You see it every year – the Kim Dawson Dallas Child model search. And yes, while you DO think your own child is cute, you repeatedly have people coming up to you telling you the exact same thing! If you’ve ever wondered about how children get into modeling and whether or not it’s for your family, then read on.
It’s no secret that Dallas is a big city, but what many mothers don’t realize is that with companies like JC Penney, Dillard’s, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and hundreds upon hundreds of smaller companies in the area, there is a huge LOCAL void for modeling that needs to be filled. Between print ads, mailers, and the internet, local modeling agencies are always in need of child models – and they start hiring when at just six weeks old!
Want To Know How To Get Started?
With any agency, you’ll want to follow the following formula . . .
1) Send in your photos. 4×6 snapshots work the best – just make sure they have your child’s entire body in them.On the BACK of the photos (this is important!) write your child’s name, date of birth, and your name and phone number. Be sure to check the agency’s website, as well, as most still only take submissions via snail mail.
Don’t forget to fully check out any agency before sending your child’s picture and information! When we initially looked at agencies we found one local company that had make-up (including lipstick!) on all of their child models…even the ones as young as 3. For us personally, this a flag that crossed the agency off our list. Currently the three largest agencies in Dallas are: Kim Dawson, The Campbell Agency, and The Clutts Agency.
2) Be persistent. The first time we sent in photos I didn’t hear back and in essence gave up. Four months later at the encouragement of Husband I made a call in to the Campbell Agency and was told by all means to send them in again. This time I heard from Kim Dawson within 4 days of sending in the photos. Send in updated snapshots every 4-6 weeks (and don’t take silence personally), as your child’s photo may get passed over several times if they don’t fit the specific “look” the agency needs at that particular time.
3) Do it for the experience, not the money. Generally your child will make somewhere around $60.00 per photo shoot. If they are a back-up child (standard for babies and toddler photo shoots) and don’t get their photo taken, your child’s commission will be lower still. In order to make the MOST of the money your child does make be sure to open up a savings account for your child (see Krystal’s article for tips on opening college savings accounts!)
4) Expect to spend a little bit of money (but run away if they ask you to spend a lot!). The basic necessities that YOU have to provide and bring to most photo shoots will be carried at all times inside of your “modeling bag”. These include several styles of shoes (in pristine condition), socks, and tights (for girls) to fit all seasons. As your child gets older (ages 3+) you may have to arrange to have headshots taken (we used Kelly Williams Photography and she was amazing) and a “comp” card made that the agency will send to the companies. Other than this, you should not be asked to spend any money.
5) Be flexible. Although there will be times that you will get emails or phone calls about go-sees and bookings with plenty of advance notice, this is not the norm. Frequently the phone calls I get are at 3:30 in the afternoon asking me if one of the girls is available the next morning in Irving, Frisco, or even downtown. I check to make sure Husband can watch our other two for an hour or so at his office and then give the agency the O.K.
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So at the end of the day, why do I let my children model? First and foremost: because they enjoy it. Dressing up in fancy clothes, sitting in the princess chair, and having praise and attention lavished on them is something all my children dig. They love the fashion shows at the World Trade Center, and they love the clothes so much that on occasion I’ve been known to splurge at a later date and pick them up something they absolutely loved from a particular shoot (hello Sperrys!). I love that they learn at a young age how to respectfully interact with adults outside of our family circle. I love that my girls are growing up and tangibly seeing that the world really is a very big place and that the possibilities for them are endless. I love that they have developed a steely self esteem that thus far has stood firm in the face of their peers.
And best of all I love that I have some really cool things to put in their scrapbook.
Hi Kelly!
Thank you for the shout out! Ive had a few mom’s contact me after reading your post.
I wanted to let your readers know that NOW is the time to submit snapshots of the kiddos to Campbell Agency, Kim Dawson, and Clutts. All three of these agencies shoot a marketing piece called a Head Book in January and February. The Head Book is printed and shipped out to all of their clients in the spring. Right now they are all looking at their current roster of kids and figuring out what sizes and looks they need to add to the agency. They will be paying extra attention to any submissions over the next 2 1/2 months. Be sure to include your child’s clothing size and their height (in inches).
