Could your child be a model?

Starting a career as a model may seem like a bit of a strange thing to consider for your child, but it really shouldn't be, as we are bombarded with media containing young models on a daily basis, we just don't usually acknowledge them as being "models".

If your child is always getting remarks from other people about how cute they are, it could be something to consider. Depending on their age, they could also show an interest too. Either way, it's an entirely safe career path to go down, as long as you're vigilant.

Your first pictures

Your initial contact with a modelling agency will be done via email or post. You should send 2-3 images of your child, with one being a headshot, and the other being a full-body photo. This should be accompanied with a cover letter, similarly to how you would send a cover letter with a job application. Make sure that your child's details are sent along with them, as well as your own.


These photos need to be professionally done. Most agencies that are worthwhile will reply to you within a few weeks, with either a polite rejection email, or with an invitation. At these mini-interviews, the agencies will be not just looking at the child, but looking at you as a parent too. This is because, while ultimately the child is the main focus, without a truly supportive and easy-going parent, the jobs will never be able to be completed in the long-haul.

Read all UK Models reviews

It's important that you read all the reviews for uk models and all other modelling agencies as there are scams out there. Your child's safety is paramount and something you should take very seriously.

Does my child have the correct look?

A popular misconception with modelling is that you have to be ridiculously attractive in order to success. This isn't just specific to child modelling, but for modelling in general. While being slightly ahead of the curve can have its benefits, most commercials or advertisements are looking for "average" kids. As in, when others see the child, their appearance doesn't look out of place.

 

Location of agencies

Agency headquarters are usually located in main cities. Not only that, but the biggest photo shoots for companies and corporations will also take place in these cities. If you're from the UK, it'll be beneficial if you live in or around London. You'll certainly be able to get work if you don't, but a good 80%+ of the big jobs will be here. However, if travelling isn't an issue then this isn't really a problem, but bear in mind that you will likely have to travel to London for every audition. In the US, due to its size, there is a little more leeway, although it'll be beneficial if you live in or around New York City or Los Angeles.

Be realistic

It can be easy to get caught up in the motions and start dreaming of your beloved child becoming a rich and successful superstar. These situations are rare though, as the average workload of a young model is 2-3 jobs a month. These jobs can pay anywhere from £25-£150 an hour, and will usually only last a couple of hours. It's still great money for the time, but it's important that you realise that you won't be able to retire early just because your child is a model.

However, if your child is lucky enough to end up in a national commercial that runs for many months, or years, then six figures is certainly possible!

Dealing with rejection

First and foremost, don't take rejection personally, and don't take it to heart. Don't feel like it's because of something you said, or that you didn't try hard enough. Sometimes the agents are looking for a specific look for whatever project they're casting, and if you don't have that look, then there isn't anything you can possibly do.

Rejection can be as simple as your child didn't have enough/has too many freckles, wears a slightly larger/too small shirt, has curly hair/doesn't have curly hair. As you can see, they can be extremely picky, on both sides of the board.

The most important thing is that you don't let it get to you, or let it get to your child. Dealing with rejection can start as early as your first agency email, or later on after your child has already completed a few jobs, regardless of when, it'll happen at some point.