Avoiding The Biggest Mistakes
- By Cynthia Saldana, Ikon Model Management NYC  
  1. Do not spend thousands of dollars on pictures or instruction before finding an agency.
  2. Do spend your money wisely on a photo shoot and comp cards after gaining representation
  3. Do not invest in expensive products and clothing,
  4. Do invest in yourself, your smile, style, health and well being.
  5. Do not spend a great deal of money on pictures for children
  6. Do have at least one good shot on a comp card
  7. Do not spend any money on pictures of babies
  8. Do have a good snapshot of your baby with you and on file with the agency.
  9. Do not shoot an entire portfolio(Book) before you have worked in the industry. A portfolio is your work.
  10. Do start your book off with one excellent test shot
  11. Do not pay money upfront for any reason for representation
  12. Choosing the wrong agency and the wrong market can lead to spending thousands of dollars unnecessarily. Determine your market and find an agency that handles that market.