The modeling industry is filled with people trying to make it big. No matter the age or talent level, everyone wants to find success in an industry that can truly change your life. The hardest part is understanding what characteristics stand out and which child models will be chosen for a specific role or job. As a modeling and talent agency we are keen to bring in child models and child actors that will not only find work, but succeed long term. While there is no set recipe for success there are qualities that we look for when bringing in new talent. Natural talent cannot be overlooked, but it isn’t the most important factor, so we look more for qualities that cannot necessarily be taught. Child models and child actors need to have intangibles that come naturally to them and are a part of who they are. These are the most important qualities that will define a long lasting career in the modeling industry.
One aspect of modeling that will always be required is being photogenic. In all parts of the modeling industry your child model will need to take pictures, and know how to pose for a camera. Being photogenic is not all about looks. It’s about understanding where the camera is and how to accentuate your look so that it shows up well in photos. It’s not all about posing, you must also have the right personality for the photo you’re taking. This means smiling when necessary, smirking when it calls for it, or staying serious when the job is for a more high fashion brand. Being photogenic is absolutely essential when it comes to succeeding in the modeling industry and it is something that modeling agencies will notice immediately.
For any type of job, confidence is key, however in the modeling industry it is arguably the most important attribute a child model can have. It can be difficult as they are young and inexperienced which is why we usually look for kids who are naturally confident and believe in themselves. This not only comes off well in auditions but it is the only way to book multiple jobs. Casting directors will mainly look for this when hiring for a new role because if a child model is shy, it will be obvious on camera. The more confident a child model is, the more roles they will get and this has been proven to us over the years. The kids that always push forward and demonstrate high self esteem will regularly succeed.
Being teachable and having the ability to take constructive criticism is one of the hardest qualities to find in a child model. Kids tend to take things personally because they don’t have the experience to understand that people are trying to help them. If a child model isn’t able to learn on the job it will be very difficult for them to find a place in the modeling industry. We tend to work with kids on this because it is rare to find a child model that is naturally teachable. However, when we find one that is, we know we have a diamond in the rough. The key is to always remind your child that this is a process and the better they can take advice and learn from it, the more successful they will be in the long run.
The days of the cookie cutter, polished child model or actor are gone. Now it’s all about being different and one of a kind. The modeling industry is searching for looks that cannot be replicated because it gives brands a sense of exclusivity and openness. Nobody should try to fit a mold, it’s much better to keep a unique sense of style so that your child model stands out in a crowd. This is how many brands operate now which is why you may see more models with gap teeth, freckles or green eyes. These are all physical traits that are rare and sought after by modeling agencies because they are in high demand in the modeling industry. It jumps off the screen when a child looks different than most of the kids we’re used to seeing in ads and movies.
This is one of the more common qualities we see but it doesn’t mean it’s not as important. Being friendly demonstrates that the child is approachable and excited to do the work that is asked of them. They should walk into every audition or job excited to meet the challenge, while also maintaining a positive attitude. When they are getting started in the industry it is key to make as many relationships as possible to build their network. When they are friendly it makes other people want to get to know them and want to work with them. This in turn means more jobs, opportunities, and of course fame. Just think about most of the actors and actresses in the industry; they all have an aura of friendliness around them. This is because when people get enjoyment from their job and the people they work with, more people naturally gravitate to them.
There are countless qualities that will help your child become a model or actor. The qualities we listed are simply the ones we know work and we look for when vetting new talent. Of course, if your child does not have these qualities, they can still work on them as they grow older in the industry and we are also here to help foster that. At Bensimon Models & Talent, we love working with our child models to help develop their skills, and in the process, making them the best models or actors they can be.
