PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE February 2015 Issue | Page 99

acinnamontaste I am currently an international student with a J-1 status (meaning I cannot work). Can an agency sign and sponsor me? In order for an agency to sponsor a model she has to already be developed or have enough potential for the agency to spend thousands of dollars on legal fees. In order to stack the odds in your favor I would develop your book and try be to be signed locally. Shooting with photographers who know the type of images that will impress an agency and get you booked is essential. Make sure to work with a professional team (hair, makeup and styling). Once you are signed locally and begin to work, the agency will be able to place you abroad. Your local agency will remain your “mother agency” and will work with your new agency on bookings and development. missxhershey Why do you have to be a certain height and size to become a plus size model? Example: Have to be 5’8” and taller, size 14-18 You cannot begin to imagine the preparation it takes for a photo shoot to come to fruition. When a brand sets up a shoot there is so much to consider and making sure that the clothing fits the model(s) is essential. Most brands use only one size samples because it’s most cost effective for the company. Time is money and if they can order a size 14 sample and have a size 14 model on set then the shoot will go smoothly. With this being said, there are ways around this and we do know for a fact there are companies that order two sizes for photo shoots. They will order a size 12 or 14 and a size 16 or 18. These companies are few and far between and obviously have the resources to commit to having a lot more merchandise at the photo shoot. Height is important because they want the clothing to look as it is meant to fit. Buying off the rack means that we, as the consumer, may have to alter items we buy. I often have to bring pants to be hemmed because even an average pant could be too long for me. This is why height is so important when modeling long dresses and pants.