Modeling Schools are a Total Waste of Time and Money

benjikan · 08-16-2011, 04:55 AM - **2 Likes**

I am sure you have all seen those adverts saying, "…become top model…". Or "You can become a model in only 6 weeks…" etc.

I find it sad and pathetic that so many kids and parents fall for those solicitations. I can only imagine how much money is tossed out the window by so many those hoping to become models via the Modeling Schools offering fame and fortune in the fashion business.

So for those of you reading this and hoping to become models, let me edify you to the reality of the business.

There is no school out there that can make you that promise and keep it.

To become a model the reality is the following.

If you are over 5'-9" or 1m 75 cm around 14-16 years of age or even younger.

Have a unique look that breaks with convention

A classic conventional look that is really commercial

Have been discovered by a credible model agency scout or recognized fashion photographer

Have been to see the credible model agencies around like Elite, Ford, Next, IMG, Marilyn, One Model Management, Viva, etc. and they have accepted you on their roster

A fashion magazine editor has discovered you and sent you to one of the above agencies or other credible agencies

All modeling agencies worth their weight, will teach the models the necessary talent to survive in the business. They will warn them against certain career pitfalls, who and what to avoid, teach them how to walk for runway work, as well as some of the more important aspects of posing and attitudes needed to approach a photo and video shoot.

Of course there are other types of modeling that I have not mentioned, like hand, leg, body, extra work, glamour, erotic, people, lifestyle etc. modeling that falls under a very different category and doesn't really require the above attributes.

If none of the above situations apply, I suggest that you save your money and invest in other aspects of your capabilities and pass GO and save your $200.00. One day you might want to pass this on to those seeking your advice.

Comments are welcome

http://www.benjaminkanarekblog.com/kcl

Last edited by benjikan; 08-18-2011 at 02:38 PM.

Warped · 08-17-2011, 12:48 AM

I remember seeing a lot of modelling acadamies, or schools, in the past, but not many around now.

Now days, there seems to be more set-ups aimed at song and dance, drama and modelling all in one, and marketting it as a social thing to get your kids out of the house, interacting with others and building their self-confidence. The claims of future stardom and being discovered have been toned right and they do their best to milk yuor money by pitching it as the right thing to do for your kids.

Next top model, X-factor, So you think you can Dance .....etc has everyone waiting to be discovered and become the next big thing over the course of a few weeks - who needs a aschool or academy anymore ..... they're so yesterday!!

So in my aprt of the world, the venerable modelling academy seems to have died off.

Of note - the magic mark in Perth is 5'10" or taller, doesn't matter how stunning or unique a model may look, they won't even get a foot in the door if they're 5'9" or less.

At least now I get the feeling that people realise there are markets for all kinds of looks and a high-end fashion model isn't the be all and end all to aim for. The burlesque look, tattooed and pierced look, fetish and alternative look, fitness and lifestyle look ......etc are all becoming more main stream and seen as possible alternatives now - making the modeling school out dated and out of touch as they can't cover all possible bases.

Frogfish · 08-17-2011, 01:07 AM

Very good of you to post that Benji.

I would add that those height limits don't always apply especially if the girls are going into commercial work (shooting promotional work for companies for posters / magazines etc. my daughter is 5' 7" and has done this work for the likes of Mango, Zara etc.) or for e.g. hair stylist competitions etc. Such as this kind of thing - below (just a snapshot for the designer but you get the idea).

If your daughter is thinking of going into modeling then she needs to get a professional portfolio (Beware !! Many 'Model Agencies' say they want your daughter on their books but often it's a con as you need to pay for a professional model portfolio that they will set up for you for $$$ - and there is no such thing as guaranteed work after producing the portfolio) so working for free for top amateur togs is a good way to build this up (it needs to stay current too - no shots over 6 months and preferably not over 3 months old).

Model Mayhem is a good way to establish a network of photographers, stylists, hair and makeup artists etc. and find unpaid work to build that portfolio - take precautions here too when making appointments for shoots (my daughter turned one down when the tog refused to allow her to bring a friend - this is highly suspicious).

P.S. If you need a good English/Chinese model based in London Benji (and Paris is only a hop, skip and a jump return trip away) then I'll send you my daughter's MM address

Frogfish · 08-17-2011, 01:10 AM

Originally posted by Warped

Of note - the magic mark in Perth is 5'10" or taller, doesn't matter how stunning or unique a model may look, they won't even get a foot in the door if they're 5'9" or less.

