Skip to main content

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.

Comments

Anonymous said…
This is really encouraging - thanks for sharing your experiences with us!
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
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!

Popular posts from this blog

Modeling & Pay Rates: How Much Should You Charge?

(This post is more targeted towards freelance models and not those with agency representation, although it may apply to those that have an agent but continue to find their own work.) A part of being a successful model is making money from the jobs that you book. However, being a freelance model comes with many challenges--figuring out what you should charge is one of them. I will say upfront that there are no established black and white rules when it comes to pay rates. Each modeling job is different, each client is different and budgets vary. Ultimately the factors that should influence what you charge should be the amount of experience you have, the strength of the images in your portfolio and the client's budget/needs. Not every client is going to pay what you want to charge. There may be times when you will be skipped over for charging too much or taken advantage of for charging too little. It's going to happen so be prepared for it and do not take it personally. It

What Are Male Models Supposed to Look Like?

The modeling world is filled with women. That's never been a secret and sadly, that often means male models fall by the wayside. There are successful male models in all categories across the industry but the fact that the modeling business revolves around women can make it challenging for newbies to figure out how to pursue their goals of male modeling. It is important to know that because there are different types of modeling categories out there, that means there are also different types of male models. They aren't all supposed to look alike and what ends up being in demand does change every year. Let's break down the common attributes that come with male modeling in various popular categories, shall we? THE MALE FASHION/RUNWAY/EDITORIAL MODEL These are the typical types of models most of us tend to think of when it comes to men in modeling. What is important to know and understand if you're an aspiring male model is that agencies have all different looks

Modeling and Weight

One of the first things I hear potential models ask is what the weight requirement for modeling is. Sometimes that is the main issue they worry about when it comes to pursuing modeling. Let me tell you right now that weight should NOT be one of those concerns. Obviously, the height requirement reigns supreme when measuring up to the modeling standards sought out by agencies. If you meet the height requirements--whether it's for fashion and runway or commercial/print--that is the first step towards starting on the path to modeling. How much you weigh shouldn't be your biggest fear. It is rare that anyone can look at someone and say, "Oh, my gosh, he/she looks like they are 5 pounds over our weight requirement!" It just isn't realistic. If you look at many modeling agency websites, they clearly list the age and height requirements--rarely, if at all do they list any weight restrictions. The general rule of thumb when it comes to weight is that for models who