Thanks again Kelly!
What would b your opinion in getting my 17 almost 18 he old in modeling. .first time
Where do we summit the snapshots?
We do not accept snapshots on Dallas Moms Blog. This post was simply to give guidance on how to submit photos of your child to modeling agencies. We suggest researching some of the local agencies mentioned in the post. Thanks!
Thank you for the information. I have always been told about my oldest since a baby if I would ever consider pilitting her in modeling. I’ve always said no. After time and time again variety of people would tell me I should consider, especially people I didn’t know. Now that my daughter is a toddler age 3 I’ve been told again especially from her ballet teacher.
Told my husband about it and he mentioned for me to look into it.
So I found your blog and it has been extremely helpful as I live in the DFW area.
Thank you for the information.
Can you recommend other sources for a researching and possibly a but skeptical mom? 🙂 this was great insight and very appreciated.
hi, im looking to get my grandbaby into catalog modeling she is 2 yrs old very smart.
and i do i get started on her for the catalog or etc.
HI I’m Also interested in getting my daughter started. Justus is 5years old and loves acting modeling. I to haven been told all her life she needs to be on someone’s TVs just minutes of someone being around her. Of courses it made me smile and I’ve already tried before but just prior to moving here in 2013 may we get a called on her 4th Birthday from a agency (one resource talent ) in Irving however very excited and happy because we had live in Michigan and never was getting the calls as fast.. But we go to see what the meeting was about.I took my daughter in with photos they took a couple ask her a few questions this was the second meeting they left us to go upstairs to give to three bigger ppl with they were the recruiters. The guy return and says they loved her but they were looking for a boy at the time so understood but a little sad I guess they don’t see the photos or know what their looking for at the time . So we stop focus on her getting ready for school as she was going to be starting kindergarten soon.. Then we received another call 2months later the first was July 31. Welll the second call consist of them just wanting to get her started and how to help us with portfolio but Of course they ask for money and at the time I was just in my job but was looking for a place to live so I couldn’t afford it. But this year I don’t want to take no as a answer God willing she become what she’s suppose to but than .for this article and letting us know that you will get help if they want you and don’t have to come out of a lot of money as the other one was even with the payments options offer we just wasn’t in the Right situation . Now I’m just trying not to put her dream off I think she’s been old enough and reedy we just need the help heard of Kim Dawson Agency and was recommended to reach out I did by email they wanted the pictures sent in through mail so I’ll go for it Again thanks.
Excuse typos
Hello, first off let me just say that I love your story and i Thank you for sharing it with us!! I’m a first time mother who’s looking to get my daughter into modeling she’s about to be 6 months and have a Smile that will light up a room. I have looked at the Agencies that you have mentioned in your story but as I’m searchig their page I only see kids that are maybe 2/3 years older. I wanted to know do you have any other Agencies in mind or will they also be able to work with my daugther in staring off her modeling career?
Thank you,
Thank you so much for your information. It’s a great positive and encouraging story for others not to give up. I received a call from two of the agencies you mentioned the Campbell agency and Kim Dawson. Yet I am confused and unsure of which of the two to select. I have been debating on this for a week, but I need to make a decision soon. Could you let me know what you think of each and or what to use to make a decision? I don’t want to meet with both or try to, because a friend tried to do the same and once she met with one agency her appointment with the other was dropped. I would rather call the agency I would sign my child with. I would really appreciate any experiences or knowledge that would help me decide, because I know both are well known in Texas.
That you,
We used, acclaimed Dallas headshot photographer, Marcus, who was very child-friendly, LA-trained and great with my kids. The results were stunning and my yound daughter got in the BEST agency in town as a direct result. She making $250 per photo shoot for JC Penny. My toddler (they grow fast) was also able to get a few photo ops in Target circulars. Investing in photos by Marcus of http://www.HeadShotPros.com in Dallas was worth every penny. Yes, they enjoy it, it helps them learn social skills as well and has been such a positive experience all around. Just got with the best photographer you can find (like Marcus) and go with a reputable agency. That’s the way to make this a positive (and lucrative) experience, y’all.
I would like assistance getting my 15 month old son involved in local modeling.