Ask Lianne

Here is your chance to pose your questions to her and get a female perspective about any questions you might have that you need advice for. She'll respond to selected questions with her answers for you right here.

January 29, 2006

Dear Lianne,
I have learned a lot about modeling from reading your column. I have a few questions to ask.

1) Is it necessary to disclose one's age on comp cards or at auditions?

Legally, the only rule about age is that a model cannot pose nude if he/she is under 18. No, you do not have to put your age on your comp card, but if your photos are on a website, you may be asked for your age/birthdate. Many models lie to make themselves seem younger. Sometimes casting calls ask specifically for a certain age range, but most of the time you can audition if you "appear" within a certain range.

2) Many models have built their own websites to promote themselves. I would love to do this as well. Will a book with instructions from the library be enough?

I created my own site using Photoshop for my graphics and a book on HTML for the web design, but it took me over two years (and hundreds of changes) to get it looking decent. One easier method you could use for creating a very simple (yet somewhat generic) site is by using templates, through sites like Moonfruit.com or Geocities.com. This is actually a good way to start out, because it familiarizes you somewhat with website publishing. If you want to build your own site from scratch, you should have knowledge of Photoshop or some other graphics program to create your own buttons, backdrops, and other graphics. Then I'd recommend learning Dreamweaver for your site design, which is much easier than learning straight HTML code. If you decide you'd rather have someone else do it, you can look for a student or recent graduate in web design who is trying to build a portfolio; they may be willing to help you for free.

3) How much modelling work and what type (if any), have you received from placing your portfolio on websites specifically designed for self promotion? Is it worth paying extra money for membership to these types of websites?

It is good to to post your photos on as many sites as you can in order to gain exposure, but those freelance sites will mainly connect you with photographers who want to build their portfolios or shoot you for a pay site. In either case, you may get free photos but won't usually get paid for it unless you are already established. (And if you are established, you will more often get hired directly through your own site.) Also, you need to watch out for shady characters when you agree to do these freelance shoots. Try to get a referral first at all costs!

I'd recommend that you only pay to have your photos on sites that belong to actual agencies, in which it should cost $50 or less per year to have your photos up. Start out by doing some promotional modeling work, which you can get through some of the smaller agencies in your area. I got most of my print work by modeling at trade shows, where I was able to network with other models and industry people, who would later recommend me for jobs or hire me directly.

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Lianne grew up near Berkeley, California and went from a quiet and shy girl to a woman who is now a professional model, actress, photographer, artist, and hair stylist.

Find out more about Lianne here: www.liannelin.com

Photos used by permission courtesy of Lianne Lin (www.liannelin.com). Photos are copyrighted by Lianne Lin.