How to be a child model

How to Become a Child Model

Child modelling is a very popular profession and many parents want to know how to get their child into it. It can be a fun and lucrative hobby as well as a confidence builder in children. Read on to discover how to help your child become a child model.

What is a 

A child model is a young person who models for different brands including clothing, toys, holidays and more. Just like a regular model, a child model will usually have an agency (in the UK this agency will usually be based in a main city like London or Manchester).

Brands like Disney, John Lewis, Sainsburys, Asda, and Next are always on the lookout for new catalogue models. Premium brands also use children to model their childwear.

Child models must attend different casting calls and interviews in order to gain work.

They must also have a portfolio to show potential employees their potential and experience in modelling.

How Much Do 

The amount of money that a child model earns differs depending on who they are working for, their experience, their fame and how in-demand they are. A single job can pay anything from a couple of hundred pounds way up to thousands for larger campaigns with big brands.

Experienced child models can earn up to 6-figures for TV commercials, and around £1200 a day for editorial work.

What are the Requirements for a 

Child models do not have to be a specific height or size. Their measurements will determine what age group they are modelling for.

Children are also not required to have perfect teeth; on the contrary, kids are generally favoured when they have any sort of quirk that is considered cute.

Child models must have bright eyes, nice smiles and be confident around strangers. While not imperative, it’s a good idea to keep your child well-protected during playtime to avoid bruises and cuts to the skin which may be visible in photos.

Children under the age of 18 will need an adult present at all interviews and jobs. This is a legal requirement.

Modelling can also require a lot of travelling. Parents of child models must be ready to transport their child to any interviews and jobs. These may take place across the country and may even occur abroad.

Children may have to take time off school in order to do modelling. You will need an excellent relationship with the child’s school to allow this. The child must also be ok with doing lots of homework and school work outside of school hours to catch up with whatever they miss.

A professional photo shoot can be an exciting but often intimidating experience even for adults. Your child must be comfortable in this sort of situation to succeed in modelling.

Can My 

Everyone has to start somewhere! Child models do not have to have any experience, though any experience they do have may help them land jobs.

You child will need a portfolio, however. A modelling portfolio is a folder of photos that a model takes with them to interviews and jobs. It can contain up to 20 photos and these should include close-up face shots as well as full-length body images. The portfolio should attempt to show the model’s modelling abilities in the best way possible. It is a good idea to include shots with the model smiling and laughing as well as more serious poses.

Who Are the Highest-Paid 

– Ekaterina Samsonov. Now 17, Ekat was a huge model at only 11 years old and earned over $50,000 in one year as a child model.

– Lily Chee is said to have earned up to $22k in one year at age 11. She has worked with Nike, Levi’s, Kohls, Uniqlo and Ralph Lauren.

– Hudson Kroenig. Hudson is now 12, but at 6 years old he had walked for Chanel and worked for Fendi and Dolce & Gabbana. He is the son of Chanel model Brad Kroenig.

– Julian O’Neill is now 13 bu at the age of 7 years old he was earning around $12,500 a year. He has worked for Hanna Andersson, Roberto Cavalli Kids, Vogue Bambini and Toys R Us.

How Do I Find My Child a 

It is highly rare for a model to be scouted, so parents who are looking to involve their children in modelling should focus on applying to relevant child modelling agencies.

Parents should do plenty of research into the best modelling agencies around. All this research can be done online. You can apply to as many agencies as you want, as many time as you want, but don’t send the same agency multiple applications too close together as they will find this annoying.

You need a great modelling portfolio to help your child stand out from the competition. A modelling portfolio contains up to 20 photos showing off your child’s modelling experience.

If you don’t have any experience yet, it’s a good idea to book a professional photoshoot. Not only will this give you the chance to get excellent photos for your child’s professional portfolio, but it will also allow you to decide whether or not your child is right for a career in modelling.

A legitimate agency is free to join. There will be no upfront fees or other later expenses.

How Do I Know if a Career in Modelling is Right for my Child?

Find out your child’s suitability to the modelling industry by deciding whether they will enjoy it. A child who enjoys modelling will enjoy attending photo shoots. Those who hate it will obviously have a rubbish time and this will show in the images. There is no point trying to force your child into modelling if they don’t want to do it. While the parent is the child’s manager, it is ultimately up to the child to decide whether or not they want to pursue this hobby/career.

Other points to consider:

– Is your child confident? This personality trait is a must for a career in modelling. They must be comfortable around strangers as they will regularly be working with lots of people they don’t know.

– Does your child become easily overwhelmed? A photo shoot can be an intimidating place and children must adapt quickly to these new surroundings.

– Does your child listen to instructions? It’s important that a model can follow directions well.

