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Labyrinth,

Happy to oblige!

Oh, that was a sad link. The girl is serious. I'll be very honest with you. Christy will never be a super-model, a sub-super-model, or a sorta-super-model.

There are many types of modeling as another poster pointed out. But when we hear "supermodel", we all think of high-profile fashion models. If a girl hasn't made a serious impact in the fashion industry (that doesn't mean the general public knows your name, but top photographers do) by the age of 20 or 21, as a rule, it isn't going to happen. These agencies are taking "new faces" between the ages of 14-19, so at age 31, the only job Christy would get in a fashion agency is as a receptionist.

Generally, it takes 3-5 years in an agency to make an impact (there are exceptions). Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell were smart in parlaying their modeling success into other areas. No one will hire either or them for the latest Dior campaign. Those high-end markets are all about youth and new faces.

NYC is the hub of the fashion market. If you are going to "make it", you will have to make it there. Girls are typically 5'9"-5'11" (they will take exceptional girls as short as 5'7" - 5'8", but they must be ultra thin - around 100 pounds), their busts should be 34" max, waist 23"-25", 36" inch hips are seriously frowned upon, and absolutely no bigger than that is acceptable for a new girl. Christy is so far out of that range at 5'5" and with more realistic stats of approximately 39-32-44 (as opposed to her claim of 35-23-35) that she would strike out there too. Several of the big agencies have plus size divisions; Ford is one of them. Those women are very beautiful, start at size 10 - 12 and go up to around size 20, and are still very tall. Even in plus size, the top and bottom measurements should be very close, with the waist being 10 inches less (42-32-42).

There is also fashion modeling in LA, but it is not as "edgy" (think heroin sheik) as NYC. There's more focus on beauty. The same body type is required though.

There is commercial modeling which caters to women who are or were fashion models. Think cosmetic ads. Some fashion girls are lucky enough to be able to carry off both looks. Stores like Penney's, Macy's, etc. use those types of girls. Christy wouldn't fit there either.

Lifestyle commercial modeling and stock photography modeling is much more diverse. All shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and ages will work. There are even agencies for handi-capped models. Every brochure and advertisement you see has models in it. Many of those nameless faces come from commercial agencies. Some of them pay well, but you won't get famous that way and you have to find your niche (and a reputable agency).

As far as Christy is concerned, her body is so disproportionate that booking her would be a problem. Because her scarring is pretty bad and a big negative, the shots would all be headshots. That's very limiting. She's got an attractive, all American appeal, but she'll never advertise Lancome or Revlon. Airbrushing is usually used to correct lighting and minor imperfections of a girl with a good look, not someone with serious scarring.

Hair shows as a rule are pretty easy to get. You don't need a modeling agency to get them. Unless you have done print work or something very special for a high end company, the pay rate is low (maybe $100 for a day). What they are looking for is hair that women are willing to cut, color, or style. The women should be young, decent looking, but models aren't necessary. Most models won't put hair shows on a resume.

The problem with the internet is that everyone and their mother is now a "model". Sites like the one Lab mentioned are all over the place. They are generally used by girls who cannot secure a tangible agency with bookers, portfolios, and clients. If Christy is still with that "scouting service", and I use the term loosely, she is paying about $30 a month for it. True, her stats are laughably fudged, but it doesn't matter. No one is calling her (except SO, lol). With one photo (that could be her own wedding photo) her inexperience is glaring.

The service Christy subscribes to has been rated with an "F" by the BBB (There are twelve grades from AAA to F). Over the past 36 months, there have 54 complaints against them. I'll include a portion of the BBB's write-up about this particular "modeling agency":

"...advertises talent submission services via their wesite, claiming the service is free. We urge caution! Although this company advertises free services, our complaint experience with this company indicates otherwise. After the initial introductory webpage asks for contact information for free registration, a second screen appears which explains the free registration is actually a seven day trial with a negative option cancellation clause. Viewers are asked for payment information to show they "are serious" about their career, and advised no charges will be placed on their cards if cancellation occurs within the 7 day period.

It goes on to say that most complaints concern cancellations that are not honored, audition info that is outdated and/or useless, and difficulty getting someone on the phone.

Besides anything else, if your head is not on straight, if you battle with self-confidence issues, or you are prone to substance abuse, you'd better find another dream.