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Modeling Tip: Are You Too Old to Model?
It’s no secret that the modeling industry has its own definition of “old.” A middle-aged model is 25, not 45. Some agencies won’t look at new faces who are old enough to vote. Why is that, when we see overripe supermodels still being featured in Vogue and advertising campaigns?
Kristen McMenamy at age 46
Because models are an investment. If an agent is going to put time, effort, and money into promoting a model, they want the highest return on investment possible, i.e. many prime working years ahead before wrinkles appear and marketability declines.
Christy Turlington at age 42
The supermodels who have managed to stretch their careers into the decades (five of them in Lauren Hutton‘s case) made names for themselves back when they were fresh-faced teens.
Lauren Hutton at age 67
There are exceptions, of course. Anna Nicole Smith was discovered at age 25. Isabella Rossellini began a modeling career at age 28 (her pedigree—she’s the daughter of Ingrid Bergman—gave her a leg-up). Some models have resumed their careers after two decades off (see Karen Bjornson‘s story).
I headed to Europe to model after college at age 22. I felt ancient. Even though I was starting my career later than most models, I looked young and I wish I hadn’t worried so much about being old. Looking back at photos of myself, with my baby fat chipmunk cheeks, it makes me chuckle to think how over the hill I felt at the time.
So, yes, youth counts in the model success quotient. Agencies like to start girls as teens (men have more leeway as age = distinction with them; our society still needs to work on that with women, but the clients booking beauties like Lauren Hutton help. Thanks Alexis Bittar!). However, 22 is not old. I made a lot more money modeling at 30 than at 22, so it’s not all over at 25. And, I didn’t miss out on college. That counts for a lot in my life success quotient, which always counts more than a mere model success quotient. 
Enter the Modelingmentor Model Contest—there’s no age limit!
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Good day
I have never been a model but it was always a dream, am i to old the age of 27 to be a cover model,or face model my weight is 54kg.
Hi Blanca,
Well, first, there is no such thing as a “cover” or “face” model. The same models appearing on covers are modeling in editorials inside magazines and many of them on the catwalks as well, so tall and thin is the norm. You did not mention your height. Fashion models tend to be over 5’9″. They also tend to start young. I felt ancient heading to Europe to model at 22. You won’t be able to walk into a top agency at 27 but perhaps could get some work in a smaller market and/or at a commercial agency. Check out these posts:
https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/tuesday-tip-top-commercial-agents-in-new-york/
https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/tuesday-tip-pint-size-supermodels-prove-you-dont-have-to-be-five-ten/
https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/tuesday-tip-the-best-cities-for-modeling/
Good luck! Remember to enter the Modeling Mentor Model Search:
https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/how-to-enter-the-modeling-mentor-model-search/
And subscribe to my free newsletter: http://modelingmentor.us5.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=9ac8c2abbe1af96e0b38238cb&id=2742c18b6e
Hello,
I was reading on your blog for some advice, I’m 21 years old and just graduated from college in Iowa. I am very serious about starting my modeling career. I recently got my photos taken by one of the best photographers in Des Moines but I’m not sure what my next step is. I love fashion and the modeling industry, although I am not stick thin I am 5’10 around 130lbs and have done modeling for a few local agencies here in Iowa but I am not sure my next step to get noticed in the bigger modeling industry. I would love some feedback!!
Best regards,
Tanya
Hi Tanya,
First of all, enter my modeling contest! Here’s the info: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/how-to-enter-the-modeling-mentor-model-search/
I look forward to your submission! (I was 5’10″ and weighed 130 some of my career; 127 was better for me but you aren’t far off depending on bone structure. Only problem today is that in big markets like NY and Paris, the girls are skinnier than they used to be!)
Good Luck!
Jill
Okay I submitted
thank you!!
I did some professional photos (Ben Easter) and a few without makeup.
