How Do You Go About Getting Your Toddler into Modeling?

I'd start researching modeling agents around the state. DO NOT accept their help if you are told to pay money up front. An agency should ONLY get a percentage off each job. It's ok if the suggest classes to go to, but never money up front. Just call around to different agency's to see if they even accept toddlers.

Strangers say that to all mommies:)

Kim Dawson Agency and Campbell are very well respected. I know a few ppl whose kids do Campbell. They have gotten things from JC Pennys to Barney to Blue Bell....

You will pretty much have to get a good headshot and a full body. Nothing extreme in background or clothing wise and submit. They take a certain amount of each look and size etc... You will need sizing etc... Just look into them. Never pay money! Also it is long they might be there 3-4 hours and will genearlly make around $50 an hour but it is long!

Just fyi, I had a a good friend who was told this about her kids -- they were cute -- and she made the effort and went to an agency and the agency sent her out on tryouts for commercials, print, etc. And her kids HATED it. It was hours and hours of waiting in lines (her kids were 3 and 4 when she started). They did get a couple jobs -- mostly print and a tiny part in a local commercial. She spent way more money on it than she made (in commuting to and from Chicago). And she looks back on it as time lost for her kids because while we were at parks and museums and playgroups, she was sitting in line in auditions with a backpack of food and activities. Her kids couldn't handle it. Maybe yours would be different. Some kids really thrive on that stuff, but I think most would just rather play in a sandbox.

I've modeled most of my life and my 15 yr old has modeled. My 15 yr old spent a week in LA (with me as chaperone) modeling and she said "mom, I just don't like this". We finished the weekly obligation, chalked it up to a good experience and never looked back. For me, I grew up in a rural area, loved the travel and since moving to DFW area have had nice experiences.

First....IT IS WORK, it is not easy money. Second.....YOU spend NO $$$

If an agency or whatever ask you for money....RUN don't walk away.

Reputable agencies in the DFW area are Kim Dawson and Campbell to name a couple.

If they are interested in you they will call you.

Again, are you doing this for you or your child? It is work. You are called to audition and expected to be there... It might be nap time, snack time, etc and if your child does not like it STOP

If your child thrives with it......PLEASE put the money your child makes into a fund for your child. We've seen parents pocket the money the children make and that is SO unfair.

Be ready for cut throat brutal comments. You have to be able to take it and let it go. One of my daughter's friends got cut from her Dawson contract because he teeth got crooked and she had to get braces. It has a lot of positive things about it and a LOT of negative. The main thing is to not let your child get a negative complex about him/herself due to the comments that are made in front of them.

Good luck

I've heard that the Dallas area is a huge center of business for catelog models (JC Penny's, Sears, on and on)

I've heard that The Kim Dawson Agency here is an honest to goodness, professional place to get checked out for marketability, and to try to get to be their client. If they don't handle little kids, ask them who does.

Some companies may try to take your money for them to do this or that. I've read they are scams to get your money.

I don't have any personal experience -- so just know that.

Hi! you might check into AMTC (actors, models & talent for Christ) which is an Atlanta based talent organization. They often hold auditions in Dallas and you are welcome to bring your children to be evaluated. If they see that your child has potential they will invite you to participate in their program. There is a fee that includes training, wardrobe consult, professional photos and a week long meeting in Florida that has classes and tryouts and puts you in front of ad agencies, modeling studios, and producers. There were more than a hundred agencies that were looking for talent in January when we were there and many people got callbacks. The classes, workshops, and photo shoots are held in the Dallas area. I would suggest you go to one of their open calls which is totally free and held in the ballroom at a local hotel. You will find out a lot of information about the business and get to talk to other parents who have had their children in the business. You will also be able to observe your child and how they respond to the process.
My daughter, age 21 was part of this program and I spent a week with her in Orlando. It was a totally first class organization and a very positive experience. I was very hesitant about an "open call" so I really checked out this company and you should too before you get your child or yourself involved.

Every once in awhile I read an ad in our local paper or Inlander (our free community rag) about open casting for kids models, might be a start?