Skip to main content

Be Discreet About Your Knowledge of the Industry


As much as I love educating others about the modeling industry and everything it embodies, I do have to warn you about being so free with your knowledge--especially when you start your agency search. There may be times when what you know can work against you.

It may sound strange to read this but modeling agencies get uncomfortable when a model knows "too much." Do they want their models to be dumb? Definitely not but it's very intimidating for them when a model potential knows just as much if not more than they do. Why is that? I'm not exactly sure but it varies from case to case.

I recently spoke with a fellow model friend of mine who just got signed to her first agency after being freelance for a while. She's pretty savvy about the business and has her head on straight so she knew no one was going to run any game on her.

While talking about contract terms, her agent mentioned a topic (I can't recall what it was though) that was verbally promised to her and not included in the contract. So my friend requested that the agent put her verbal promise in writing for her. At that moment, her agent looked hesitant/suspicious and while she did fulfill my friend's request (it is totally legit to request something in writing btw) since that day, she has treated my friend somewhat indifferently.

Needless to say, my friend believes that her small insight to her knowledge of the industry was off putting to her agent and may have caused an unspoken rift between the two. Is anyone to blame? Not necessarily. Is it fair? Nope.

However, like I continuously say, modeling is a business and while agencies are there to promote their models, they first and foremost are trying to make money. Agencies don't take too well to models who openly state how much research they've done, what they know about the industry, etc.

That being said, when it comes to the knowledge that I offer through my blog and through mentoring aspiring/established models online via email, it will be in your best interest to not mention my blog, myself or your affiliation with me to a potential agent you are hoping to get signed with. Any agency will do what it takes to save face and they will have no problems with telling you that what I am doing is wrong, that I am not a credible source of information, etc, etc, etc.

To be fair, I am not affiliated personally with any agencies or staff and mentioning me or my blog isn't going to get you in good with anyone in the modeling industry. Does that mean that you should stop reading my blog or contacting me for information/guidance/advice? Of course not! BUT you should keep all of the information you get from me and from your own research to yourself while pursuing your modeling career. I

nstead of showcasing all of your knowledge (which is a great way to turn an agency away from you) keep it to yourself and draw upon it when you find yourself in certain situations. Play along if you have to, just don't let on that you know more than you really do.

Oh, and that isn't a free ticket to play dumb. LOL. Still be your smart and savvy self but just be cautious about letting an agency know that you've done a lot of research and just let things work for you.
Labels:

Comments

Anonymous said…
Good advice - thanks Dania!
April 1, 2008 at 9:42 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

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 ...
6 comments
Read more

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...
37 comments
Read more

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 ...
4 comments
Read more