I kid, I kid... Actually no.

It all started over a week ago, when my friend and I went to the shopping center. There were two guys there with nifty t-shirts talking to random people, no big deal, right? I had just signaled my friend to stop near the exits because of a gossip (which is clearly irrelevant to the outcome of this post but bear with me on this one), and we waited a bit, not doing anything; naturally, one of the cute guys came to us. Turns out they work for a modelling agency and they were looking for new people, fresh meat. My friend was a bit on the fence, as we were told to sign up they'd need to take pictures of us (face+body), but the guy was so nice I couldn't say no.

Long story cut short, we did it. I kept telling my friend there was no reason to be nervous and asked her "Why are you nervous? You think you're going to get picked?" and she said "No!" and I replied with "Neither do I, that's why it's fun!", I mean let's face it... Seriously. No. I'm not short but I'm not tall either; I'm a bit too skinny, basically no breasts, potato nose, big teeth. Doesn't sound like modelling material, so the notion that I'd never get picked was what made it so fun.

Stupidly enough, I didn't think about it at all after we were told to wait... Until today. There I was, sitting confortably with my grandmother, as a text arrives telling me I got picked, and they'd like to meet me.

(gaspschockhorror)

I almost pooped my pants, metaphorically speaking... But if they want to work with me, if I have a chance to get a job and finally help my parents put food on our table, I kind of have to do it. Plus I signed up for it. -.- Even though I see guck when I look in the mirror.

But let us dwell on my lack of self-esteem no longer. What I ask of you, dear ladies and gentlemen, is that you tell me, for god's sakes, what am I to expect from this? If I go, is there a procedure? If any of you has been in this situation when it comes to modelling and things alike, is there any advice at all you can give me? Will they expect me to do something wow-ish, or should I just control myself?

Any advice at all would be great.

There are so many different types of modelling. If you do sign a contract with this agency or if you get hired by other companies, there are so many different scenarios that could happen!

The only advice I can give is to read up on the agency as much as you can, read through all the fine print they give you, never ever sign something that you don't understand, and do not pay them any money. A lot of scams prey on young girls who dream about becoming models. Do some digging to make sure they are legitimate and make sure that you've got an accountable paper trail in order to prove when/how/what you worked and agreed to.

I couldn't agree more. Right now do you have any kind of proof that these people are legit? They could be trying to sign you up for all kinds of nasty business, so as Knerd says, be very careful!

Originally Posted by Knerd

There are so many different types of modelling. If you do sign a contract with this agency or if you get hired by other companies, there are so many different scenarios that could happen!

The only advice I can give is to read up on the agency as much as you can, read through all the fine print they give you, never ever sign something that you don't understand, and do not pay them any money. A lot of scams prey on young girls who dream about becoming models. Do some digging to make sure they are legitimate and make sure that you've got an accountable paper trail in order to prove when/how/what you worked and agreed to.

^^^^ this ALL the way!
Most of those mall booths are scams, sadly. Some, however, are not!
So lets hope. :)

and do not pay them any money.

This is what I worried when I read through your post. They may have "picked you" but they could also be a company that's more of a "we build your portfolio" kind of companies that charges you. I agree to do your research and just be careful. Otherwise, congrats! I hope it works out.

jellysundae: I researched everything related to them I could find: website, phone numbers, adress, and everything else I could think of, and with the help of my parents who know this better than me. They seem legit so far; the phone numbers are attributed to the agency, the adress exists, so does the website. It doesn't look crappy or poorly-made, in any way. The schedule they gave me (the hours I could show up) also match the hours on the website. I also have a panflet and I was approached at the shopping center by a boy probably my age, there was nothing going on in private.

I'm taking someone with me when I go, though, I remember watching Tyra back in the day when they tried to see how many girls would not go prepared in any way in case it was a scam. And yes, I won't pay anything. I can't afford to even if I wanted to. XD I know better than that in this aspect, as whenever something has to be paid for when it comes to this, it's usually not good news.

Knerd: thanks for the heads up on the paperwork! That's nasty business and I can understand how screwed someone can get in the long run if they sign the wrong thing. =/

You seem to have all bases covered, so best of luck then, and have fun :)

Firstly make sure they are legitimate, do some research of yourself and be 100% sure. Secondly, when it comes to the actual modelling try to be natural, as natural as you can be. Because we all know where the fake ones end up, right? XD
And finally, try accepting the way you look, I mean if the cute guy wouldn't of have asked you in the first place then maybe you would be ugly. Don't you think?

What the hell kind of legitimate company uses something as informal and unprofessional as text messaging? I'd be suspicious.