Can You Be a Model at Your Age? Model and Industry Expert William Squire Explains How to Do It

Market Wire, July, 2008

Slender young models continue to dominate designer runways all over the world, but new reality shows, advertisements and spending power of baby boomers are bringing older models to the forefront. TV Land's "She's Got the Look," with former supermodels Kim Alexis and Beverly Johnson, has experienced quick success as millions of people tune it to see which over-35 aspiring model will win. The trend is moving away from super young models and making way for models over 35 who baby boomers can relate to.

"Companies didn't suddenly become smitten with stretch marks. The trend is driven by the $2-trillion spending power of baby boomers -- born between 1946 and 1964 -- who make up 26% of the population," says Monica Corcoran of the Los Angeles Times. With the buying power these boomers possess they would like to see themselves reflected in ads for products they purchase. Applying this concept to their advertising strategy, companies like Unilever developed the pro-age campaign to promote their Dove products. Women over 40 or 50 are now plastered on billboards and represent today's real women.

Professional model William Squire, who is also a Hollywood make-up artist, agent and author, provides tips for "well preserved" models to take advantage of this model movement. After modeling for over 25 years, Squire finds himself back in demand booking print, runway and spokesmodel work. "There are so many segments of modeling that people of any age, shape, body type and look can have a successful career in modeling," says Squire, who is in his 40s. "'Real people' modeling is a huge industry. Think of all the grandparents and regular people you see in ads. My mother began modeling at the age of 70."

To break into modeling, Squire advises the following:

1. Try to get representation with a legitimate agency. A reputable agency
   will never ask for money or require you to pay them for photo shoots or
   photo packages.
2. Be cautious of agents who approach you in a mall, operate via web site
   only, use an 800 number for recruiting and do not hold interviews in
   their office.
3. If you're approached by an agent, ask for a business card, which agency
   the person is with, where it is located, how long they have been in
   business and if there is a fee to join their agency. Also, if the agency
   booking fee is over 20%, this may be a sign of a scam.

If you're considering going to modeling school, ask what the total cost of the school is including classes, books, photos, etc. Ask what industry experience the school staff has and ask to view resumes. Find out if the school/franchise location has launched successful modeling careers. The school should be able to be a liason between yourself and local agents and identify the local agents they can provide meetings with. Most importantly, get a money-back guarantee in writing from the chosen modeling school.

Squire and fellow model/author Laura Boulay wrote "The Model's Workbook" to provide information on how to become a successful model and avoid scams and stay safe along the way. Squire and Boulay also co-created Your Signature Style, which Squire now presents with former supermodel, actress and beauty expert Lisa Dean. In this ninety-minute transformational program, Dean and Squire get participants on their feet so they can practice how to walk like a model, enter a room with confidence, and stand for the perfect picture, leaving them looking and feeling their best and giving older models the confidence to give the industry another chance. Clients include Mercedes-Benz PGA Championships, Meeting Planners International, Deloitte & Touche, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bon Appetit magazine and the Ritz-Carlton hotels.

For more information, visit www.modelsworkbook.com or www.yoursignaturestyle.net . To reach William Squire, call 310-869-9343 or email williamedwardssquire@msn.com .

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