A select group of Model‑T(een)s, 1963 style, are wending their way through Chicagoland and are being handsomely paid for their geographic wanderings.

They are all Mainites who have been fortunate enough to enter successfully the "glamous" field of photographic and fashion modeling. A discerning eye can discover such lovelies as Carol Kristen '63, Randi Johnson '64, or Maureen Quinn '64, magazine ads, newspapers advertisements, professional catalogs, or department store fashion shows.

The successful teen models are born, rather than made, as in the case of Carol Kristen, a 5 foot 6 inch, brunette beauty. Carol was "discovered" in 1959 by Mr. Herb Laney Sr., the father of Herb Laney '63. The resulting photograph appeared on the cover of a national movie making magazine, thus launching her "model" career. Since then she has gained unlimited experience in the fields of photo illustrations, professional catalogs, fashion modeling, and even television commercials.

Modeling agencies prefer to hire teens with natural photographic appeal and ability rather than those who have been trained by a modeling or charm school. "Trained models have a school stereotype rather than fresh, natural appearance, vitality, and movement," explains Carol. "However for girls who need assistance in grooming and poise, the schools do offer worthwhile guidance."

Prospective models should possess correct bone structure, pleasant features, clear skin, and photogenic appearance. "A not‑very‑pretty person can be a photographic beauty because of her facial structure," asserts Carol. Models of both sexes need trim, proportioned figures, since one appears at least 10 pounds heavier in pictures.

Teen models agree that being connected with a reliable agency is essential in order to secure good jobs. Agencies advertise their models by composites: printed sheets picturing the model in three standard poses. In return for finding jobs for the model, the agency receives a percentage of the salary from those jobs. The hour range begins at $10 per hour. Carol now rates $20 per hour.

Despite good pay, there are long hours of travel to and from assignments for which the model is offered no compensation. Posing for one picture requires long hours of holding a definite pose under the glare of hot lights, and possibly, repeated make‑up touch‑ups. After sitting for hours, with every muscle aching, you still have to retain a fresh, un‑posed expression. That is the hardest phase of modeling," reveals Carol.

Models must have well‑balanced, extensive wardrobes. Unless the job is a fashion or costume shot, the model provides whatever clothing is requested. Often the model is instructed to furnish several changes, of which the photographer takes his choice. Carol recalls having to purchase special apparel only once.

Carol's hardest assignment was filming a one‑minute soft-drink television commercial which required 10 hours of shooting. However, a model is paid a residual fee every time the commercial is shown. Carol's favorite assignment is appearing each spring and fall in the fashion shows of Marshall Field and other leading downtown department stores. Carol prefers to model the chic junior evening clothes.

Modeling needs males! There is an alarming scarcity of eligible boy models in the teenage range. The requirements are merely a clean‑cut, manly appearance, fairly good looks, and a pleasing camera personality. Young men are paid no less than $15 per hour with hardly any experience required. Many fellows, from student council presidents to football team captains, are finding that modeling is an enjoyable and profitable profession.

In addition to being pleasant and neat appearance‑wise boy and girl models must have congenial personalities which enable them to work with other models, photographers, and scores of professional people. Models must accept directions and advice, be patient, and be able to assume the character or camera personality which the photographer desires. "Learning to get along with people is the greatest phase of modeling," concludes Carol.