– Do they play well with others? Your child may be expected to work with other children on some shoots so they need to be able to get on with other kids.

– How does your child perform in front of the camera? Do they strike a pose and smile, or shy away? A child must enjoy having their photo taken.

– Does your child have patience? There can often be a lot of waiting around at photo shoots. They may also be required to sit still while the creative team (makeup artists and hair stylists) work on your child.

– Would your child be proud to see themself on billboards, or mortified? A young model should feel proud and happy of their work – not scared or embarrassed.

How to Keep Your Child Safe Online

If a parent is approached via social media by someone claiming to work for a modelling agency, research should be done to verify the authenticity of the person. Unfortunately there are many scams around and it’s vital you protect your child. If your child is approached online and engaged in conversation, it is not likely to be legitimate as most agencies do not approach children.

Occasionally a brand may request a child to pass on their details to their parent but this is rare and research should still be done by the parent to ensure the offer is real. This will most likely be on Instagram. Use extreme caution if a message comes through on SnapChat and it is very unlikely to be real. Always report any concerning messages and make sure your child understands how to stay safe if they are online.

Never email or call a number that is given to you via a message. Always find the real website and contact them using the verified information posted there to confirm whether or not they have approached your child.

Remember that most social media platforms have an age limit, so your child should not have their own account on these sites if they are not old enough. Many parents manage an account related to their child. While this can be a good way to gain followers and attract the attention of brands, always remember that the internet is never 100% safe and the safety of your child should always come before anything else.

Can Your Kid Be A Model And How?

To be chosen as a model, children should have a unique style.

Image: Shutterstock

If you are interested in kids modeling careers, consider gathering information about the field to determine if it is the right one for your child.

If your child is confident before the camera and you believe they could take up some consignments to get started in a modeling and acting career, it’s a good idea to begin early. However, you may be confused about the journey and what it would take to make your child a great model.

Read this article to answer your queries about modeling careers for children, including how to prepare your child for modeling assignments, the chances of landing a job, and what to expect after signing up with an agency.

Can Your Child Be A Model?

Image: Shutterstock

You can initiate your child into modeling only if they like it and are comfortable with it. Ask yourself if being a model is your child’s aspiration or yours.

• It is okay for your kid to do modeling as long as he or she is enjoying it and having fun. But if they are uncomfortable, call it quits.

• Remember that modeling for children is not a money-making venture, and it should not be a source of income to you or your family.

• As a parent, understand that modeling is not all about glamour and a pretty face. It takes hard work and patience for getting the first gig and then sustaining there. Therefore, analyze if your child is willing to take this additional burden along with their education.

• The most important thing is you should not compromise on your child’s needs and rights such as their education, playtime, and relaxation.

Let’s suppose that you and your child have ticked positive on all the above considerations, would that be enough? No, because you need to consider your convenience and availability as well.

Are You Ready For Your Child’s Modeling Assignments?

Image: Shutterstock

Consider these points before you make a decision:

• You will have to undergo a lot of stress and workload, which will be in addition to your career workload.

• Sometimes you will need to keep yourself free for an entire day to take them for auditions, wait there for your turn and then drive back home.

• If your kid gets selected, it means more breaks from your job. You should be available whenever you get a call and not just during the weekends or in the evenings.

• You need to see if your work schedule is flexible enough to accommodate all these demands.

If you have planned all this and your child is interested too, then you can take a step towards modeling. The first step is to know the traits of a child model.

What Makes A Good Child Model?

Image: iStock

Children do not have to be perfect to become a model. But here are some usual requirements:

1.  Agencies look for children with good features such as healthy skin, big and bright eyes, shiny hair and a smiling face.

2. Conventionally good-looking kids are in high demand. Children are selected depending on the type of cover or advertisement.

3. A “different” or unusual look might make your child unique. For example, young boys having long hair or an Asian child with green eyes or any other unconventional features could have an edge over others.

4. A child’s overall personality also matters. A fearless, happy and smiling kid is preferred to a kid who always needs their parents around.

5. The child needs to be friendly, outgoing and comfortable interacting with strangers as they have to meet photographers and baby wrangles. They should be okay with a crowd of other kids.

6. The aspiring model should be good at taking advice and instructions from new people during shoots. A shy child will not be able to enjoy all the attention and thrills that come with modeling, while a carefree child will not like to listen to others.

Child modeling is as competitive as the adult modeling profession, but getting work is not impossible.

What Are The Chances Of Your Kid Getting A Modeling Job?

Out of a 100 submissions, agency directors meet about seven to eight children and work at most with three of them.

Agencies that represent child models from birth to teenage receive several stacks of pictures and letters from parents and out of every day’s pile they generally meet two to three kids.

