MODELING TIPS Modeling Q&A Dorthea, an 18-year-old model (her picture is to the right), answers your modeling questions! If you have any questions for Dorthea, please post them here. Dorthea tries to answer as many as she can. August '01:  * How do you get a manager or agent for modeling?  * What would you say is the best and easiest way to try and start your modeling career?  * So far, what are your favorite and least favorite parts of modeling?  * A lot of models say say that it isn't an easy job, but it seems like it would be no big deal. What parts of the job are difficult?  * Do you feel pressure to diet, or is that not as much of an issue as people make it out to be?  * Do you have to have perfect skin with no blemishes, or can they really make all of that go away with makeup?  * Do you think it is necessary to pay for a modeling school, or have you been able to pick things up along the way?  * Can you still be a successful model if you have small breasts?

COOL LINKS: The best body and looks advice for teen girls!

[Laura, another teen model, answered the questions below]

July '01:
 * Do you have to have long hair? Or do a lot of models use extensions?
 * Do you have to have perfect skin to be a model?
 * I am 11 years old and I am already 5'8". I want to be a model, but am I too young?
 * How do you know if an imperfection you have is something that will make you unable to model, or if it will make you a great model?
 * How much do agencies usually take out of what you make?
June '01:
 * Can you still model if you have a bellybutton ring? Does it effect your chances of getting a job?
 * What are some of the positive aspects of modeling? I am trying to convince my parents to let me model.
 * Is it better to send a couple of pictures to a big agency like in New York / Los Angeles, or is it better to just see a small local agency?
 * Do models ever get to keep the clothes that they model?
 * I want to go to an agency but I am a little overweight. Should I lose weight before I go to an agency, or should I just go in and see what they say?
May '01:
 * I am not tall enough to be a model, how big is the 'short/petite' model industry?
 * Can you model if you have braces?
 * I'm not exactly drop-dead gorgeous like most models, but I've noticed that there are some models who are very unique looking. What are the chances of making it if you aren't gorgeous, but have a unique look?
 * You said they book models on weekends, vacations, etc, wow! Do you miss your friends a lot, and all the fun high school activities?
Mar/Apr '01:
 * If you model while you are still in high school, do you have to be homeschooled?
February '01:
 * Should you wear makeup when you go in for an interview at an agency?
 * How much do models usually make?
Dec'00/Jan'01:
 * Is it hard to be a model? What is a typical work day like for you?
 * To be a model, does it matter if you don't have perfectly straight teeth?
Oct/Nov 2000:
 * How tall is the average model and how much does she weigh?
 * How can I get into modeling?

You can also check out the Modeling Guide - I interviewed Laura and Brandi, two teen models, to give you some 411 on model looks and getting into modeling.