip-off!! It costs NO money for a model scout, like myself or a modeling agency to represent you. Please send me your snapshots and I will help to guide you in the right direction.
Hello Lisa! I found you first on YouTube.
I have just a few questions
Im 19, 6″2′ around 160 lbs, lives close to atlanta
Im really interested in becoming a male model but im at university right now, but im willing to relocate during my summer
Do you think i should send you pictures even though my body isnt ‘chisled’ ?
You seem like a geniune person and thats great! I might vid. Submit a question via YouTube soon too.
Thanks in advance
Hey Lisa !
What’s up ! I do realize that you are a very busy person ( You Must be ) because not too long ago you and I were speaking on the email, I wrote back to you but I haven’t yet received a response. Was just wondering what happened ? / HOPE everything is good with you ! :-\
Hey I need some serious Help!!!! I Have recently became pregnant! Well I am seven Months I want to Model Now I know I got what it takes I have worked with a few agents before but I never had the gas or the money to fly or drive to where I needed to be but I do now! I Eat Breathe and Sleep. I have been googling things for pregnant model agents and NADA. Can you help me. I am 5″9 Before I was pregnant I weighed 130 and now im 160. I was in a dress size one. but now cuz of the bump (and its all baby) I may be a we bit bigger.but only in the belly area. My legs and arms did not catch any weight I have been good at being healthy! I am so excited to try and model I am currently in collage but want to be a full Time model. I would do anything! So please help me I will send you Pics and I SWEAR you will not be DISSAPOINTED
Amber Rountree
Amber_Nesseth@yahoo.com
Hi Lisa, How would i go about applying for a job with you?
IM AN ASPIRING FASHION MODEL AND I DONT HAVE THE SLIGHTEST IDEA HOW 2 START…WHATEVER I HAVE 2 DO IM READY…
Well you are in the right place Andre, that IS the reason why I created this Blog… So all of you out these desiring to be a model.. get the truth about how to become a model.. without wasting time and money!
Hi Erin.
Well, you can not apply for the job of being a model.. you have to have the right qualities scouts, agents, etc look for. Photogenic face- clear skin, nice smile. Naturally thin frame.. tall.. etc. If you fit this criteria then all you have to do is send in your snapshots to lisa@lisaphillipsny.com I will let you know what you need to improve and what markets you could be right for.. I offer great advice and am here to help so just send me two pics of your face and body shot and we’ll start there! Thanks, Lisa
Hey Amber! Wow, you sound so motivated and confident. Well, go for it. You are exactly what maternity agencies look for (from the sounds of your letter), which is you modeled prior to becoming pregnant. So send some of your tearsheets and best images PLUS recent snapshots of your bump and due date.. and go to expectingmodels.com and I am sure they will contact you. That’s pretty much the only agency in NY/LA that works with pregnant models. So stop freaking out! there’s your answer.
Also, sign up at castingnetworks.com They have jobs listed for pregnant models too!
Good Luck!
X Lisa
Hey June,
I am still around! I have been scouting in LA and up and down the east coast.. so I took some time to focus on my mission. I totally remember you! and I will get back to you today.
You need to send your pics to agencies!!! You are ready.. just need to do it!
x Lisa
Hi Lisa, I am an aspiring male model and I uploaded a few pics earlier but did not get confirmation that the dubmission was complete so I was wondering if you recieved them or is there another way I can submit. Thank you for your advice and insite!
James.. email me at model@lisaphillipsny.com you can send me your pics here and don’t forget to give me your stats (height,age,etc)
Hi, I’m 16 and really interested in modeling. I live in Portland, Oregon and I’m only about 5’6″. I’m interested in print, commercial, fashion, sports/lifestyle… anything and everything. I’ve done some research and found 4 reputable modeling agencies in my area that I plan to submit myself to. They all offer online submission (through email), and most require aspiring models to email them about 2 digital snapshots (one headshot, and one full body shot in either a swimsuit or athletic wear). I was wondering, what should those photos look like exactly? I have already taken some, but I’m not sure if they’re okay to email to the modeling agencies. I have a variety of pictures of myself standing in front of a white background (white wall with a white door as well, but I cropped out the doorknob). In some I’m wearing a white and green striped bikini, in another one I’m wearing short solid black athletic shorts with a navy colored bandeau bra top on, and in another one I’m wearing those same shorts along with a black tank top. I’m also smiling with my teeth in all of these photos, and am standing up straight with one hand on my hip. My hair is also down and natural, how I usually wear it. In the headshots of myself I am also smiling with my teeth, and my hair is down as well.
Basically, here are my questions.
1. What photos should I submit to the modeling agencies?
2. In the body shot, which outfit out of the ones I described to you should I be wearing? The striped bikini, black shorts and tank top, or black shorts and navy/dark blue bandeau bra top (this one shows my stomach too)?
3. In the body shot I end up sending, should I be smiling or not? If yes, with teeth or no teeth?
4. Same above question for the headshot, smiling or not? And should my hair be down or up?
5. Is the background I described to you okay, or do I strictly need to be standing in front of a completely plain white wall with no door or anything?
6. Is there anything else I should know, or any other pictures I should make sure to send?
Thank you so much!!
Hi Lisa wanted to no what u thought about men starting a career in modeling at 31 is it possible and if it is can u help me
HI Lisa
Im an aspiring model who just wants to be discoved already
. I am 21 but im 5’4” (kinda short for the modeling world) I recently received your email though about looking towards the LA area and also saw other comments about you being more than willing to help, I NEED HELP!!!! 
Ive sent you my pictures ( I believe) but never heard back does that mean I wouldnt make it out there ?!
Thanks so much for all the information you give.
Hi Alicia
It’s going to be difficult to be discovered at 5’4.. so you’re going to have to take control of your future modeling career yourself. There are agencies that represent models your height in NY and LA, they are called commercial print agencies. They still can send your for beauty editorials (magazines), some catologs, advertising, etc. I do not represent commercial print models but can definitely point you in the right direction.
You will need to send your snapshots to the agencies that are right for you… like Bellaagency, cesd talent, abrams Artists, Images NY, etc. Send simple snapshots of yourself. If someone is interested you can go in for an interview. If they like you, they will give you a list of photographers that they like for their market.
Do not spend money shooting with photogrpaghers beforehand.. especially don’t put your pictures on model mayhem, these photogrpahers don’t know the types of photos you really need to work and is a waste of time, money and DANGEROUS. You need a modeling agency to represent you to meet clients and start working. This should be your daily goal. Do not spend time finding work or phtgrs on your own.
My advice to you is to send the best, clear beautiful snapshots of yourself, smiling and not, close up and full body and work on this until you get your interviews! Then wear some high heels and show them your personality!
Let me know how it goes! thanks, Lisa