Your child’s chances of getting selected are high in the below cases:

• The kid fits into popular clothing sizes.

• You live in proximity to the agency’s office.

• You are a capable parent – not pushy, good in handling rejections, can reschedule your day within a short notice, etc.

Your chances could be high if you personally know somebody in the industry. They can guide you and maybe connect you with the right people. Ultimately, it depends on your perseverance and preparation.

How To Get Your Child Into Modeling?

Image: Shutterstock

• Click some good quality photos of your little one. The photos need not have to be professionally shot. One headshot and two full body photographs should be enough to start with.

• Approach some genuine modeling agencies after proper research, and share your child’s photographs and details such as age, weight, and height.

• Share the profiles with multiple agencies. Then you have to wait for casting calls, also known as go-sees.

• They will get back to you if they like the profile, and you will have to take your child for auditions.

• If your child gets selected in the audition, your agency will intimate you. After your kid is done with the work, the agency will cut 10 to 20% of the model’s pay.

• Remember that legitimate agencies never ask for money upfront. They only take their cut once your kid gets work. Be wary of such cheats who feed on the excitement of parents.
• Do not confuse between a model scout and an agency. A scout charges for clicking pictures of your child, which they eventually send to agencies. You can do this on your own.
• Your child may not be earning much from modeling as magazine and catalog shoots pay less. The rates are higher on television and movies. Sometimes, very prestigious magazines or companies pay less but provide a good exposure to your kid.

• Do not relocate to a new city or country for kick-starting your child’s modeling career as no agency can promise assignments. Alternatively, you can continue sending photos to modeling contests and competitions online.

• For modeling assignments, children often require to take leaves from school. Whenever your child takes a day off from school, keep the permission letter ready as most agencies will ask for it.

Your child may not get an assignment immediately after being selected by an agency. There is a process for that.

What To Expect After Signing Up With An Agency?

Image: iStock

Here is what happens after signing up:

1. Go for auditions and go-sees: Your child may have to attend many cast calls before getting selected for their first assignment. These go-sees are usually tiring, and sometimes you may have to stand in a queue with more than 200 children waiting for their turn.
2. Additional photos: You may have to expand your child’s portfolio depending on the client’s requirements.
3. Quick process: Once you get your turn, the process gets over in a couple of minutes. Often your kid will be asked to try out the outfits.
4. The scope of work: Child models mostly work for in-store advertisements, magazines, catalogs, and store circulars.
5. Commitment: The work opportunities of your child will greatly depend on your patience and commitment. You may have to attend multiple go-sees in a day or none for several weeks.

1. What is the youngest age to start modeling?

You can start modeling your child as young as a few weeks to a few months old. There is no specific age limit because different campaigns necessitate different ages.

2. Should you pay for a child modeling agency?

Most legitimate modeling agencies do not charge application or membership fees to aspiring baby models. Other legitimate fees, however, may exist. So, if your child’s modeling agency demands registration fees, double-check their authenticity.

Kids modeling may be an attractive career choice, but you need to give it a good thought before walking this path. Opt for modeling only if your child enjoys the process and is comfortable before the camera. You should also analyze how your child will manage the modeling assignments and their education, playtime, and other engagements. If you are ready for the effort, you may apply for a modeling career in ad agencies. Agency directors are often attracted to good-looking children or those with unique features. Remember that all children may not get modeling assignments. It should not discourage you. Also, encourage your children to identify their passion and support them in their journey.

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• Author

Harshita is a graduate in commerce and holds a PG Diploma in Patent and Copyrights Law from NALSAR University. She has also pursued CA and has more than three years of internship experience in auditing.  Her love for travelling has taken her to various parts of the world, and writing the travelogues was what brought out her love for content writing.... more

How children become models - I Buy

The modeling world has its own laws. It's not easy to get there, but it's even more difficult to stay... Or not?

The director of the children's modeling agency ANNmodels honestly told which children are invited to work in Europe and which of the young models can become a celebrity.

We immediately warn the children that this is work that requires strength and dedication.

Anna Lyashenko Director of the children's modeling agency ANNmodels, model

What is the most popular age for child models?

Children-models have no gradation by age - it is correct to divide them into groups according to their height. The most popular height among children is from 116 to 146 centimeters (usually boys and girls from 4 to 12 years old). Next come children up to 165 centimeters - teenagers (there are few job offers for them in Europe and Asia, but you can find good castings in Russia). All those above are adults.

Is there any difference between the requirements for boys and girls?

It all depends on the request of the clients - those who order shootings or arrange a show. We need either boys or girls of certain parameters, type. Sometimes they even stipulate the color of the eyes, but the requirements are the same for everyone - emancipation, liveliness, the ability to vividly show emotions, experience in front of the camera.

