Teen guide13 to 17For you and a parent
Modeling as a teenager: how it really works
Agencies do sign teenagers. They do it with a parent or guardian involved from the first message, and legit ones never charge you. This guide is text only: Should I Become a Model? doesn’t check photos, give scores or sell anything to anyone under 18.
01How scouting works
What agencies look for, and ask for
- New-face boards scout young: Kim Dawson holds open calls for new faces aged 14–22, and Heffner takes applicants from 14.[3][5]
- Two Dallas agencies adjust height for younger teens: 5'7" if under 16 and still growing (Kim Dawson), or for ages 13–16 (Campbell).[3][4]
- They ask for plain digitals, not professional photos: no makeup, no filters, hair back, fitted everyday clothes.[3][5][12]
- Elite Model Look's minimum age is 14, with parental permission under 18.[33]
- Kids and teen divisions such as Wilhelmina Kids & Teens take submissions from a parent.[11]
02Parents and guardians
What agencies say on their own pages
Elite Model Management (US)
“Applicants must be 18 or have written parental consent; page says they typically scout female-identified persons 15+; under-18 need parent/guardian consent.”
Wilhelmina
“Minors must ask parent/legal guardian authorization.”
Next Management
“Not stated; warns to alert parent/responsible adult if contacted by impostor.”
DNA Model Management
“Not stated; advises alerting a parent/responsible adult about impostors.”
Otto Models
“If a minor, a parent must contact the agency on their behalf.”
Photogenics
“Form collects legal guardian name/contact for minors; submission terms say submitter is at least 18.”
Nomad Management
“Must be 18 to use site; under-18s must have a parent/guardian submit.”
Kim Dawson Agency
“Must be over 18 or have parent/guardian permission to be contacted.”
The Agency Arizona
“Open call for ages 14+; under-18 may bring parent/guardian; not representing children under 5 currently.”
Storm Management
“Under 18: a parent or legal guardian must complete the application.”
03The rules
Rules that protect teen models
- Runway starts at 16: no under-16s at New York Fashion Week (CFDA) or London Fashion Week, and LVMH's minimum is 16. Kering moved to 18+.[20][21][19]
- CFDA guidelines: models under 18 don't work past midnight during New York Fashion Week.[20]
- In New York, print and runway models under 18 are child performers: a Child Performer Permit, 15% of earnings into a trust account, and a chaperone under 16.[23]
- Parents countersign contracts for under-18s at agencies such as Select.[6]
Three rules for every application
- 1. A parent or guardian completes or approves it.
- 2. Send only plain digitals in fitted everyday clothes. Never send swimwear or lingerie photos, whoever asks.
- 3. Never pay to apply, to be seen, or to “secure your spot”.
Show a parent
Send this guide to a parent or guardian. It opens your email app; we don’t see or keep anything.
Email this guide to a parentScam check
Legit agencies never charge you to apply.
We are not an agency, we never submit for you, and we take no money from agencies, photographers or schools. Walk away if you see any of these.
They ask you to pay first
Real agencies earn a commission after the client pays you. The FTC: “Real modeling agencies won't ask you to pay for a test shoot, for your photographs, or to ‘secure your spot’.” Paying to get a job is always a sign of a scam.
Source: consumer.ftc.gov, consumer.ftc.gov
You must use their photographer or buy a photo package
A required in-house photographer is an FTC warning sign. In California, talent services can't make you pay for photos, videos, reels or websites as a condition of working with them. Phone digitals in daylight are what agencies ask for.
Classes, “modeling schools” or screen tests sold as the way in
FTC cases describe street approaches that led to classes and photos costing hundreds to over a thousand dollars, with graduates who “seldom receive any paid employment”, and $45 screen tests followed by $495–$795 photo packages.
Pay-to-attend conventions and showcases
We found no FTC or state page aimed at conventions specifically, so treat this as general advice: don't pay to “secure your spot”, and be wary of any event that sells you access to agents.
Source: consumer.ftc.gov
Unsolicited DMs, impersonators, or requests for lingerie or nude photos
Scammers text invitations to virtual “auditions” that turn into sales pitches. Many agencies publish their official email domains and say they never ask for nude or lingerie photos or payment. Verify any contact by calling the number on the agency's own site.
Source: consumer.ftc.gov, consumer.ftc.gov
Promised work, pressure to sign on the spot, or odd payment methods
Promised jobs or earnings, pressure to sign or pay today, payment by gift card, wire transfer, crypto or cash, and no client list you can check are all on the FTC's list.
Source: consumer.ftc.gov
In the UK, fees may be legal under specific conditions; check before paying. UK regulations