Male Models & Tattoos

(In case you haven't already, you can get my overall viewpoint on the subject by clicking HERE for a previous blog post about tattoos and piercings in modeling.)

Ah, tattoos. Although more women these days are sporting ink, this form of body art is still very much associated with the male physique. Some people find tattooed fellas absolutely irresistible. Others may not care for them at all.

From time to time in my career I've been asked by photographers and clients if there are any male models I could refer them to for certain projects. One of the male models I used to refer has a lot of tattoos (on his chest, stomach, arms and even all over his back). He has a great look, amazing body and is experienced. Unfortunately, to this day, anytime I refer him, the feedback I always get is exactly this: "We would love to work with him but he's got all those tattoos. We can't use him."

That's been my experience but there is certainly a much larger scale when it comes to this subject. So what's the modeling industry's take on tattoos as they apply to male models?

***Please note that I am referring to male models who are looking for agency representation in order to work as professional models in the mainstream categories of modeling like fashion, runway, editorial and commercial/print.***

Are you an aspiring male model who has a tattoo (or two or three) but is now worried about your chances at getting an agent? Having a tattoo doesn't automatically mean you can't seek agency representation. There are exceptions to the rule but in general, below are the common factors that could sway an agency's decision based on a male model's ink:

Size

Smaller tattoos are always better simply because they're easier to conceal and/or cover with body makeup. Larger tattoos are more challenging to work around and unless an agency really loves your overall physical look, they could choose to pass on you to find another male model with the same "look" but without all the ink. Remember, models (male and female) are replaceable and there's so many vying for an agency's attention that they know they've got their pick of the litter.

It's harder to market a new model with tattoos, compared to a newbie with no ink. Similar to having braces, excessive tattoos will limit the type and amount of modeling work an agency can secure for its models, depending on the type of modeling they do.

This model's tattoos wouldn't exactly qualify him for department store catalogs or other work that would fall under the commercial/print or family friendly category. His ink makes him appear "edgier" than clients may want and even if he was clothed, his tats would still peek out from underneath a short sleeved shirt.

The tattoo on his chest can be easily covered by makeup or left as is because it can be concealed with clothing. The tattoo on his shoulder isn't super big, either and can be covered with a short sleeved t-shirt.

Location

Most men have tattoos on their arms/shoulders, back or chest. These areas of skin do get shown off a lot for male fashion and runway models (commercial/print male models not so much) and if there is a tattoo there--especially if you're sleeved up--it might be frowned upon by an agency. Again, if an agency really believes in a male model's look and capability, they'll deal with it.

Got a tat on your neck or some other really visible/uncommon area? It might be an issue, especially if it's not easy to conceal or cover up.

What the Tattoo Is Of

Do you have a naked chick tattooed on you? Did you pick a tattoo image that could be offensive to others? Any symbolism that might be confused as being *gasp* "gang related"? Then your ink is probably not going to do you any favors with agencies or prospective clients. I once knew a guy who had a beautiful woman's portrait tattooed on his chest...including her very perky and very naked breasts. Yeeaaahhh, no agency's going to love that.

Is there a male model represented by an agency that has these types of tattoos out there working in the industry right now? There very well could be but don't be too lulled into the impression that exceptions to the rule will make it any easier for an agency to accept you.

Speaking of Exceptions to the Rule...

As I'm writing this post, I can already envision the comments I'll get from readers, listing the names of male models who are all tatted up to try and rebuff my take on this subject so let me talk briefly about the whole exceptions to the rule situation:

As with height, there are exceptions to the rule when it comes to male models with body art. However, this doesn't mean every male model with tattoos has an equal shot. They don't. David Beckham doesn't count. Sorry. He's an athlete first, a celebrity second and a model third. His ink didn't help him get into modeling or qualify him as an exception to the rule. His sports career and celebrity status did. I'm talking specifically about men who are only models (not actors, athletes, musicians or singers) who have tattoos. 

The tatted up male models with agents that appear in magazine ads, fashion shows and on billboards are exceptions to the rule 9 times out of 10 because of their overall physical look and marketability. The more in demand they are and the greater their professional reputation, the more likely they'll be to work with designers, photographers and other clients who normally wouldn't ever dream of shooting a model with a lot of tattoos. This kind of thing does happen but not everyday and not for everybody.

Both of these male models are gorgeous and would both have no problem getting agency representation (even the one on the left with the large tattoo). But in terms of booking work, it all boils down to preference. If a client wants no ink at all, they'll go with the model on the right, even if they really liked the model on the left. Clients have to appeal to their demographic and if it's one that doesn't favor tats, they have to honor that.