Many also lie ! My daughter has been to a few shoots with models on the books of top agencies who have those height requirements .... and they were shorter than she is ! If it's strictly runway then that is something else of course.

magkelly · 08-17-2011, 04:11 PM

You can get some print and show work as a petites model if you are under 5'7" tall, but you'll never end up on a runway in Paris, NY, or Milan unless you are pretty tall. I did a lot of store fashion shows as a teen, and I'm really short actually, but that's most of what the shorter girls get, local work, catalog work. I actually made more money showing off my feet and my hands for a while there.

But yeah, most modeling schools are a total crock. They exist only to sell the models portfolios. Any real agency won't make a model pay for her book. Even some of the more legit agencies can be dicey. I had a local agency that was supposedly reputable interested in me when I was like 18. They might of been respectable, but their recruiter sure wasn't.

The guy was all enthusiastic in the office about me doing some catalog work. He didn't try to get me to doff my clothes there, but he made some rather personal comments about me doing a lot of lingerie work which made me a bit leery of him and the agency. He knew where I worked and one day he just showed up at my job and asked me to come on break with him.

I figured there were security guards and cameras all round, and he knew they would miss me if I didn't come back, so I went to the food court with him. He ended up offering me an apartment, a car and a monthly stipend if I'd agree to extend my work for him beyond some catalog and mall modeling. I called up the woman who ran the agency after that and I told her what he'd said. I gather they fired him, but that was how it was she said, a lot of the time, in the industry. There were always perverts out there looking to scam on the models. She seemed relieved to have him gone, I think she was worried about her agency's reputation and his effect on it, but she was pretty open about things like that happening.

I wish I could say he was the only one who tried to get fresh with me, but he wasn't. I wanted to transition from doing things like mall shows into doing more print work, so I could then transition into acting, but in the end I just wasn't too comfortable with that scene or the people in it. I always had a hard time with my picture being taken anyway. I was never quite comfortable on that side of the camera even when I was at my best, but being propositioned a few times didn't make me feel any more comfortable.

I'm not exactly built like your typical teen model. Back then models could be a bit bigger, and I was petty thin then, but even so I had curves, and while that is fine for acting, it's not so fine for dance and modeling. You're a fresh-faced teen, have T&A and you get all kinds of attention, and a lot of the time it's the WRONG kind of attention...

I like the whole concept of Model Mayhem, it gives the models a bit more control over who they work for and how, but I personally wouldn't let any daughter of mine go for a shoot without a good escort. If people like the ones I met can get jobs in legit areas? Imagine how much easier it would be for them to freelance and do it. To be fair I did meet some really decent people in the industry back then, and have since, but if I had a daughter who wanted to model or similar? I'd be making sure she knew what could happen and I'd be insisting she get someone to go along and watch her back regardless.

The infamous "casting couch" it's far from dead...

yeatzee · 08-17-2011, 04:16 PM

My hopes and dreams are now crushed

I actually have more than one friend that "models" here in SoCal. I'd say its more who you know that anything else here

magkelly · 08-17-2011, 08:53 PM

Your friend is in the right place. That helps too. Lots more work in southern CA than in say South Dakota....

benjikan · 08-18-2011, 02:38 PM

Originally posted by yeatzee

My hopes and dreams are now crushed

I actually have more than one friend that "models" here in SoCal. I'd say its more who you know that anything else here

Sorry to hear that ;-)

K-9 · 09-19-2011, 05:09 PM

Most local modeling agencies or schools who tell you they will have your photos done for you is a scam, especially the ones who turn you down if you tell them you will provide photos from your own photographer. As Benjikan said, to be a top model or supermodel one must be 5'9" and up and preferably start out under 18. However, many girls from 17-27, from even 5'2" and up can make money locally from websites such as Model Mayhem. As long as they know they are not going to make it famous here, there are money opportunities available. Just check the photographer's references, experience, and always bring a friend. Models can make several hundred dollars a month or more booking with legit local photographers. They can make much more than going with a local "school". They should even be able to get their portfolio done for free, unlike agencies who want you to pay up front for that.

