The Life of a Teen Model

Teens in the modeling industry may look as though they lead a life full of glamour, but the reality is often different. The hours can be long and pay -- especially early in their careers -- is often low. Modeling is not a steady source of income for many teens, as bookings may be irregular. Promotors or pimps may prey upon some teen models. Traveling to exotic locations may sometimes be part of the job, but the model is there to work, not play.

  1. Editorial or Commercial

    • Modeling includes a wide range of different settings, according to Ashley Mears, an assistant sociology professor and author of ̶0;Pricing Beauty: The Making of a Fashion Model.̶1; Mears, who was speaking in an interview for ̶0;Talk of the Nation,̶1; in September 2011, noted that teen modeling, like other types of modeling, falls into two spheres: editorial and commercial. The first includes modeling in fashion week catwalks or in a high-end magazine such as "Seventeen" or "Teen Vogue." The second includes fashion catalogs and showroom work. Editorial modeling is high prestige but doesn̵7;t pay very well, while commercial modeling, according to Mears, is more lucrative.

    Physical Qualifications

    • Modeling starts with physical qualifications, according to a January 2007 ABC News report. A teen must be tall -- at least 5-foot-8-inches to 5-foot-11 inches -- and no larger than a size four. Beauty is a major qualification, but the teen must also have an individual or unique ̶0;look̶1; that helps to distinguish her from other models. She must also photograph well. Teens who want to work in modeling must learn how to sit, stand and walk for maximum effect.

    Education

    • It̵7;s important for a teen and her parents to recognize the uncertainties of modeling, as a teen may not be able to continue modeling as she matures and her looks change. Schooling is vitally important to ensure she will have career options once her modeling career ends. Teen models may be unable to continue in high school. Online learning may be an option for some, or they may take correspondence courses or work with a tutor. Teens who model part time may take a temporary leave from school and take homework on location with them. Teens who are in college may be able to continue their studies part time while modeling.

    Money and Risks

    • Many teens wind up indebted to the modeling agency where they work. The teen may receive food money, for example, but she must pay it back out of her earnings, according to a September 2011 article by ABC News. Many teens share rooms to save on expenses. They may spend much of their time shooting editorials -- photo shoots that don̵7;t pay anything but build a portfolio. Some teen models fall prey to party promoters, who are paid to encourage teen models to go to nightclubs and party with customers. For the teen, it̵7;s a chance for a free meal and some exposure, but there are associated risks, such as alcohol, drugs and sex.

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