Canada is great for models to get started, but it is a highly competitive market so you need to be prepared, do your best and keep your expectations realistic.  You may not get a booking for small insignificant reasons, even eye colour can determine if you get the job or not. You really need to be positive ......  becuase it can be a roller coaster ride ... to say the least.

A model is essentially a product.  Agencies will get you in the door to meet clients,  but after that it is all up to you.   Clients first look at all your physical attributes, and then they will look at how you present yourself.   Without knowing anything about you, clients will make judgments. You have to be able to remove yourself from that and be sure to not take anything personally.   If a client has to choose between three models with similar looks they will go with the one who they think will be the best on set that day.   Don't think you have to come across in any other way, but yourself.    Clients will very rarely book a model who comes across too shy or too arrogant.   Teenage models in Canada  can work in a wide variety of areas including editorials, runway, catalogue, commercial print, and television commercials.   You need to be realistic in what areas you can work in - some models will never appear in an editorial spread, while others may never do catalogue work.

The first year of a model's career is always a learning curve and building period. This is when you are building your portfolio by paying for photographs and doing creative work  with photographers.   Patience is a virtue at this time, learn as much as you can about the industry  and check back with Carriage House Studio for updates and new articles.   Read as much as you can about the industry ...and try to use common sense when making decisions about your career.  Ask other models about their experience(s).   Ask questions about how you can better yourself,  your photographer/agent is always there to guide you.   Don't expect to be making a lot of money at first,  you are essentially starting your own business so you will need to make investments first.   If you can, get a part time job outside of business hours to help supplement your income and still be available for go-sees and castings.

Portfolios and shoots can get expensive, but remember the more time and energy you put into something ..... the better the results you get out of it.  Sure you can try to cut costs and alot of people in the industry will say ... 3 shots is good enough or a simple comp card is all you need ....NOT A GOOD IDEA or don't spend alot of money ...... you may not make it in the industry.  You can do whatever you want and you can be whatever you want .... do not let anyone tell you different.  But, be realistic ... and do not give up everything for a dream ....keep some money in the cookie jar for a rainy day !~