Model questions answered by Ingrid Hassell - agent 10-20 division at Wilhelmina Agency New York

1. What are the Physical characteristics necessary to be a full figured model?
There aren't any physical characteristics that we focus on per se.. what is important is how interesting or how beautiful we think the potential model is and more importantly, how they photograph.

2. What do you look for in personality?
Someone that is eager to learn and willing to put the necessary effort to get their career running in addition to handling criticism well.

3. What influences your decision to sign a girl?
We look for someone that we feel a connection to and someone that gets us excited about her career.

4. How, do you think, is the best way for a girl to get an agent?
Presenting a test photograph in an open call shows initiative and also shows us how photogenic she is. Research is very important as well. Knowing the various agencies and who they represent will also help them make a better match for themselves.

5. How Important is height?
Very important, very important!. Models must be at least 5'8 " tall.

6. What is the age range for a successful plus model? At what age should you get started?
Most of our successful models are in their mid-twenties and have been modeling since they were 15 or so. It takes a few years to get a good portfolio built and build a client base

7. What is the size that works most?
Sizes 12-16 are booked consistently.

8. Should you spend money on pictures before you meet with an agent?
If you really are serious about modeling, it is a good thing to invest in because you can take it with you to meet the various agencies. Most agencies will require you to test before they sign you.

9. Are showcases and scouting events worth the time or are they all hype?
I go to scouting events all the time and I find that they are a good way to familiarize yourself with the various agencies.

10. How should you present yourself at an event?
Be natural and act yourself. Wear clothes that we can see your figure in but nothing too racy. Do not wear too much makeup or product in your hair. We want to see you as a clean slate.

11. Do you really sign girls you meet at the shows?
I have signed a few girls from shows I have participated in.

12. How long is the wait to meet you usually?
At conventions, the agents select the potential models they want to "interview" based upon a few different events such as a runway show and photo exhibition. After these events, we "call back" only those people that we feel have the potential to fit as a model within our agency.

13. What is the best way to impress you at a show?
Taking the event seriously and showing off your wonderful personality.

14. Can modeling be a part time job rather than full time?
It depends on how in demand your look is. There are times when models will get a steady stream of work and there are times when it will dwindle. Our top models do model full time though.

15. Can you be a mother and model?
We do have a few models who are moms and it does prove to be difficult at times in terms of finding someone to care for their children when they get sent away for oversees bookings, but that largely depends upon the model and her resources.

16. Is there such a thing as petite plus models?
There are some but mostly in smaller more commercial agencies.