 She may be only 10, but Rachael Markovic is already a top model. And she's been at it for two years.
Rachael was discovered about 2 1/2 years ago at a modeling showcase in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. She was spotted by scout Paul St. John, but it wasn't an auspicious meeting at first.
Instead of perking up, her mother recounts, Rachael said evenly, "Can't you see I'm trying to take a nap"
"She has a lot of self-confidence," says her mother, Milica Markovic. "I watched her help other casting agents with their auditions. She'll make sure that they are ready."
Since then, the Hallandale Beach family has been balancing school with photo shoots. She attended Hollywood Central and now is home-schooled.
In her first 10 months of modeling, she did more than 100 ad campaigns. The fifth-grader has been lensed for Ford, Talbots, Roberto Cavalli, Burger King, American Girl, Kohl's, Bratz, Wal-Mart, Lord & Taylor, Dream Resorts, Ralph Lauren and J.C. Penney.
Even brother Daniel, 9, a student at Hollywood Central, has gotten into the act with Ramada Inn and Vertbaudet ads.
"I want to be in movies," Rachael says. "I want to be a top supermodel and in lots of magazines and commercials. I watch [America's NextTop Model] all the time."
Of course, she and Daniel are still kids. During a recent catalog shoot for H&M stores, they used the breaks to play raucous soccer matches.
Here's advice for parents of child models from Milica Markovic and industry experts:
Make sure you're dealing with professional clients, agencies and photographers. "Get referrals from other moms," she says.
Really commit to taking the children to casting calls. And remain with your child at all times. "I really have not had one bad experience," she says. "But I am there 100 percent of the time."
Consider home schooling if your child's career takes off. But do your research, and really think about whether it is best for your child (as opposed to what is best for a modeling career).
Child models should only work two hours before having a break.
No modeling schools are necessary.
If the agency promises you work, move on. Agencies can't make promises. They can only send you on auditions. The client makes the hiring decisions.
Be on time. Be ready. Photo and/or video crews are very expensive, so if your child gets sick often and cancels at the last minute, word will get around quickly.
Never pay the agency any fees. You do not need to pay for photographs or classes, or to attend conventions.
source: sun-sentinel.com
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