Is Your Kiddo Ready for the Catwalk? A Look at Child Modeling

 Modeling pulls in 2 billion dollars per year in revenue in the United States alone. With that number rising steadily, great models are in high-demand at a number of the country's most prominent agencies.

Among the many modeling niches that exist, child modeling is perhaps the most interesting. As a child model, a young person is expected to do everything that an older model might do from following directions to exuding professionalism, expect, at a much younger age.

That makes child modeling among the most challenging forms of modeling that are out there. Still, if your child has what it takes to become a model, the experience of modeling as a young person can be both emotionally rewarding and lucrative.

Does your child have what it takes? What should you know about child modeling before getting started?

Here are important things to mull over.

A Look at Child Modeling

1. Be Honest... Does Your Child Have "The Look"?

As you learn more about child modeling, you'll find that conventionally attractive children are in the highest demand. What makes a child conventionally attractive?

Conventionally attractive children have symmetrical faces, a large smile, healthy skin, bright eyes, and shiny hair. Several parents bring their children into modeling "cattle calls" that don't have those features and end up wasting their time or falling into schemes.

Being honest about your child's marketability can save you both financial and emotional stress.

2. There Is a Market for Unusual Looks

Even though conventional attractiveness is a hot ticket into modeling, if your child has a unique look, there may be opportunities for them as well.

The best way to work your child's uniqueness is to try and find a local agent that can handpick special jobs that are tailored to your child. These jobs may be few and far between, so patience is key.

3. Don't Pay Upfront

There's a popular child modeling scam in the United States where agencies praise children and then ask for tons of money for headshots, classes, and more. Don't do business with these agencies.

With modeling, while there are some capital expenses for things like headshots, almost no money (if any) should be forked over upfront. Agencies should only be turning a profit off of the jobs that they get your child.

4. Try Your Hand at Submitting to Agencies

The best way to get representation in the world of child modeling is to take photos of your child and mail them alongside your contact information to agencies that are within an hour's drive of your home. If an agency likes what they see, they'll give you a call.

5. Manage Your Expectations

Very few child models become rich. Most successful models will get two to three gigs per month and can charge in the vicinity of $150.00 per hour for their work.

That money is solid but isn't likely to have your child or your family living on easy-street any time soon.

Is Child Modeling Right for Your Family?

Putting your child into modeling is a family affair. After reading our write-up, do you think that your family is a good fit for child modeling?

If you think so, submit photos and see what happens. If you don't, be honest with yourself and your child.

There are plenty of other equally rewarding activities out there.

For more insight on all things family and lifestyle, check out additional content on our blog!