Friday January 23, 2004
The Toronto Sun - Joanne Richard

So you want to be a model but you aren't 5-foot-9? Well, don't despair. Anyone can get into the modelling industry, says Carolyn Nikkanen, model and talent agent. "There is a huge area of modelling that people don't talk about which is lifestyle, commercial print modelling. Anyone can do this -- all they need is a great personality and models can be pretty to character and unique," says Nikkanen, who owns Carolyn's Model and Talent Agency, Studio Talent Management and Carolyn's Kids in Mississauga and Toronto.

According to Nikkanen, there's a market for all ethnicities, all ages -- from babies to seniors -- and all sizes.

"It's a misconception that all models have to be a certain height -- that's for fashion and runway work only," she says. "Advertisers want to book models and actors that the general public can relate too so that they buy the product," says Nikkanen, adding that Toronto is an excellent market for models and actors.

HUGE MARKET

"Real People is a huge market in the modelling and acting industry. There is a lot of work out there, however, it is competitive."

She advises following three simple rules: "Train for your craft, have a great attitude, be self motivated. There is no room for laziness -- the days are gone, sitting back waiting for the agent to call. It is a 50/50 effort, just like any business.

"A model or actor must be trained; no client will want to pay a lot of money for someone that has no experience whatsoever," says Nikkanen, adding that the best models are those who have the time Monday to Friday to attend go sees, auditions and bookings.

POLITENESS

"There is not much notice for an audition or a job, usually one day, so they must be available," she stresses, adding that politeness, punctuality and professionalism are essential at all times.

"Have realistic expectations. Success does not come overnight! But dreams can become a reality and if you work hard enough you can achieve all your expectations," she says, adding that it's essential to have a good agent.

Meanwhile, kids are great. "We have lots of kids in TV series, commercials and catalogues. Kids cannot be shy and, remember, it is not always the cute child that gets the work."