Tanya
Hi my name is lamiss i’m 21years old i’m 5.7 and wieght 50kg.can i be a model. Please answer me
Hi Lamiss,
Enter my modeling contest! Here’s the info: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/how-to-enter-the-modeling-mentor-model-search/
5’7″ is tough for fashion modeling, but read these posts on commercial modeling:
https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/category/commercial-modeling/
Subscribe to my free newsletter to stay in the loop on the contest and modeling advice: http://modelingmentor.us5.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=9ac8c2abbe1af96e0b38238cb&id=2742c18b6e
Best of luck!
Jill
Hllo i am 23, hight 173, 90-63-96, live in Armenia how i can be a model, isnt it too late.
You are a little under the usual height and a little over the usual age to get started, so it will be a challenge. Are you interested in acting? Read up on these commercial modeling posts: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/category/commercial-modeling/
Best of luck!
Hi, sorry for the late response! You should submit to my model search: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/how-to-enter-the-modeling-mentor-model-search/
Good luck!
Hello Jill,
It’s nice what you’re doing here
I feel like I need more life advice.. I’m approaching 29 (people say I look younger than I am) and I have full time job in my degree major (married, no kids yet), but since I remember myself people always told me I should be a model. I always thought it’s more rewarding to use your intellect rather than appearance. However the older I got I still had this idea not leaving me alone. So I went to Seattle (I live about over an hour drive), to 3 different agencies and none took me (they said I had a pretty face but never told me the real reason, later I figured it was my measurements and/or age). So I left it alone for a while. I’ve recently been approached my way younger cousin who is a model with an idea I still should try. With her words I already had the height (5’9″) but only needed to loose some inches in hips and waist. I’ve also been into CrossFit and even became a coach volunteer but we all know the standards for models, so I have muscles but she is right, all I need is to “lean out”. My question is – is it worth it for me to try and lose inches and start something completely new but possibly exciting? I don’t know if I’m ready just to quit my job, if modeling doesn’t work I’d lose time where if I stayed I’d get a management position.. Maybe I don’t know what I want from life, – something new, or a promotion, a baby.. maybe it’s that scary 30 years mark that forces me to try things because it’ll be too late soon..
Side notes:
I signed up with a talent agency a while ago (as you mentioned they are not as strict with measurements) with a thought that I could do it on a side or on the weekends but I never took any job because I was busy or roles didn’t fit me.
One of the pressure points too.. I’m originally from Russia (moved 8 years ago) and my cousin still lives there. The fact that I live in US legally blows her mind and why I still didn’t try because she thinks they pay the most comparing to Europe (where she mostly works)
Thanks in advance.
Hi Irene,
It is very difficult to start a modeling career at 29/30 and there won’t be much in the Seattle area. Feel free to submit photos to my model search though: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/how-to-enter-the-modeling-mentor-model-search/
Best of luck!
Jill
Hello, I just graduated from college with a degree in acting! I would like to start modeling, do I have a chance? I’m 23 years old and 5’8 weight at about 135.(college weight is very real). I am almost positive I need to work on my fitness, so I have been working out like crazy. What is a good weight I should try to reach? I plan on moving to LA for acting school but modeling is still in the picture. What do you think I should do?
Have you entered my model search? You can enter here: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/how-to-enter-the-modeling-mentor-model-search/
The right weight really varies by body type, but somewhere around 120 is probably average for models who are your height.
I hope everything is going well in L.A.!
Hi! I am 13 and I want to start modeling but i don’t where to start. I am 5’5″ and weigh 125lbs. I am looking for any advice on where to start. I also need to know if modeling classes are worth my time. Thank you!
Hi! I am 13 years old and live in Washington. I want to start modeling and I am wondering where to start. I am 5’5″ and weigh 125lbs. I play softball so that takes up a lot of time. Would i still be able to model? Also I need to know if modeling classes arr worth my time What do you think would be the best for me? Thank you!
Hi Gabby, So sorry for the slow reply! 5’9″ and up is really the industry standard. Are you still growing? You DO NOT need classes to model. You can enter my model search here: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/how-to-enter-the-modeling-mentor-model-search/
Good luck!
