What Does a Teen Model Do?

Teen models are more than just someone who struts down a catwalk or a runway. They are major assets in helping people market and promote products, showcase items, and bring in clients. They can model anything from clothes, lotion, cars, furniture, and anything else that needs to be sold.

How Much Does a Teen Model Get Paid?

Models can make anywhere from $5-$250+ an hour. This pay rate varies depending on if you’re a child or adult, beginner or experienced model, or if the company pays per day instead of per hour. It also depends on what types of model you’re looking to become.

How Can I Get Started as a Teen Model?

1. Modeling can be a time-consuming, yet rewarding career. Make sure to ask your parents if they approve of you pursuing this. They might have to drive you to different locations and pay for headshots and comp cards, so their permission is a must. Plus, most modeling and talent agencies require you to bring an adult if you’re under 18.
2. Think about what type of model you want to be. You have tons of options.
   • Fashion models mostly do photoshoots for designers who are trying to promote their clothing lines. You’ll see a lot of them in magazines.
   • Runway models are hired by designers who are showcasing their clothing collections to an audience. You’ll need to have a nice walk and sometimes know how to walk in heels, this applies to guys as well.
   • Fitness models promote workout attire. You don’t have to necessarily be athletic, but you’ll need to look the part. They can also be seen in commercials for Nike, Adidas and other sports brands.
   • Commercial models help with ads and promoting products. Acting experience isn’t always necessary, though there are many acting classes to take online if you’re interested, but you’ll need to feel comfortable in front of a camera and know how to take directions well.
   • Parts models focus on promoting jewelry, shoes, stockings and other items used for body parts specifically. A jewelry company with a ring commercial would need a hand model, or a nail polish company might need a foot model. If you think you have nice ears, hands, feet, legs, or eyes definitely try pursuing this as a career.
   • Swimsuit models show off beachwear and model bathing suits. They can be seen on a runway, in magazines, or on clothing websites.
3. After figuring out what type of model you want to be, research the requirements. Fashion models for certain clothing lines might have physical body requirements you need to meet. Don’t do anything drastic to meet these requirements, there will always be more work out there for you!
4. Get a local photographer to take professional pictures of you. For starters you’ll need a full-length body picture, a medium shot (from your waist up), and a close up (from your shoulders up). If you decide to be a parts model, you’ll need a variety of extreme close-ups of whatever part you’re trying to sell. For example, if you want to be a hand model, get your photographer to take shots of only your hand in different positions. Prices for photographers vary. Some charge by the hour, while others charge by the number of outfit changes. If you can’t afford a professional photographer, try contacting a local college’s art program. Sometimes students need models for their own websites and portfolios and won’t charge you a fee.
5. Make your own comp card! Comp cards are used to market you as a model. Almost every agency will ask you for one of these. Comp cards have a variety of your photos on them, as well as all of your body measurements. Make sure to go get measured or have your parents get measuring tape and do it themselves. If you’re male you’ll need to know your inseam, suit, and chest size and females will need to know bust, waist, and hip size. Both will need to know height, weight, and shoe size along with hair and eye color. You’ll also need your nationality and contact information listed. Here are some examples.
6. Have social media accounts like Instagram and Twitter to promote yourself. Set up more sessions with photographers so you’ll have more looks. Post your professional model shots on your social media and use hashtags to bring attention to your profile. Connect with other models by searching hashtags!
7. If you want, you could also make yourself a website for free to have a broader portfolio for people to see. If you do this, you’ll want to add your site to your comp card so agencies can see more of your looks. You can do that by clicking here for a tutorial to make a website. 
8. If you’re feeling confident about yourself, comp card, social media sites, and portfolio, start researching talent agencies to join or try finding a manager. Some agencies accept unsolicited material (meaning you might be able to apply through their website or an open casting call) while others require you to have a manager, here’s the difference between an agent and a manager. Always make sure to research an agency thoroughly due to scams and hidden fees.

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Helpful Resources

• Comp Card Design Examples:  This shows you what comp cards look like.
• Create Your Own Website: This is a post that explains how you can create your own website in a step-by-step tutorial. 
• Difference Between Agent and Manager:  This article explains the difference between an agent and a manager.
• Scams:  This article will help you understand different scams that modeling agencies have.