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Rejection is a Part of Model Life

This isn't a perfect world and we don't always get what we want. Unfortunately, the same is also true for modeling. There could be the greatest event you want to try out for and you give it your best...and you don't get it. While it can be a crushing feeling, it is a part of the territory.

For newer models, it can be very frustrating and damaging to the ego to be turned down for a gig, whether you have an agency representing you or if you're doing on your own through freelance. Even the well-known models don't get all of the jobs, surprisingly.

I just want to tell you that it's okay to not book everything you try out for. You do win some, and lose some. The best thing to do instead of getting down about it, is to pick yourself up and keep it moving. There are other gigs out there that you can go for and there is no shortage of projects that need models. Sometimes you may go through a bad streak where you may not book a gig for weeks or even months. Even though it really sucks, it is a part of the process.

If you have reason to believe that it may be something you're doing or not doing, sit down and evaluate yourself and what you've done in the past. Maybe there is a bad habit you aren't aware of or maybe you need to do more to show your personality either in front of the camera or when you're talking with clients.

BUT don't overanalyze yourself too much or you'll go nuts! Constructive criticism is better than bashing. There have been wonderful castings that I've attended that would have been huge for my resume and portfolio that I ended up not getting. I get down about it for maybe 10 minutes and then I shake myself out of it and go on with my day.

It takes some time to master but getting over rejection or multiple rejections takes having a thick skin and lots of self confidence. For each gig I didn't get, I ended up getting a different one that was just as good--if not better--than the last. Things do happen for a reason so don't feel like you're a bad model if you aren't booking every casting you get sent to or try out for.

As with anything else, rejection is a part of the industry. With all the competition out there, it's unrealistic to imagine that we can all book the great gigs so stick to what works for you and as long as you try your best each time, that's all that matters.
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Comments

Anonymous said…
This is really encouraging - thanks for sharing your experiences with us!
February 11, 2008 at 5:09 AM
Anonymous said…
Hi!

My question is, how do you deal with rejection from agencies?

I submitted photos about 3 to 4 weeks ago to 15 different agencies. None responded. To be honest, I am surprised by how...heartbroken I feel. I am upset to the point where I am struggling to leave bed and I cry too much.

I guess I am having a really tough time not taking it personally. It sounds messed up but it is like, how do I not let it impact how I view myself? As pretentious as it may sound, I genuinely do think I am (physically) beautiful/pretty/attractive/whatever, so I guess I am jusr sitting here thinking, "Wow, I am obviously delusional then and I am just super....bleh looking..."

I guess I took the leap because I have had total strangers come up and ask if I am a model, etc...and because it is something I had a more lowkey interest in doing. I am also 5'7.5, 22 going on 23 soon, and wear a US size 6 if that helps. I am mainly interested commercial and print and catalog, and mainly some local runway shows.

What are some reasons too that agencies may reject someone? Also, idk if this matters, but most agencies I submitted to are at least a 4 to 5 hr drive away. Does that matter?

Idk...I know you have to have a thick skin, but the fact that I cannot even get my foot in the door is really hurting. The worst part is I have no one in real life to talk to about this, so I just randomly explode throughout the day.

Thanks!

Anon
January 28, 2019 at 5:49 PM
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anon! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #995," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
January 31, 2019 at 10:48 AM
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