How to get into modelling and avoid scam/ dodgy agencies.

[Victoriawould24]

My friends daughter who is mid teens has a very high fashion model look, she’s naturally very beautiful, tall and willowy.
People often comment she should model and I think if she was seen by the right people she would be signed.
She just have no clue how to try and go about this without getting scammed.
I know it’s a bit of a cliche and lots of parents think their kid could be a model but I am enough removed as a friend to objectively see it.
Does anyone have any experience or advice to offer?
I am sort of wondering of this is more something you just get scouted for rather than try to get into?

If anyone asks them for money it's a scam. A legitimate agency will want her.

Select and Models 1 are 2 of the big ones in london.

i want to strongly advise....
Unless one of the parents is able and prepared to chaperone EVERYWHERE
....Japan new york wherever i wouldnt even consider letting her model.

My next door neighbour was a fairly successful model (made >£1m) several really terrible things happened to her while "chaperoned" by some random person... like frightening upsetting things

My friends sister did a lot of modelling in school (gucci was her big one) she gave up for a levels. it came out in her 20s she gave up because she was also repeatedly molested. She started modelling at 14 and quit at 16...

I wouldn’t let my child model in a million years. I modelled in my teens and was “low-key” sexually assaulted multiple times. It destroyed my self-confidence and caused me lifelong self-esteem issues. Yes, it was the 90s/early 2000s, but in that particular industry I don’t think that much has changed. I really don’t understand why any parent would want their child to go into an industry that directly puts them at risk of SA and being taken advantage of, let alone how shallow and materialistic it is, and teach the child that looks are the most important attribute. Is it cos they think it will make their kid rich? So they can brag to their friends about it? Cos I really don’t think any parent who wants their kid to do this has any kind of wholesome reason behind it

Does she actually want to be a model? Like in a serious way not an "oh that'd be cool" way? Because it's a cutthroat industry and highly, highly competitive so I'd say she has to really really want it before I'd consider looking into it.

She also will need an absolute bulldog of a parent to look after her, the industry is rife with young women being taken advantage of, sexually assaulted and developing eating disorders. It might've changed a bit since the 90's/00's but I doubt it's changed that much.

Thanks for the feedback.
It’s because the teen wants to do it and it would also be a way of generating an income that would set her up for adulthood in a way that her mum as a lone parent is unable to do.
It’s certainly not about showing off or trying to be rich off at the expense of her daughter.
I am aware of the potential risks and am not minimising them but the other side of it is that it can surely be a great opportunity.

I have looked on Select and Models One websites they have some good info.

@JudgeBreadI suppose thinking it’d be cool is the starting point and the actual reality of doing it is when she might be able to properly decide if it’s for her or not.

Look up the association of model agencies (AMA) for a list of reputable agencies. Check each website for what they say about applying. Most will ask prospective models to send in some pics as a first step - you don’t need professional pictures, just snaps without makeup, full length and close up and in profile as well as front on. If they think you might have potential they will invite you to come into the agency to meet them. Dont hand over money to any agency upfront. If they want to represent you they may well charge you for test shoots to build your portfolio, but this money is taken from future earnings and not upfront. Don’t expect to make loads of money. Some models do, most models don’t. Don’t be freaked out by stories of abuse etc. Things have changed drastically since the 90’s. A reputable agency will look after its models, so as long as they have their head screwed on it can be a good way of earning some extra money. If they become successful you can earn a lot, but most jobbing models don’t make massive amounts of money