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Hold Your Head Up High!


One of the most important assets a model has is his/her self-confidence. There is no room for jealousy, intimidation and insecurity. I'm not saying you need to be a robot because it is human nature that allows us to have these feelings, but they are feelings that you need to keep in check if you want to be successful.

Even after all these years, I still take a second look at girls who are my competition. I do my best to acknowledge and give respect to them because they are there for the same thing I am. But that's about as far as it goes.

As a working model, you don't have the time to wonder about what the other models are doing, what jobs they're getting and so on. The best thing you can do is focus on you and the progress you're making.

If you're just getting started, it will undoubtedly be super intimidating to be at an open casting call or other venue where you are among a group of girls (or guys if you're an aspiring male model). And it's normal to worry that you won't stand out.

My best advice to you is to use this opportunity to use your charm, personality and people skills. No one wants to hire a model who looks nervous or is busy staring at the other girls/guys in awe and intimidation. A girl/young lady or young man who is sure of her/himself holds her/his head up! She/he acknowledges the other models but doesn't pay so much attention to them. A confident person knows how to flash a killer smile--a natural smile--and show that she/he can talk to anyone and stand her/his ground.

Body language is key. Whenever you walk into any modeling agency, maintain good posture, hold your head up, be alert and observant of your surroundings, and smile! Agents can tell off the bat who is comfortable their skin and who isn't.

Don't let your insecurities cost you the opportunity to be signed. An agent wants to make sure that whoever they sign can bring that same poise, personality and attitude to each go-see, booking, photo shoot and fashion show. If you give them any inkling of weakness, that will hurt your chances and they won't want you.

If you aren't already carrying yourself with self-confidence, then that's the first thing I suggest you work on before submitting to agencies. You need to make sure that you know your self-worth, that you love yourself and learn to accept and embrace the flaws that make you insecure.

Nothing impresses an agent more than seeing a young lady or young man who knows that she's/he's got "it" but doesn't let it go to her/his head. That's also important. Maintaining a good attitude also requires one to be humble. Ego will only hurt you in the long run. Remember that you are replaceable. Once you get the balancing act together, everything else will fall into place.

Always remember: as long as you believe in yourself, no one can tell you otherwise...more importantly, don't let them!

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