Wanna Be a Star? Become a Child Model

What do Raven Symone, star of "That’s So Raven" Christie Brinkley, Katherine Heigl and Brooke Shields have in common (besides being in show business)?  They all begin their careers as a child model.  These are a few well known people whose big breaks came because of their exposure in catalogs such as Sears, Lord and Taylor and magazines, such as Seventeen.  If you would like to get your child into show business, the best place to start is in child modeling.

If you think you’d like to get your youngster into child modeling, here are a few tips to help:

Check out Agencies. You can most certainly submit your child’s photos to agencies in hopes of getting an interview. Know that this method does not always work because agents receive hundreds of photos of hopefuls each day. However, it may pay off and you won’t lose anything by giving it a shot. Know, though, that you do not have to spend a fortune on a professional photographer to take pictures of your child to submit to agencies. You can send snapshots (in fact, most agencies prefer snapshots to professional photos) and a resume of any work that your child has done as well as contact information.

Start Locally. If you are in a relatively large city, or even a mid size city, you can begin by modeling locally. Some boutiques and department stores use local models for their advertising in print and TV commercials. This can give your child experience and exposure. You will need to do a little foot work to find out which stores use local models, but it can really pay off. Flip through local publications and notice the businesses that advertise. Those are the businesses that you want to approach. You can make an appointment and bring photos as well as a resume of your child’s experience. Your child will have a great chance at becoming a child model. if you will start at the local level.

Research Expos and Fashion Shows. Expos and fashion shows will put your child in front of a live audience - and sometimes in front of agents or other business owners who are looking for models. Again, exposure is invaluable when it comes to promoting a modeling career. When you hear of an expo, such as a holiday expo or wedding expo and contact the person who is over it. Ask them who is coordinating the fashion show and get their contact information (this is not a profession for the timid!). Get in touch with  the fashion show coordinator and let them know that you have a child who is a model and you would like to get them into the show. The thing to remember is that when you are working local shows, sometimes there is pay attached to it and sometimes there is not. Whatever the case, your child will get great exposure and you can get photos of them "in action." That is a great addition to their book (portfolio).

So, if your child is going to become the next child super model, it’s time to take action.  Get started today towards becoming a child model.