How To Get Your Child Into Modeling

Child modeling is a lot easier to launch when the child is a baby (under 2 years old) but don't get discourage if your child is older. Cailey was 3 months old when she started modeling and she landed her first gig with Fisher Price. She also worked on major modeling campaign's with Gerber, Target, Babies R Us, Toys R Us, Avon, Metlife and a few others. I get questions everyday from other parents about getting their kids in the industry so this post is for you. I live in NY and most of the information provided applies to the State of New York.

Before seeking an agency let me give you a quick run through of what you should expect.

All castings/auditions & actual jobs are usually Monday through Friday between 8AM - 5PM. Some castings are done with little to no advance notice. If you are unable to take time off work and don't have a reliable sitter don't waste your time.

After the gig is done the agency will take 20% of the total earned amount and if you work with a Management Agency they will likely take an additional 10-15%. All checks will be mailed after 90 days.

State of NY requires that all child performers have a current work permit. All major gigs will require this before they hire your child. It is the parents' responsibility to renew the work permit and keep it current every year. It is possible to lose a job because of a neglected work permit!

Learn more at https://www.labor.ny.gov/secure/ChildPerformer/welcome.html.

Another must is getting your child a blocked trust bank account under their name (yes the babies too) in order to work. The types of acceptable accounts are UTMA / UGMA / COOGAN (not a simple savings account). The easiest way to obtain a trust account is going to the Actors Federal Credit Union. Make sure when you go in person to open account that you bring all necessary identification and forms.

Link to application below

http://actorsfcu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/afcu-child-perf-custodial1.pdf.

If any agency request money from you to be signed......RUN that is likely not a reputable agency. Doing your research on agencies is critical so that your child is protected and has a good experience. Pick an agency that is registered with the Better Business Bureau and do your own Google investigation on the company.

Now to the fun part, Reach out to the agent/manager via email, phone or mail and make sure to note your child's Name, Age, Height, Weight, Clothing Size, Shoe Sizes, Hair Color, Eye Color and submit 2-3 clear pictures (Include a full body) of your child. Because kids change so much, I don't recommend investing in pricey professional pictures until they are over 10 years old.

Tips: Most smart phones have awesome cameras, use them to take submission pictures. Take them outside for better lighting. Dress them in bright colors, minimal background (white wall, brick wall, grass..) and avoid outfits with logos or crazy patterns.