There are plenty of modelling opportunities available for kids; you just have to know how to find them and help your child stand out from the competition.
How to Get Your Child Into Modelling
There are several key things you can do to boost your child’s chances of getting into modelling
The first is to make yourself available. As the child’s parent/guardian, you will need to be flexible and able to attend any auditions and jobs your child is invited to. Not doing so makes you appear flakey and not serious about the role – a more “serious” model will be favoured above those who don’t prioritise the job.
You will also need an incredible portfolio. This portfolio needs to house up to 20 of your child’s best modelling photos. They need to be high-quality and really show potential agencies and brands your child’s skill and potential. If your child doesn’t yet have any modelling experience, you’ll want to look into booking in with a professional photographer in a studio. This way, your child will gain valuable experience in front of the camera at the photoshoot, and you will be able to purchase their best photos to add to their portfolio. This is also a great chance to see whether your child enjoys modelling, and if they’re any good at it.
The most important step you can take is to find a modelling agency and get your child signed to it. A modelling agency will help find and invite you to potential modelling jobs (they take a cut of any money you earn). Each modelling agency has different requirements and rules, so make sure you read any contracts thoroughly before signing anything.
Don’t forget to check out our in-depth blog article about getting your child into modelling.
Finding Your Child Modelling Work
If you’re able to find a modelling agency that will sign your child, half of the hard work is over. However, this doesn’t guarantee work. The modelling agency will come to you with auditions and casting calls that you can attend. You now have to prove that your child is good enough to be chosen. If you can prove this and make the agency money, you’ll be kept on the books.
Firstly, do everything within your power to attend any auditions that you are invited to. This might mean cancelling and re-scheduling plans; it might mean your child misses school, and has to catch up with homework. You’ll need to make a few sacrifices to prove you are serious about the job. The more serious you appear, the more auditions and casting calls you will be invited to.
You will also need to manage transportation for you and your child. As their guardian, you will legally have to accompany them to any and all auditions, meetings and jobs. This will take a fair chunk out of your time, so be prepared for this.
Most modelling work takes place in major cities like London and Manchester. If you are located outside these areas, you will have to be prepared for lengthy car or train journeys. This aspect of modelling is time-consuming and annoying; you will often have to foot the bill for travel until your child is more established. If your child hates travelling, you may want to rethink modelling as a career for them.
Getting Experience
The more experience your child has modelling, the better. There are plenty of opportunities that crop up that you can apply for. Keep an eye on social media and follow the appropriate accounts to be kept abreast of any new auditions or jobs coming up. You can also attend open casting calls if they arise; these are handy to experience if you are completely new to the world of modelling.
You can also check the local papers, as well as child brand websites and local news stations.
Many modelling opportunities will crop up that are unpaid, or paid for in freebies. These can be worthwhile if you are completely new as long as you can use the photos from the shoots in your portfolio; make sure with the brand/photographer beforehand, as there are always copyright issues to think of.
Avoiding Scams
Unfortunately, there are many people and businesses out there who will try to take advantage of your eagerness and excitement. It’s important you avoid these scams to the best of your abilities.
Avoid scams by doing your research. If someone approaches you, always verify their details by going directly to the site/company. Never use e-mails or numbers given to you as these could also be related to the scam.
You should make sure to read any paperwork/contracts thoroughly. If you don’t know what you’re doing or feel at all uncomfortable, ask someone you trust or a lawyer for help. Never feel that you can’t ask for verification or clarity. Never feel as though you are being rushed to sign something without checking it over properly.
You should not be asked for payment upfront by anyone offering modelling jobs. A modelling agency will also not ask for membership fees or payment; they make their money by taking a cut of any jobs you get.
If you ever see any red flags or feel unsure, walk away. It is always best to be safe rather than sorry, especially where your children’s welfare is concerned.
What Sort of Modelling Jobs Can I Expect to Find for Kids?
Kid’s modelling jobs relate to products or services that not only target children but their parents and family too. Think about when you watch TV; you’ll often see “families” advertising holidays, food, clothing, events and more! Children are often needed for these types of ventures.
Your child may be asked to model alone, but most often kids are asked to model as part of a group. This may be a “family” setting, or it may be with lots of other children. It’s important your child is comfortable with strangers, as modelling will mean they often need to work with people they don’t know. They may even need to appear like they are related, or best friends.
How to Get Chosen at Auditions
Getting chosen at auditions isn’t always down to what you do. Remember that brands are looking for a certain person; they will already have a look and personality in mind before you even step through the door. If you don’t meet these criteria, it’s unlikely you will get selected. That’s not down to you, so don’t take rejection to heart. All models face rejection, and both you and your child will need to get used to it as part of the life of a model.
If you do have the right look and personality for a role, they will be able to tell immediately. To give yourself even more chance of success, there are several other things you can do:
- Make sure you child is well-rested and cheerful.
- Be well fed and watered before an audition (take snacks and a drink in case you need to wait; you don’t want your child to be grouchy from hunder).
- Wear clean, comfortable clothing that relates to the audition brief (no one wants to be uncomfortable for ages)
- Be polite to everyone you meet.
- Allow your child to show off their personality. Don’t talk for them – the interviewers want to see your child be themselves.
- Take a change of clothing and some baby wipes in case any food or drink-related accidents happen before the interview – you want to arrive clean and fresh.
- Make sure you read the audition brief thoroughly. You will be told where and when to go, and you don’t want to be late. You may also be asked to wear certain clothes or style your child’s hair in a certain way, so pay attention to whatever is suggested in the brief.
