Ok, I admit it. I’m tall. But my gorgeous sister isn’t. And as a (very) short girl in her twenties, she knows what it means to have what it takes to be a model — apart from height. The name calling is often kind of cute: baby doll, mini girl, miniature beauty. Nevertheless, as I often bear witness, she does not always take it as a compliment, especially if a sometimes unjust industry like the modeling one is involved. If your dream is to be a model but your height is what stands between you and its realization, well, there is much you can do about it.
Apart from the good looks, special features and right attitude, models are mostly required to be tall (5’9″ to 5’10”). While a cat walk can be learned and weight can be lost, height is something which is unlikely gained after you are older than 18. How many modeling dreams have been shattered due to this particular reason, we will never know. But you don’t have to give up your dream already.
Petite modeling is a smaller branch of the industry which started to gain popularity thanks to the ever famous Tyra Banks’ America’s Next Top Model, which opened its doors to small beauties for one season back in 2009. As a petite model, you will still have to fit some standards: requirements include being shorter than 5’6″ or 5’7″ and, special occasions excluded, being a big fashion model is not going to happen. However, being a petite model, photoshoots and body part modeling will be guaranteed.
I am not going to lie, it’s going to take time to find a proper agency and/or a proper gig. First off, having a good portfolio is key, as it is for standard-height models. Make sure to have at hands a number of magazines featuring editorials to study the most popular postures and poses of models nowadays. As mentioned earlier, the runway is for the tall ones, and petite models are usually chosen for commercial fashion and ads. This means good posture and signature poses are your pass to the modeling world. Practice endlessly! For your shots, focus on commercial print campaigns and ads style, have in your portfolio pictures where you rock clothes and accessories.
Finding the right agencies is, as often happens, the most complicated part. Some general modeling agencies have departments dedicated to petite models, but this is not the general rule. Bigger cities are often the best places to take into consideration while pursuing gigs. Try to find agencies which focus on petite models. Minx models, Lauren Green, Bella Agency are some good links. However, directories such as Elite Petite Models could also be a valid option.
Do not forget that, especially nowadays, a model gotta be her own marketer. Networking is key: get in contact with girls in the same situation, join forums and discussions for insider tips. Also, try your luck at different agencies. If it goes wrong, you can ask why and treasure the advices you get from the experts. Do not let the fashion standards bring you down, there is always space for improvement.