I play softball so that takes up a lot of time. Would i still be able to model? Also Id like to know that do you think would be the best for me? Thank you!
I am 25 years old,height 5’3” and weight 47kg can I be a model
Hi, unfortunately the industry standard is really 5’9″ and above, and most models do start by age 20. Sorry for this info! You could think about acting…
Hey I am 5 feet 11 and 119 pounds. I am 24 and turning 25 in September, though. I am probably too old to model for Chanel, Versace, Dennis Basso, Giorgio Armani, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Hermés, Givenchy, Akris, Chloé, Carolina Herrera, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, Max Mara, Alexander McQueen, Vera Wang, Jean Paul Gaultier, Balenciaga, Etro, Miu Miu, Marni, Emanuel Ungaro, Loewe, Bottega Veneta, Fendi, Gucci Roberto Cavalli, Burberry, Yves Saint Laurent, Monique Lhullier, Sportmax, Calvin Klein, Issey Miyake, Narciso Rodriguez, Roland Mouret, Giambattista Valli, Maison Margiela, Dries Van Noten, Veronique Branquinho, Costume National, Hanae Mori, Anna Sui, Preen, Vivienne Westwood, J Mendel, Jil Sander, Emilio Pucci, Hervé Leger, Balmain, Ann Demeulemeester, Commes Des Garçonnes, Yojhi Yamamoto, Krizia, Nina Ricci, Oscar de la Renta, Rochas, Lanvin or Dior now.
I am guessing I could only get the lower class, non high fashion jobs? My phone number is +64 027 548 8261. Talk to me if you are interested. I will say that I am very pretty and a size 4 US. Is that too fat to model? Do I at least need to be a size 2 to be thin enough?
Hi Jessica, Your height and weight sound perfect (everyone has a different build, so weight is not always an accurate indicator,but it’s unlikely someone 5’11″ and 119 lbs would ever be considered “fat,” even in the modeling world!). You are correct that 25 can be on the older end for a model starting out (though plenty of established models continue working well into their late 20s and often 30s). What you are up against is agencies calculating how many good years you have left in your career and whether they want to make the investment in you at this stage.
Why don’t you enter my model search. Your photos will enable me to guide you with more insight. The links to the model search as well as my free newsletter are on my blog home page: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/
Good luck!
What About male model? I am 23.
Thank you
Hi Andrew, There is more leeway for male models, as their careers tend to last longer. You can start your career at 23 and may work for two decades.
Wooouu and Thank you for quick answer
Hi my name is Lisa I’m 5 feet 7 inches and 130 pounds. I’m 22 how can I fit as a model is it too late for me to start?
Hi Lisa, 22 is no longer too late to start but 5’7″ will be challenging. The ideal tends to be 5’10″ with 5’9″ as the minimum, 5’8″ in rare cases/smaller markets. Have you submitted to my model search? Submit here: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/how-to-enter-the-modeling-mentor-model-search/
Hi, my name is Yessenia. i live ion New Brunafels Texas. I have started to realize that i no longer want a desk job and now want to follow my dream of modeling. I have done some photo shoots, editorial, swimsuits, fitness, and free lance artist shoots already to play around with photos..
I am 5’8 bare feet. tan skin, green/hazel eyes, brown/golden hair with a hint of red tones in the sun. thin, athletic build, 139lbs but have been thinning down on muscle composition in order to have a chance to be looked at for something other than fitness, BUT i am not opposed to fitness modeling at all. I’am not sure where to start or if im to late. and im also unsure if i should be taking posing, runway, modeling classes in general. Just would like some guidance. Thank You.
Hi Yessenia, How old are you? You don’t need to take classes. You can submit to my model search here: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/how-to-enter-the-modeling-mentor-model-search/
Good luck!
Hello my name is Brandi I am 26 years old, 5’3, 107 pounds. I have always wanted to model but wasn’t quite sure how to go about it and didn’t have the confidence to do so in my younger years. I was wondering if you could give me any advice or tips as to how I may begin to Start a career in the fashion world.
