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View Full Version : I want to be a model so bad but my mom won't let me?


lollipoppy_101
Oct 23, 2014, 10:06 PM
I'm 16 years old, blonde, big blue eyed, 5"11 and skinny. I don't starve myself like a lot of models do I'm naturally thin and it us very hard for me to gain weight. People always tell me I look like a mix Candice Swanepoel and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. My measurements are: 34, 24, 35 and I want to be a model really badly. Everyone said I should be a model. All my friends, even teachers, everyone. All except my mom. My mom wants me to be a doctor but I really don't because doctor stuff scares me! I got scouted last year with my mom and because my mom was there she didn't let me. How can I convince my mom?

Oliver2011
Oct 24, 2014, 05:51 AM
If you are 16 you have less than 2 years to adulthood where you can make decisions yourself.

smoothy
Oct 24, 2014, 06:15 AM
Very , very few people make a living in modeling. You only see the handful that actually can. Plan on and pursue another career because you are going to need to eat and pay bills. Fine to do this on the side, and if you get, really , really lucky and can make a living at it good for you. Just understand most models don't make much money and what they do make isn't consistent.

Your mom knows this, you however have to learn yet, that dreams and reality...rarely ever mesh. As do most people your age. Reality is a far different thing that you think it is at 16. And Reality is very, very unforgiving.

You also have to understand most of the "Scouts" aren't as nice and wonderful as you think they are. They are in it for what's good for them...some of them use, and abuse young naïve girls (or boys) and manipulate them. They will dump you in the snap of a finger when you stop being of value to them.

Fr_Chuck
Oct 24, 2014, 07:34 AM
Most models as noted, work in a lot of other jobs, As you were already told, few make a living at it. Also as the scouting goes, over 2/3 of the "scouts" work for companies that are trying to sell services, They try to get young girls, ( and of course the parents) to pay money for modeling classes, for photo shoots, for advertising, and then they will run you though some cattle calls that are just open calls.
If your mom says no, then it is no for now. There are 1000's of girls with your measurements and your desire, For now, you wait and if you want to, when you are 18, you can try.

joypulv
Oct 24, 2014, 08:05 AM
Money, money, money to those 'scouts' and agents and photographers.
Often there's sex, if you are of age.
Then, you are either old or out of style for your body type or looks, or something about you changes even at a fairly young age, so you are thrown to the curb early.
Then what? A whole life ahead of you with NOTHING.
There are a dozen famous models. For each one, several thousand working a grinding and cutthroat business without fame and fortune. For each of those, several thousand who don't make it, despite sleeping and paying their way in.
I watched a video shoot once, and noticed that although all the women had model LOOKS, several of them couldn't pose, couldn't follow instructions, and managed to look just plain empty-brained in each shot. Those don't get used.

Having said all that, who are we to say you aren't going to be a famous model? Plenty of young people defy all the odds and succeed at their talent, their skill, their art, their ambition. Stop complaining about your mother. If you want to be a model hard enough, you will - in 2 years, but without your mother's help or money. That's life!

ScottGem
Oct 24, 2014, 09:53 AM
I actually disagree that very few make a living modeling. But very few make big money and fame. There are many models that do local shows and if they are good, can make a living at it.

But you can do nothing until you become an adult. Then find a reputable agency and see if they will take you on. But this usually means spending several thousand for a portfolio.

DoulaLC
Oct 24, 2014, 02:09 PM
Without your mother's consent, you will have to wait a bit longer, which may not always be a bad idea. You will be more mature by then and better able to handle the rigors and disappointments (which can be many) of the job.

As was said, there are thousands of models, and while most are not well known names, they can be quite successful in one or more specific areas. Some are strictly runway, some print, advertisements, some buyers shows, etc. You can pursue a second career if you do start modeling at some point. It is actually quite wise to do so. It may not be a doctor, but you can find something that you are interested in. Often models are in the business for a limited time, sometimes by choice, sometimes not. And there's no guarantee that you will do well in modeling no matter how attractive you are.

When you are of age, you can simply send out a composite, or even a couple of simple photos (head shot and full length shot) with your information to a number of agencies (some may have open calls looking for new talent), and see where it takes you. If they are interested, they will contact you to come in. If a reputable agency signs you, and they feel that they can earn money with your look, they should take of your photos. As ScottGem mentioned, some people do end up spending a great deal of money, but you shouldn't.

The three biggest red flags are being asked to pay a lot of money for photos, being asked to pay for modeling classes, (unless they are part of a modeling school), and being told you need suggestive type pictures.

Cat1864
Oct 24, 2014, 02:47 PM
Okay, you don't want to be a doctor. Other than a model, what do you want to be? Can you show your mother that you have other thoughts for your future that are not dependent on your looks? If you can show her that you do have what she may consider more realistic goals, perhaps she will be more open to discussing modeling.

You have a lot to say about your looks. What about your brains? How are your grades? What about other talents? Sports? Arts? Music?