You see it every year – the Kim Dawson Dallas Child model search. And yes, while you DO think your own child is cute, you repeatedly have people coming up to you telling you the exact same thing! If you’ve ever wondered about how children get into modeling and whether or not it’s for your family, then read on.
It’s no secret that Dallas is a big city, but what many mothers don’t realize is that with companies like JC Penney, Dillard’s, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and hundreds upon hundreds of smaller companies in the area, there is a huge LOCAL void for modeling that needs to be filled. Between print ads, mailers, and the internet, local modeling agencies are always in need of child models – and they start hiring when at just six weeks old!
Want To Know How To Get Started?
With any agency, you’ll want to follow the following formula . . .
1) Send in your photos. 4×6 snapshots work the best – just make sure they have your child’s entire body in them.On the BACK of the photos (this is important!) write your child’s name, date of birth, and your name and phone number. Be sure to check the agency’s website, as well, as most still only take submissions via snail mail.
Don’t forget to fully check out any agency before sending your child’s picture and information! When we initially looked at agencies we found one local company that had make-up (including lipstick!) on all of their child models…even the ones as young as 3. For us personally, this a flag that crossed the agency off our list. Currently the three largest agencies in Dallas are: Kim Dawson, The Campbell Agency, and The Clutts Agency.
2) Be persistent. The first time we sent in photos I didn’t hear back and in essence gave up. Four months later at the encouragement of Husband I made a call in to the Campbell Agency and was told by all means to send them in again. This time I heard from Kim Dawson within 4 days of sending in the photos. Send in updated snapshots every 4-6 weeks (and don’t take silence personally), as your child’s photo may get passed over several times if they don’t fit the specific “look” the agency needs at that particular time.
3) Do it for the experience, not the money. Generally your child will make somewhere around $60.00 per photo shoot. If they are a back-up child (standard for babies and toddler photo shoots) and don’t get their photo taken, your child’s commission will be lower still. In order to make the MOST of the money your child does make be sure to open up a savings account for your child (see Krystal’s article for tips on opening college savings accounts!)
4) Expect to spend a little bit of money (but run away if they ask you to spend a lot!). The basic necessities that YOU have to provide and bring to most photo shoots will be carried at all times inside of your “modeling bag”. These include several styles of shoes (in pristine condition), socks, and tights (for girls) to fit all seasons. As your child gets older (ages 3+) you may have to arrange to have headshots taken (we used Kelly Williams Photography and she was amazing) and a “comp” card made that the agency will send to the companies. Other than this, you should not be asked to spend any money.
5) Be flexible. Although there will be times that you will get emails or phone calls about go-sees and bookings with plenty of advance notice, this is not the norm. Frequently the phone calls I get are at 3:30 in the afternoon asking me if one of the girls is available the next morning in Irving, Frisco, or even downtown. I check to make sure Husband can watch our other two for an hour or so at his office and then give the agency the O.K.
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So at the end of the day, why do I let my children model? First and foremost: because they enjoy it. Dressing up in fancy clothes, sitting in the princess chair, and having praise and attention lavished on them is something all my children dig. They love the fashion shows at the World Trade Center, and they love the clothes so much that on occasion I’ve been known to splurge at a later date and pick them up something they absolutely loved from a particular shoot (hello Sperrys!). I love that they learn at a young age how to respectfully interact with adults outside of our family circle. I love that my girls are growing up and tangibly seeing that the world really is a very big place and that the possibilities for them are endless. I love that they have developed a steely self esteem that thus far has stood firm in the face of their peers.
And best of all I love that I have some really cool things to put in their scrapbook.
Was that message from Kelly Williams recent?
Hi Kelly,
Thank you so much for this. My girls are 5 and 4 and I have been thinking about getting them into modeling but never knew which companies to trust and how to start so this was definitely helpful.