Shannon S.

MDC Member since Dec 2001
View Shannon's Portfolio
Location: NY, USA
Age: 15
Agency contacts: Nous, New York Models, Boss NY, Elite Miami, Ford, T Models, Q Models, Agence Christie, Marilyn and IMG.

Shannon, how did you become interested in modeling?
I've always liked modeling, ever since I was little and I bought new clothes for school I would dress up and give my mom and dad a runway show, I hardly knew what I was doing....

... I got a kick out of it. Once I got old enough, I started in pageants and then upgraded to conventions like MIE (Modeling in Europe) and IMTA (International Model and Talent Association) where I realized this is definitely something I want to pursue. I love the clothes, the beautiful people, and most of all the attention! At times, it can be a chaotic business but I love the energy, it's awesome!

What agencies have you been in contact through MODELS.com (from the
Scouting Services, Agency Directory or Forums)?
Well, I've been scouted by Boss NY, Elite Miami, Ford, T Models, Q Models, Agence Christie, Marilyn, New York Models, Nous Models, and IMG.
I have met with most of them within the past 6months, and I've began to loose weight that I needed to get rid of. "Baby fat" as they would say being I'm only 15!! I'll be 16 on Halloween, finally.

What was your experience with them?
Well most of the agencies I listed, are continuing to follow up on me because I really don't have a chance to do anything significant due to my age and the fact I'm still in high school. With Ford, I was a finalist in their Model contest that was on the Metro channel in late spring. Although I didn't win, I felt so special and I loved it.
As for most of the agencies, I was a little underage to be traveling etc, and still a little bit chunky but I'm thinner now; just waiting for a good chance to go in when I get a break off of school.

What advice would you have for other aspiring models trying to get noticed
by these agents?
Well, my advice would be to send Polaroid's to agencies in the closest Major Fashion city near your location. As for me I live on Long Island, however NYC is only 90 minutes away and that is where most of my responses came from. I would say to meet with as many agents as you can, and get different perspectives and advice from different agencies and improve whatever it is that needs improvement. Most of all, I'd say the one thing that hit me like a ton of bricks, is to LEARN TO TAKE CRITICISM CONSTRUCTIVELY. Wow, I must say that that was the absolute number 1 thing that didn't cross my mind, yet it was the most important characteristic you need if your planning on taking modeling seriously. And, lastly - just go with the flow and know that you must pay your dues, nothing comes for free!! :)