Thank you in Advance!
Hi Brandi,
5’10″ is the ideal for fashion models, with 5’8″ generally the minimum (harsh, I know!). So fashion modeling is not in the cards for you, but you could look into commercial modeling and acting opportunities. See these posts: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/category/commercial-modeling/
Good Luck!
Jill
Hi jill. I have always wanted to be a model since I was small. However during my final years of high school puberty hit me kind of hard (not insanely bad) but since then i dont feel my skin is model material due to some pimple scars on my cheek. So, what are the skin conditions to be a model? would some scars be a major issue?
Hi Shana, Yes, could be an issue. Height is the first factor to consider; are you between 5’8″ and 6′ tall? Why don’t you submit to my model search: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/how-to-enter-the-modeling-mentor-model-search/
Good luck!
Jill
Hi Jill!
I used to model back home in Europe (I am originally from Sweden) at the age of 20-22, but decided on pursuing a career in equestrian show jumping which kept me away from modeling jobs. I am now 28 years old and live in New York and have been told by so many here that I should pursue a career in modeling, but I fear that I am too old now. What are your thought? I am 5’10″ and I weigh 127 lbs.
I look forward to hearing back from you!
Marley
Hi Marley, Wow, equestrian show jumping – that’s awesome! I’m a rider as well, so is by best friend who is from Sweden and was a model. I know quite a few horse lovers who model—there is some weird crossover of the two worlds (long leg perhaps
. The industry is not quite as strict on age as it used to be but 28 is still tough. You should submit to my model search, though, and we’ll take it from there: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/how-to-enter-the-modeling-mentor-model-search/
All the best,
Jill
Hi, my name is Cassy. I’m 5ft 7.5inches, just turned 27, and weight about 125 pounds. I have always wanted to get into modeling but I’ve been pretty busy with school until now. Also a number of people have told me that I should model and that I’m really pretty. Is it too late for me to try my hand at modeling for an agency?
Hi Casey, Where do you live? In smaller markets you might find some work. The big ones are a little tough because they are usually looking for over 5’8″, ideally 5’10″, and 27 is late too start. But there are always success stories from people who have beat the odds! You should submit to my model search, though, and we’ll take it from there: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/how-to-enter-the-modeling-mentor-model-search/
Good luck
Jill
Wow… welcome to 2018. I started successfully modeling at age 33, height 5’7 and 163 pounds. I’ve been published and in two calendars. Again… welcome to 2018, haha.
I love seeing uplifting comments like this Ally. I will be 30 yrs old next month. My goal is to become a plus size model next year. All my life I’ve been told that I should pursue a modeling career. I am curvy woman but I sincerely embrace it. I am doing research about this field before I create my portfolio. Seeing this post make me feel great. Ally could you give me more insight on your journey. I would really appreciate.
Hi Crystal, I just learned that I lost a bunch of model search submissions in cyberspace! Argh! Please submit again here if you entered previously and wondered what happened: modelsearch@modelingmentor.com
See model search details here: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/how-to-enter-the-modeling-mentor-model-search/
I’m looking forward to seeing your submission and am so sorry for this technical glitch! —Jill
Awesome!!!! I’m approaching 29 and starting mine as well
Hi Victoria, Did you enter my model search? I just learned that I lost a bunch of submissions in cyberspace! Argh! Please submit again here: modelsearch@modelingmentor.com
See model search details here: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/how-to-enter-the-modeling-mentor-model-search/
I’m looking forward to seeing your submission and am so sorry for this technical glitch! —Jill
Hello my name js Elijah. I’m 23yr old male and about 6’3 and 160 pounds. Do you think it’s possible for me to become a male model part time?
Hi Elijah, I would have a much better idea if you submit photos to my model search. You can find out how to do that here: https://www.modelingmentor.com/blog/how-to-enter-the-modeling-mentor-model-search/
Good luck!
Jill