Are you an aspiring male model with tattoos and a good personality but a "so-so" overall look? Then agencies could be more likely to pass on you. Do you have amazing bone structure, a fantastic physical build and tattoos? You may just make an agency consider bringing you on board even if they aren't in love with your ink. It sounds harsh but this is the modeling industry we're talking about and even I can't deny that much of things are based on the superficiality of appearances.

What about the buffed up beefcakes with tattoos all over them that appear in their underwear all over the place (you know, the ones you drool over when you do an image search for underwear models)? Some of them are established and reputable male fashion and editorial models with agencies but a large percentage of them are pretty much the male version of "glamour" models. Instead of selling clothes, a product, company or brand, they are selling themselves like female glamour models do. These types of male models may have agency representation or may freelance. Oftentimes, the nature of their shoots is very sexual and involves showing a lot of skin (appearing almost naked or, in some cases, totally naked). This category of modeling usually doesn't care about tattoos so if it's a path you're interested in pursuing, then your body art very likely won't be a hindrance.

What Should You Do?

For aspiring male models with a lot of ink, my best piece of advice is to submit to agencies and get their feedback. Straight up. And be honest. You'll have to tell them about any tattoos or piercings you may have so there's no way around that. If you attend an open call or get invited for an interview and end up not getting a contract offer, ask if your tattoos had anything to do with their decision.

Fashion, runway and editorial male models are usually allowed to get away with tattoos but commercial/print male models are supposed to be "family friendly." Being tatted up will probably hurt your chances with a print agency compared to a fashion agency but I still say male models should submit and get the final word straight from the source.

Have you gone to the open calls, submitted photos via email and snail mail, attended interviews with agencies one-on-one and still no luck? Just because you have tattoos doesn't mean you can't ever model. If agency representation has been an obstacle, try striking out on your own as a freelance model. There is a niche of photographers and clients who have no problem working with a male model with tattoos so it would be worth trying the freelance approach to see what could happen.

In My Own Words: Dania Denise Interview (The Over Exposed Podcast)

It's always cool when I get contacted by people wanting to interview me about my modeling career and/or blog. This latest opportunity was for a great website that just launched and is all about interviewing and spotlighting people, especially women, who are successful business owners that use social media and branding to promote themselves.

The head honcho of the site Over Exposed, Umar, emailed me after coming across my Modeling 101 blog. He loved what I was doing so much that he chose me to be his first interview for the Over Exposed Podcast's first episode.

For anyone that's interested, the podcast can be heard right on the Over Exposed, Inc. website, as well as on iTunes. In my own words, you'll hear me talk about a range of topics, from how I got started in the modeling industry, to advice for new models and even the craziest things I've done to get a gig:

The Over Exposed Podcast Interview: Dania Denise

The Over Exposed Podcast Interview: Dania Denise (iTunes)

Here is a bonus link to an article posted on the Over Exposed Podcast, where I was also chosen as the Model of the Week. :-)

Dania Denise Model of the Week on Over Exposed, Inc.

Quick Tip #61

Category: Modeling Agencies
For: Male & Female Models

Do you have more than one agency to submit to? Make sure you send out all agency submissions within the same time frame. You don't have to submit to one at a time and wait for a decision before moving on to the next. It's better to submit to all your choices around the same time because it increases the chances of getting responses around the same time period as well.

This is especially helpful for those that wind up with more than one offer to choose from. Waiting too long in between to send out agency submissions could result in getting some offers right away but being conflicted because you haven't heard back from the other choices yet (which could take weeks).

Contract offers have a shelf life and agencies will only give models a short amount of time to make a decision so help yourself out and send those submissions on their way...no lagging!

Dania Denise Webinar Update #4: Latest Poll Results

Another poll closed! Thanks to those of you that answered the latest poll questions in regards to my webinar that I'm working on.

Based on the results, it looks like I'll be scheduling for a Saturday around 3pm (PST). Keep in mind that I live in California...3pm my time shouldn't be too crazy for anybody in the U.S. My international readers, I'm not sure how that would work for you, if it does at all. So I apologize in advance if that time for me means some insane time where you are!

For now I plan on making the webinar 1 hour, with an extra 10 minutes set aside to answer questions from attendees afterwards.

I've been working on the actual Powerpoint presentation that will go along with the webinar, which you'll be able to see on your screen in order to follow along. My only worry is that I'll be discussing stuff you may already know as a result of being readers of my blog. But then again, there are a lot of posts on Modeling 101 and not everyone who reads my blog has gone through all the posts...it may be easier to treat everyone that attends as if on a blank slate. Of course I won't be "dumbing down" any of the content but just so you know, some topics and info I'll touch on during the webinar might be stuff you already know or have learned from my blog.

