Child modelling is not just time, effort and work for the child model; it takes just as much for the parent/guardian, too.
While modelling is very much down to luck and being in the right place at the right time, it’s also down to a combination of hard work, schedule flexibility and a good work ethic; and this is just as much required for the parent as much as it is the child, if not more so.
So what it is actually like to be the parent of a child model? Read on to find out.
Getting Into the World of Child Modelling
Often, child models fall into modelling by accident – a combination of having the right look and being discovered by the right people. Of course, there are ways you can put yourself further into the spotlight to be noticed; you can attend children’s open casting calls and apply to the many different child modelling agencies that can be found online. Sometimes child models are “scouted” (approached by modelling agency scouts) if they think they have the right look.
How Much Does Child Modelling Pay?
You shouldn’t get into child modelling if you think it will be an easy way to make good money. Unless you’re working with a larger, well-known brand on big campaigns, it’s unlikely you’ll make a lot of money. Your child won’t be able to work full-time, so you’ll be looking at part-time income. And you have to take into consideration the costs for travel, the child’s portfolio, overnight hotel stays, plus the flexibility to your schedule – but we’ll touch more on that later. Some agencies will pay these extras if the model in question is seen as in demand, but more often than not, these costs are taken out of the end payment to the model, or expected to be paid out of your own pocket.
Most parents get into child modelling as a way to help their child build their confidence – and of course, they’ll get some fantastic photos of their children, too. Making money is often seen as an extra perk, but not a great sole reason to get into modelling as it’s likely you will be disappointed. Any money you do make will make a great addition to their future funds.
Being Flexible
If you want your child to become a model, one of the most important things you can do is be flexible. For younger children, this may be slightly easier, but for kids in school this can become problematic. You may be invited to castings on short notice, and these may take place during the work week. That means you may have to ditch work or pull your child out of school to attend – and this isn’t always manageable.
Casting calls nearly always take place in city centres (London and Manchester being the top two locations in England), so you will need to be able to travel to these locations for interviews.
If interviews take place at the weekend, or if you are successful and are asked to attend a photoshoot, you may have to turn down social events in favour of attending the shoot.
Flexibility is one of the main priorities for photographers and brands, so if you’re able to commit, you’ll already be winning their favour.
Hidden Costs
As we mentioned briefly above, modelling can be an expensive hobby. While you will indeed earn money from photoshoots, you will be expected to pay out your own pocket to attend interviews and casting calls – and it’s likely you won’t always be successful at these. That means you could spend a whole day travelling and interviewing for zero payment.
If you get signed to a good child modelling agency, they may cover these costs for you, but this is unlikely unless your child is established in the industry and in demand by brands.
Any shoots that take place on location or even abroad may also require other unexpected payments. Always check your contracts to ensure you don’t end up out of pocket.
Being Patient
Patience is another virtue that both child and parent must have in the world of modelling. Some interviews may take places hours away – but can take as long as 5 minutes. Photoshoots often have long waiting times; sometimes, a child may be expected to wait 4+ hours before they’ve even had their hair and make-up done.
And yes, children and toddler models will be expected to sit and have stylists do their hair and apply make-up. This can be as little as a bit of concealer and lip balm, to a full face of foundation and eye make-up depending on what the client wants.
You may also have to be patient between jobs. Often, you can go weeks without any work, then suddenly be expected to attend 5 castings over the course of a single week. If you have other children, you may be required to find them babysitters at a moment’s notice.
Dealing with the Cutthroat Nature of Modelling
If your child is at a photoshoot, you will always have to be present to mind them. You may be expected to step in if photographers, set directors and stylists struggle to get your child to perform on camera. They have a shot to get, and children who can’t perform may be politely sent off set and replaced by another child. It’s cutthroat, but that is the nature of modelling. It’s important not to take it personally; these companies have a business to run.
Is it OK for Your Child to Work?
For children, modelling should not be seen as a job. It should be seen as a fun, out-of-school hobby – like netball or music class. Modelling is a great way for them to meet new people, build their confidence, visit new places, learn how to listen and follow directions, and learn the art of patience – and of course, save for their future.
The moment your child begins to not enjoy modelling is when you need to step back and assess whether or not it’s really worth it. An unhappy child is not likely to take nice, happy photos. It will be difficult to get them to perform if they are always cranky on set.
Ultimately, as their parent, it will always be up to you to decide when enough is enough. You will have to make decisions in the now and for their future because, while a child may enjoy modelling, they likely don’t fully understand everything it entails. It will be your responsibility to attend casting calls and photoshoots with them, your job to read contracts and understand the legalities, and your job to decide whether the job is more important than social engagements or even education. Child modelling requires lots of thinking and responsibility; make sure you’re up to the task before you go for it.