08-16-2011, 04:55 AM - 2 Likes	#1
benjikan Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Paris, France Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,308	Modeling Schools are a Total Waste of Time and Money I am sure you have all seen those adverts saying, "…become top model…". Or "You can become a model in only 6 weeks…" etc. I find it sad and pathetic that so many kids and parents fall for those solicitations. I can only imagine how much money is tossed out the window by so many those hoping to become models via the Modeling Schools offering fame and fortune in the fashion business. So for those of you reading this and hoping to become models, let me edify you to the reality of the business. There is no school out there that can make you that promise and keep it. To become a model the reality is the following. If you are over 5'-9" or 1m 75 cm around 14-16 years of age or even younger. Have a unique look that breaks with convention A classic conventional look that is really commercial Have been discovered by a credible model agency scout or recognized fashion photographer Have been to see the credible model agencies around like Elite, Ford, Next, IMG, Marilyn, One Model Management, Viva, etc. and they have accepted you on their roster A fashion magazine editor has discovered you and sent you to one of the above agencies or other credible agencies All modeling agencies worth their weight, will teach the models the necessary talent to survive in the business. They will warn them against certain career pitfalls, who and what to avoid, teach them how to walk for runway work, as well as some of the more important aspects of posing and attitudes needed to approach a photo and video shoot. Of course there are other types of modeling that I have not mentioned, like hand, leg, body, extra work, glamour, erotic, people, lifestyle etc. modeling that falls under a very different category and doesn't really require the above attributes. If none of the above situations apply, I suggest that you save your money and invest in other aspects of your capabilities and pass GO and save your $200.00. One day you might want to pass this on to those seeking your advice. Comments are welcome http://www.benjaminkanarekblog.com/kcl Last edited by benjikan; 08-18-2011 at 02:38 PM.

08-17-2011, 01:07 AM	#3
Frogfish Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Shanghai Posts: 4,490	Very good of you to post that Benji. I would add that those height limits don't always apply especially if the girls are going into commercial work (shooting promotional work for companies for posters / magazines etc. my daughter is 5' 7" and has done this work for the likes of Mango, Zara etc.) or for e.g. hair stylist competitions etc. Such as this kind of thing - below (just a snapshot for the designer but you get the idea). If your daughter is thinking of going into modeling then she needs to get a professional portfolio (Beware !! Many 'Model Agencies' say they want your daughter on their books but often it's a con as you need to pay for a professional model portfolio that they will set up for you for $$$ - and there is no such thing as guaranteed work after producing the portfolio) so working for free for top amateur togs is a good way to build this up (it needs to stay current too - no shots over 6 months and preferably not over 3 months old). Model Mayhem is a good way to establish a network of photographers, stylists, hair and makeup artists etc. and find unpaid work to build that portfolio - take precautions here too when making appointments for shoots (my daughter turned one down when the tog refused to allow her to bring a friend - this is highly suspicious). P.S. If you need a good English/Chinese model based in London Benji (and Paris is only a hop, skip and a jump return trip away) then I'll send you my daughter's MM address Attached Images Last edited by Frogfish; 08-17-2011 at 04:07 AM.

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08-17-2011, 12:48 AM	#2
Warped Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 351	I remember seeing a lot of modelling acadamies, or schools, in the past, but not many around now. Now days, there seems to be more set-ups aimed at song and dance, drama and modelling all in one, and marketting it as a social thing to get your kids out of the house, interacting with others and building their self-confidence. The claims of future stardom and being discovered have been toned right and they do their best to milk yuor money by pitching it as the right thing to do for your kids. Next top model, X-factor, So you think you can Dance .....etc has everyone waiting to be discovered and become the next big thing over the course of a few weeks - who needs a aschool or academy anymore ..... they're so yesterday!! So in my aprt of the world, the venerable modelling academy seems to have died off. Of note - the magic mark in Perth is 5'10" or taller, doesn't matter how stunning or unique a model may look, they won't even get a foot in the door if they're 5'9" or less. At least now I get the feeling that people realise there are markets for all kinds of looks and a high-end fashion model isn't the be all and end all to aim for. The burlesque look, tattooed and pierced look, fetish and alternative look, fitness and lifestyle look ......etc are all becoming more main stream and seen as possible alternatives now - making the modeling school out dated and out of touch as they can't cover all possible bases.