Take, for example, the length of the hair: both girls and boys prefer to have long hair - this allows you to create different looks. Even when customers are looking for babies for their advertising, they indicate “with hair”.

Which child models are invited to work abroad?

It all depends on which country and even part of the world we are talking about. Europe or Asia - everywhere their requirements and expectations.

For example, in Europe, children no taller than 140 (recently even 146) centimeters are more often invited to work, in Asia, the upper limit of the height of child models is, as a rule, 130 centimeters. The fashion for types in Europe changes from time to time, but they always love red-haired, fair-haired, green-eyed guys of a slender build (clothes for filming and shows are more often designed for average height and average parameters). In Asia, Slavic types are popular - blue-eyed blondes and blue-eyed brunettes.

But over time, everything, like fashion, changes: now cold types are in fashion (if you divide them by color type). Previously, brown-eyed children were reluctantly taken to European auditions, but now they are a success. Although in China they are still not particularly in demand.

And if the appearance is imperfect? Ears stick out, for example

The listed types are, of course, collective images. Large brands are spoiled by them, often the most popular are children with non-standard appearance (for example, with protruding ears, unusual hair color, original haircut).

A child who has a chance to achieve something in the modeling field is, first of all, an individual. Some parents specifically make bob haircuts for children so that the child stands out from the rest of the models.

And if milk teeth fell out, should we wait until new ones grow in?

No, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Castings are rare, where the employer in the request for models prescribes the presence of all teeth.

Baby teeth falling out is a natural process, and in Europe, for example, employers tend to show children as children, with all their natural manifestations.

Is it difficult to combine modeling with school activities?

Today's children have a lot of opportunities - creative studios, sports sections, additional classes for in-depth study of school subjects, languages. And everywhere you can achieve success if you properly distribute the forces and time. Modeling is no exception. The students of our modeling school have time to study well and participate in photo shoots and shows.

School absences happen during filming, screenings and other projects. There are children who leave to work under a contract for two months (to China, for example). But they are catching up with the program, studying on their own with their parents, and hiring tutors. Just like child athletes, child models make sacrifices. This is the choice of the child and his parents.

Are parents attached to their children and do they have to accompany them? And what about the work?

By law (which is the same for all countries), children can only be photographed, filmed or put on the podium in the presence of their adult representatives. These are not necessarily parents - in our agency we ourselves often travel with children to work abroad.

How to start the path to a child's model future?

First of all, you need to show it to professionals (in a modeling agency, for example). If a child has a bright appearance, he is charismatic and freely kept on the court, he can show different emotions on camera - he has every chance of becoming a top model in the future.

Cover photo: model: Albina Tokareva, f photographer: Artur Motolyanets

Read more articles about child models:

• 10 children who earn more than their parents

• My little princess: 5 successful child models

• Why are children in Korea the most fashionable?

Child modeling: how a little Ukrainian can become a part of the fashion world (VIDEO)

In today's world, children's modeling is gaining popularity. Today, child models are just as in demand in the fashion business as adults. They are looking for kids to shoot commercials, participate in television projects, and demonstrate clothing collections. If you are sure that your child has a bright, memorable appearance, an expressive smile, he is quite sociable and flexible and wants to try himself as a model, then this dream can be realized.

“Very often, when joining the Association, parents ask the question: “What are our prospects?”. I always say that if you tell me that your child at the age of 14 will be 177-176 cm tall, with parameters 90-60-90, then I will say that he can be a successful model,” says Irina Yarmak , president of the Children's Fashion Association.

After evaluating the real chances of your baby, it is desirable to show his best side. Indeed, in addition to a memorable appearance in the modeling business, individuality plays an important role. Agents are looking for children who are spontaneous, unique and moderately uninhibited, who love to be in the spotlight.

parents will be engaged in the child's career at first. Therefore, a very important and responsible mission is entrusted to them. But still, the desire to be a model should come from the child.

There are two ways to get into the modeling world. The first is to learn modeling at the children's model school . And the second is to send portfolio of baby to a modeling agency.

For example, Diana Denisenko , pursuing her son's modeling and acting career, eventually decided to open such an agency.

“At first we had a modeling agency. We went, invited different children. They went to shows. They took part in various shows. There were probably more than 60 of them in a year,” says Diana.

Seeing the mistakes that beginner models make during shows and photo shoots, Denisenko decided to open a children's modeling school at a modeling agency.

This school accepts children from 4 to 16 years old. Future models, in addition to defile , are taught choreographic art, plasticity, the basics of make up acting skills, etiquette and dressing skills.

“We screen girls a little earlier in age, from the age of 12. If this concerns boys, then a little later - from 16-18, so that they already look more like young men, ”Ilona Radzivil , director of the model school, noted .