5 minute read
MNI MODELS
Mini . Models
by Abigail Rowe • Photography: Dwayne Watkins Styling and Makeup: Angelie Spencer
Every mother believes her child is special. Each child is unique and individually gifted, but is your child meant for the spotlight? We’re talking about the spotlight other than the one on the end of your camera at home where
Mommy and Daddy proudly cheer on their little superstar. Let’s take a look at the process of creating a mini model.
The first question that begs to be asked and answered is “does my child want to model, or do I?” Many parents live vicariously through their children and in the case of having your child fulfill your dreams; this is often the source of resentment and disappointment in both parent and child. So be honest with yourself and true to your child.
CONFIDENCE CREATION
Going to an audition can be intimidating for anyone, and even more so for a child. Having to stand and speak in front of a group of unfamiliar faces can reverse all the practice sessions you have endured with your child at home. But it’s par for the course. They have to master this first step in order to make it to the next. Simple confidence builders can include letting your child do some of the things that you automatically do for them; place their own order at a restaurant, tell the doctor how they feel and ask the store attendant where the bathroom is. You’d be surprised how these small acts help to reduce their fear of interacting with others. Start early and you’ll reap early results.
WORK, WORK, WORK… ETHIC
Though your child may think this is all fun and games, they can also develop meaningful skills. Listening to and following instructions given to them by a grown-up other than a parent is important in helping them to learn from different sources. They’ll learn how to be on time, work hard and interact well with other children; valuable life skills that are best learned from an early age.
GREAT REWARDS
Children receive compensation for jobs depending on a variety of factors ranging from clients with big budgets to pay handsome cheques, to smaller businesses that may only offer products and or services in lieu of cash. Once your child starts ‘working’ you should definitely open a savings account for them. This can give you and them the opportunity to learn about saving and using money and it can also serve as a way in securing their future. So, if you have a budding lawyer or doctor on your hands, at least you’d have had some money saved up for their tuition-with a little help from them!
Mini model hopefuls: Back row, left to right: Bethany Hill, Breanna Campbell, Ajeda Thomas, Ella McConnell, Kailen-Jade Wiggan and Sadhbh Delves Front row, left to right: Jah Chrisi Beadle, Chelsea Wright, Emily Black and Cai Roberts
Get
If you decide to have your child enter the modeling scene, here are a few things to consider:
BEGIN AT THE BEGINNING.
Get some basic, but nice photos taken. Don’t spend tons of money on this part of the process. Not yet, at least. How your child photographs is not just about how cute they look on your phone camera. There’s no doubt that your child is the most adorable out there but there are some agencies that aren’t totally hung up on outstanding looks. They look for children who ooze charisma and are able to adapt well to different circumstances. Agencies aren’t always looking for the most picture-perfect child.
FIND A REPUTABLE AGENCY.
Modeling agencies that work specifically with children in the Caribbean are few and far between. Check around though, because there are several smaller companies that
- Tyra Banks
Share the moment.
offer representational services. The market for child model placement is significantly smaller in this region, but the small global community provided by the Internet has eliminated such barriers. Be aware of illegitimate proposals that are often identified by exorbitant commission rates and requests for early payment.
BE REALISTIC.
“Your child can be very beautiful, very handsome, and still not be model material. Height, weight, bone structure, skin texture, teeth, and hair all play a major role. Esthetically the standards are high, and it is almost impossible to have the entire package,” shares Cynthia Bailey, owner of The Bailey Agency School of Fashion in Atlanta. “The industry has set guidelines, but be sure your child KNOWS that acceptance or rejection in the modeling industry does not define their beauty or their worth.”
Interested? Then get on it! Do your research, find the right agency for you and your child, get ready to run from one audition to the next and remember, this should be fun for your child!