There is no confirmed date set just yet. Since I want it to take place on a Saturday, I need to find out when I'll have a Saturday free (I'm booked almost all the weekends in May already!). I think the last Saturday in May, 5/27, could be a good date so I'm going to keep an eye on setting aside that day for now. Once I get something totally confirmed, you'll be the first to know!

Thanks for your continued patience and for hanging in there with me as I get all this stuff put together!

Manscaping: What Male Models Need to Know

In the dating world, there certainly is debate as to whether body hair on a man is sexy or not. In the modeling world, however, it's a different ball game. Fellas, if you're interested in getting into modeling but are concerned about the amount of body hair you have, there are options.

First, let me say that you don't necessarily have to be completely shaved in order to make it as a male model (unless you've got crazy body hair on your back and shoulders...in such a situation, yeah, take all of that off!).

The chest is the one area where I believe all male models should be well groomed. Got hairy arms and legs? You can leave those areas alone for now--submit your snapshots or attend open casting calls and find out if the agencies think you should change it. If not, you'll be in the clear. Actually, if you'd rather get feedback about your body hair situation overall before going down the manscaping route, that's totally fine, too.

But if your body hair really bothers you and you feel manscaping would give you a better shot at gaining agency interest (or if you're a freelance male model that thinks the cleaner look would get you more work), then have at it.

Again, you don't have to take all of the hair off if you don't want to. If you have a lot of chest hair, then you'll want to trim it down and get it looking nice. Below is a great example of how you can minimize chest hair without looking like you haven't hit puberty yet (lol):

I'm sure you've seen plenty of photos and advertisements where male models have some hair on their chest and even a "happy trail." What matters when it comes to body hair and male modeling is the amount and how it appears. Before reaching for that razor though, you may want to read on to find out what this "manscaping" business is all about and what to expect.

It. Will. Itch. Like. Crazy.

Never shaved an area of your body before? As any woman will tell you, including myself, after shaving, that area is going to itch! First timers may find this itchiness unbearable but this part of the process is totally normal. But you don't want to mess your skin up while trying to find relief. Instead of scratching the area raw, apply a soothing lotion or cream. That usually does the trick.

After getting used to shaving, the itchiness won't be as severe--you'll get used to it.

Choose the Right Shaving Tool

Have you decided you want to completely remove the hair but have never been a fan of razors? Then don't use one. Men have tons of amazing electric shaving devices to use, both in and out of the shower. It is important to take your skin type into account and how it reacts to certain things.

Don't have an electric shaver yet? Get one! Already have one but never used the attachments? It's time to learn! Depending on your hair type, you might have to also incorporate the use of trimming scissors or a comb to get the results you want.

All skin types can benefit from removing body hair in the shower by using a waterproof electric shaver, especially men with dry and sensitive skin. Don't forget to use a quality shaving cream or body wash to help prep the skin for the act of shaving...but only use this type of product if it works with your electric shaver. Needless to say, if you're using a good ole razor, you'll definitely want to use shaving cream.

To be on the safe side, first timers should do a test patch and wait 24 hours to see if there is a negative skin reaction. If not, then it's safe to say you'll be okay with removing the hair from the rest of the area.

Want to simply trim the hair down and shape it? An electric shaver with the right trimmer attachment should do the trick. Experiment with the different settings or attachments you have until you get the results you want. Manscaping via trimming can be done outside of the shower. This will make it much easier to see what you're doing. Of course it takes practice so don't expect to get it right the first time.

Check Your Progress

When trimming outside of the shower, perform this task in front of a mirror with good lighting. Stop every so often and check out your work in the mirror. This will help you see if everything is even or if there are any spots you've missed.

Take Care of Your Skin

Even though the skin on your face is more sensitive than the skin on the rest of your body, that doesn't mean it shouldn't be given some TLC once you start manscaping. Healthy skin is model skin and even male models have to learn how to take care of themselves properly in this aspect.

Once you've started manscaping, make sure to keep the area well hydrated and moisturized using a quality lotion that works for your skin type. If possible, avoid "dry shaving" since it usually leads to upset and inflamed skin.

Suffer from pesky ingrown hairs? Exfoliating in the shower using a body scrub before shaving or trimming will bring those ingrown hairs to the surface and give you much smoother results.

In case I wasn't very clear about the matter: trimming should be done outside of the shower on dry skin. Shaving (removing all the hair) should be done in the shower when the skin is wet. Avoid "dry shaving" since it tends to cause skin irritation.

Got signed to an agency without having to manscape? Kudos! But be aware that there is always the possibility that a client may request that you shave or trim your body hair for certain projects or shoots.