So You Want to Become a Model? (PLEASE READ POST #1 BEFORE POSTING)

[tristan]

^that's right Rochas, H1-B applications open up in April. There is no designated cutoff date, however as soon as the quota is reached you cannot apply for it. Last year, I believe it took until late august for the number of approved H1-B's to be eaten up. This year however, by the second day of applications, USCIS received 150, 000 applications. 65, 000 visa's were granted by a lottery system.

Smokebreak, realistically both visa's allow you to work in the United States. It's the amount of time it takes for each visa to be processed. The 0-1 visa is a six week process period, which can be expedited to 3 weeks, and that visa is valid for 3 years, and can be renewed as many times in your life as you'd like. Whereas the H1-b can only be renewed 3 times and you must apply within the time alloted. The 0-1 can be apllied for whenever one is ready.

This is something your agency will deal with, but it is a process that you will be closely involved with. First financially (you have to pay the lawyer) and you have to fill out a biography, and a coulpe of forms.

Trying to pass the border to work without a work visa, is a more serious offence than trying to smuggle drugs!! You could be banned forever if your customs officer is having a bad day...

 

[Modelgirlie]

Okay since you guys know about US visas what about other countries say a model in the US wants to go to Canada, PAris, London, Milan, Spain or wherever. Also do these rules apply to photographers as well.

 

[SincerelyJane]

I'm not that tall (5'8"ish, maybe 5'9" if I don't slouch) but I think I have the right body type and face to model. I don't want to be famous, I just want to make a little money on the side of high school doing something other than working retail like I do now. I don't really plan to leave San Francisco where I live and I don't want to devote my life to it, just a little extra money would be nice ... is this realistic at all?

 

[BetteT]

The best way to tell if it's realistic or not ... especially if you are not planning on relocating to another city ... is to go to open calls at agencies in San Francisco. After making all the rounds to all the agencies, you'll have a better idea if you have the "look" that they currently need and an idea if you even have a chance as a model. Ask for feedback if they do take time to talk to you. Most often, they turn girls away without seeing anyone but sometimes, if they are somewhat interested, you might have the opportunity to see a booker and get a feel for what they think about your look.

San Francisco is a more commercial market .... rather than high fashion, so your height should be fine if you have a killer look.

 

[Avant Garde]

I was wondering if Ford Chicago had a commercial division for models 5'0 - 5'5? I looked on their website and they have a lifestyle division, but it might not mean that they have shorter models.

I know that Ford San Francisco has a commercial division working with models in the 5'0 through 5'5 range. A model who writes a blog called http://amodelsdiary.blogspot.com/ (which gives advice on the industry), is 5'4 and is signed with Ford San Francisco with their commercial division.

If Ford Chicago does not have a commercial division, I should look to other commercial agencies in the chicago area.

 

[Avant Garde]

*Also here is some in depth advice on the blog covering different topics like castings, and shoots that are asked in this thread.

What photos do agencies look for?
The Go-See
What A real Agency does
Putting together a portfolio

 

[smokebreak]

oh oh from the "What a real Agency does" link:
"When was the last time you heard FORD or Elite on the radio begging people come to their casting calls?"

Umm... all the time! In different states no less and more often than any other agency!

 

[Chalice]

Visa

So does an H1b visa last three years or one year?

I heard a Canadian agent complain that this year her 15-yr-old got the visa and her lovely 18-yr-old did not (and had to settle for Paris!). So it is random?

Yet can big agencies get the visas if they really want them?

 

[Artemis]

I sent my photos in to Storm 6 months ago and they just emailed asking for more pics. Very on top of things aren't they?

 

[*DiamondQueen*]

that's great news Artemis Good luck and keep us updated!
I would like to discuss (especially the bookers) these questions: how do you define a "strong book/portfolio" and how a "book not strong enough"? what do you think is a "book on a good level"? how many editorials are generally needed to work on a good level?

 

[Ceptuouse]

i'm thinking of going for a walkin next time i'm in london...i didnt do it last time I was in london because I didnt want to...but i put my first picture of myself up on myspace a couple of days ago, and i got a message from the agent from success mens models asking for more pics, then kai feng photographer asked for more pics and said that i looked good & liked my profile and that i should try some walkins in london, and gave me a few agencies to go to. + also i got a message from the mens agent of DNA asking for more pics...which i sent...and she's asking for more (with a white background blah blah) but isnt it pointless me sending pictures to a NY agency when i'm in england and its unlikely i'll be going to NY for a while?

 

[Artemis]

^I wouldn't say so, they could probably link you to other agencies. If they know you're across the pond already and still asking for more photos, it's a good sign. Go with it!

 

[smokebreak]

^also depending on your look, they may want to just send you to NY first

 

[MikChick]

Does anyone know if Mega Models in Hamburg (Germany) has open calls? They don't answer my emails.

 

[*DiamondQueen*]

Does anyone know if Mega Models in Hamburg (Germany) has open calls? They don't answer my emails.

As far as I know they don't.

 

[MikChick]

Too bad, they don't respond to my emails... (i've sent my photos 2 or 3 times)
I guess I'm not "it" for them, then.

 

[*DiamondQueen*]

yes, probably just try your luck with other agencies in hamburg, there's a plenty of very good agencies! if you have any further questions just let me know

 

[smokebreak]

Too bad, they don't respond to my emails... (i've sent my photos 2 or 3 times)
I guess I'm not "it" for them, then.

Most agencies have a standard "no sorry you're not for us" email they reply with always to prevent repetitive emails from people. You should try calling. Even if an agency doesn't accept open calls, there are ways around it to setup an appointment

 

[MikChick]

^
Yes I know, they didn't send me the standard email..
I think I have to try calling, thanks!

 

[kaytlin]

So I ran into a scout from this huge agency/school and they are very interested in me. I guess I have been "discovered" or whatever. They scheduled an appointment with me, but as luck would have it, I was sick. So now I have to re schedule. I'm really excited, so now I'm just getting into shape for my re scheduled appointment. Just thought I would share with you guys. Wish me luck.