Here’s a scenario: You and your kid are both on board with pursuing child modeling and you’ve submitted their application directly to a modeling agency, but so far haven’t been picked up for representation. So, what gives? Is that the end of the story? As it turns out, timing has a lot to do with it.
For more on this topic, we spoke with Heidi Staddon, the Kids’ Print Agent at Kim Dawson Agency, the reputable Dallas-based modeling agency we’re partnering with for our annual DFWChild Model Search. Here, Staddon sheds some light on why it’s worth parents and kids applying again—and what makes them stand out from the crowd.
DFWChild: Do you recommend parents to resubmit their children to a modeling agency periodically? Is there an industry standard for how often?
HS: Six months has been the standard, but normally kids have a growth spurt, and their sizes change about every six months. Remember to keep them updated on sizes. For babies, are they walking, sitting up, or pulling up by themselves? Have they lost teeth? Send a photo of that.
DFWChild: Why might a modeling agency decide to represent a child at one point in time and not before?
HS: It’s not as much about the look, that’s secondary. It’s about the size because we are tied to manufacturer sample sizes. The moment they get into that 3T, 4T, try again and send me their information.
I have clients that get a little more specific…They like the maturity that comes with an older child. We have one little boy—he can take direction a bit better. I hate to use the word “seasoned” but that’s what it is.
We’ll have kids who are not quite ready to go into commercials/TV/film, so they’ll start with print. It gives them confidence, it gives them discipline, they’re more comfortable in front of a photographer, stylist, makeup artist, production team. It’s a good place to start in print. And if they find that it’s something they really love and they want to purse the acting side and they want to take classes, at least they have that experience built up already.
As a parent, don’t give up. If it’s something that your child wants to pursue, support them and don’t give up. Sometimes it’s a numbers game.
DFWChild: What are some additional paths kids can take to pursue the modeling or entertainment industry?
HS: If they decide that they really enjoy being in front of the camera, we highly recommend acting classes if they want to go into the commercial side of things. It’s really important to have that because if someone comes off the street and wants to interview with [Stephen Moffatt, Kids & Youth Talent Agent at Kim Dawson Agency] we prefer kids with 3 to 5 years of experience or have been in classes or 3 to 5 years because it’s so competitive and we want that A team.
We work a lot with Cathryn Sullivan’s Acting for Film. She starts when kids are able to read and acting in front of the camera. She’s great at developing talent. It’s a natural progression to start with print, get comfortable and then decide if acting is something you want to move into.
DFWChild: Do you recommend modeling classes?
HS: For print, I don’t need that. I personally feel that if they’re doing modeling classes and they come in to do a shoot, they overdo it a little bit. On an actual print job, kids aren’t there more than 1.5 to 2 hours, so they just need to be comfortable, not overthink it and be natural.
It used to be that if kids had missing teeth and braces, they wouldn’t be chosen to shoot but that’s not the case anymore. Our clients like that natural look. Everything is more diverse, shooting all ethnicities. Everything is more natural now.
DFWChild: What else could turn a “not now” into a “yes” later? Is there anything parents or kids do to increase your chances of being picked up by a modeling agency?
HS: Communication is number one, letting us know when they’ve hit those sizes (size 8 to 10 is a popular size) and sending in good photos. A good photo is extremely important, but it doesn’t have to be professional.
DFWChild: If parents want professional headshots for their child, what should they look for in a photographer?
HS: First off, they should feel free to reach out to us and we can send a list of recommended photographers because you don’t want to pay too much. Sometimes you can watch on Instagram and some of the makeup artist who do breakout sessions. Those are normally free because the makeup artists are trying new things and the photographers are trying to get clients. Candice Johnson in Flower Mound is amazing. She has this ability to not only get a great shot but bring out the child’s personality.
DFWChild: What else should parents know about pursuing child modeling?
HS: Every time I send out an appointment for an email call sheet, I always say two things: Don’t forget your voucher and have fun. If they’re not having fun, then it’s not worth going. They’re not going out there and making a lot of money, but they’re having a good time and seeing their picture in the store when they walk in.
And being flexible is key. Clients are often extremely last minute. We have a few parents who are just amazing, we can call them this morning and they’ll be available this afternoon. We look for kids who are based in the DFW area because most everything for print is shot right here. JCPenney has moved back out to their headquarters, so they shoot out there in Plano. Close proximity is important.
As a parent, don’t give up. If it’s something that your child wants to pursue, support them and don’t give up. Just keep trying. Sometimes it’s a numbers game. Kids grow all the time and change, so there might always be a spot open.
RELATED: How to Prepare for an Open Casting Call
This article was originally published in August 2023.
Registration for our annual DFWChild Model Search is open at dfwchild.com/modelsearch.
