If you want to be a teen model, you should have a good understanding of the teen modeling industry before making a firm decision. Age parameters for juvenile models vary depending on the modeling agency, but as a rough guide, young models would fall anywhere between 12 and 19 years of age. The usual modeling criteria and constraints around height, weight, and body shape don’t apply as strictly to teenage models as they do to adult models.
The specific requirements will depend entirely on the agency you use. However, when you apply for casting or audition, you may find that the organization offering the job may have a particular view or idea in mind about the type of teen model they want to represent their product or service. The agency will make sure that you match certain criteria for any job they send you.
There are several reasons for this more relaxed attitude toward a teen’s appearance. For starters, no one can expect a child of 13, say, to be 5′ 8″.Also, the range of jobs available for teen modeling varies greatly; you might be doing catalog shoots, modeling clothes and accessories, or you might be used as a model. If you’re extremely fortunate and successful as a teen model, you might even get into a high-end agency where you can work on large marketing campaigns for well-known brands. Other types of common jobs available for teen models include those used by teen magazines, where they are looking for everyday-looking teens who represent their target audience.
Legal and Parental Support for Teen Models
Aspiring teens will need the support of their parents or guardians to work in the teen modeling industry. While the emotional support that parents can offer is vital, perhaps even more important, they need to invest a lot of their personal time in getting you to castings and auditions for teen modeling jobs. Under the Child Licensing Act, everyone under the age of 16 (or who is still in full-time education) must have a valid work permit; there are also restrictions on the number of hours allowed to work. working under the age of 16
Freelance or Modeling Agency?
If you are certain that this is the right choice for you, consider whether you would prefer to do it on your own as a freelance model or with the help of a professional modeling agency. In many ways, freelancing modeling is more challenging because you must organize your own portfolio, auditions, and castings, as well as be responsible for every part of your business.
If you feel that being linked with a modeling agency will give you a higher chance of success as a teen model, do your research to make sure the agency you’re considering is trustworthy. You should also be aware that if you choose to work through a modeling agency, you will be required to pay a commission on all earnings to the agency rather than keeping all of your hard-earned money from your own teen modeling job. You are classed as self-employed even if you work for a modeling agency. This means you’ll be in charge of keeping track of your own account and sending any required documentation or tax returns to HMRC. This is another reason why a teen model requires parental support and assistance!