08-17-2011, 01:10 AM	#4
Frogfish Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Shanghai Posts: 4,490	Originally posted by Warped Of note - the magic mark in Perth is 5'10" or taller, doesn't matter how stunning or unique a model may look, they won't even get a foot in the door if they're 5'9" or less. Many also lie ! My daughter has been to a few shoots with models on the books of top agencies who have those height requirements .... and they were shorter than she is ! If it's strictly runway then that is something else of course.

08-17-2011, 04:11 PM	#5
magkelly Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,901	You can get some print and show work as a petites model if you are under 5'7" tall, but you'll never end up on a runway in Paris, NY, or Milan unless you are pretty tall. I did a lot of store fashion shows as a teen, and I'm really short actually, but that's most of what the shorter girls get, local work, catalog work. I actually made more money showing off my feet and my hands for a while there. But yeah, most modeling schools are a total crock. They exist only to sell the models portfolios. Any real agency won't make a model pay for her book. Even some of the more legit agencies can be dicey. I had a local agency that was supposedly reputable interested in me when I was like 18. They might of been respectable, but their recruiter sure wasn't. The guy was all enthusiastic in the office about me doing some catalog work. He didn't try to get me to doff my clothes there, but he made some rather personal comments about me doing a lot of lingerie work which made me a bit leery of him and the agency. He knew where I worked and one day he just showed up at my job and asked me to come on break with him. I figured there were security guards and cameras all round, and he knew they would miss me if I didn't come back, so I went to the food court with him. He ended up offering me an apartment, a car and a monthly stipend if I'd agree to extend my work for him beyond some catalog and mall modeling. I called up the woman who ran the agency after that and I told her what he'd said. I gather they fired him, but that was how it was she said, a lot of the time, in the industry. There were always perverts out there looking to scam on the models. She seemed relieved to have him gone, I think she was worried about her agency's reputation and his effect on it, but she was pretty open about things like that happening. I wish I could say he was the only one who tried to get fresh with me, but he wasn't. I wanted to transition from doing things like mall shows into doing more print work, so I could then transition into acting, but in the end I just wasn't too comfortable with that scene or the people in it. I always had a hard time with my picture being taken anyway. I was never quite comfortable on that side of the camera even when I was at my best, but being propositioned a few times didn't make me feel any more comfortable. I'm not exactly built like your typical teen model. Back then models could be a bit bigger, and I was petty thin then, but even so I had curves, and while that is fine for acting, it's not so fine for dance and modeling. You're a fresh-faced teen, have T&A and you get all kinds of attention, and a lot of the time it's the WRONG kind of attention... I like the whole concept of Model Mayhem, it gives the models a bit more control over who they work for and how, but I personally wouldn't let any daughter of mine go for a shoot without a good escort. If people like the ones I met can get jobs in legit areas? Imagine how much easier it would be for them to freelance and do it. To be fair I did meet some really decent people in the industry back then, and have since, but if I had a daughter who wanted to model or similar? I'd be making sure she knew what could happen and I'd be insisting she get someone to go along and watch her back regardless. The infamous "casting couch" it's far from dead...

08-17-2011, 04:16 PM	#6
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	My hopes and dreams are now crushed I actually have more than one friend that "models" here in SoCal. I'd say its more who you know that anything else here

08-17-2011, 08:53 PM	#7
magkelly Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,901	Your friend is in the right place. That helps too. Lots more work in southern CA than in say South Dakota....

08-18-2011, 02:38 PM	#8
benjikan Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Paris, France Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,308 Original Poster	Originally posted by yeatzee My hopes and dreams are now crushed I actually have more than one friend that "models" here in SoCal. I'd say its more who you know that anything else here Sorry to hear that ;-)

09-19-2011, 05:09 PM	#9
K-9 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,971	Most local modeling agencies or schools who tell you they will have your photos done for you is a scam, especially the ones who turn you down if you tell them you will provide photos from your own photographer. As Benjikan said, to be a top model or supermodel one must be 5'9" and up and preferably start out under 18. However, many girls from 17-27, from even 5'2" and up can make money locally from websites such as Model Mayhem. As long as they know they are not going to make it famous here, there are money opportunities available. Just check the photographer's references, experience, and always bring a friend. Models can make several hundred dollars a month or more booking with legit local photographers. They can make much more than going with a local "school". They should even be able to get their portfolio done for free, unlike agencies who want you to pay up front for that.