Skip to main content

Answering a Reader Question #55

Anonymous Wrote:

I have dark skin and it is uneven. I've tried glycolic peels and Retin-A for quite some time now. I am very self conscious about this because everything I do to reverse the problem skin isn't working such as eating healthy, staying out of the sun when possible and wearing sunblock. my question is will my uneven skin be a problem when submitting snap shots to agencies? in addition I don't really have acne just uneven skin light and dark spots on my face and neck. so how clear does ones skin have to be when trying to find an agency. because my skin is holding me back from even submitting because i'm afraid it's not descent enough for an agency. so i just need some advice please:).

Anonymous, I feel your pain, I really do and I am sorry that traditional treatments have not helped your situation. In regards to the state of your skin when it comes to submitting to agencies, your skin does not need to be "perfect" but it does need to be "good" or "healthy." Extensive discoloration that is highly noticeable, especially on the face isn't very desirable to agencies. While there is Photoshop, agencies would prefer a model with skin that needs as little retouching as possible. It's just about time and money on their end--after all, it is a business.

When submitting photos to agencies they definitely should not be touched up, which I know is very scary for you since you feel your complexion currently may not be what they want. Have you thought about attending an open call instead of just sending in your photos via online or snail mail? The reason I suggest this is because the only way you will know if your skin would be an issue for an agency is to hear it from the agency itself. And more than just one...the more agencies you are able to see, the better your odds that you will find one that likes you. Talking to more agencies will also help you compare notes on their feedback to you concerning your skin. As much as you may not want to hear their feedback, I would highly suggest doing this and face the music sooner than later. By sending in your pictures via email or snail mail you won't get a direct answer from an agency--either they'll like you and contact you or you just won't hear from them at all and if your results are the latter, then you'll never know for sure if it was your skin they didn't care for or if it was something else. Do yourself that justice and attend the castings--if they're available--and see what the different agencies say.

As a side note, have you tried using special cover-up? Many models with skin discoloration issues (myself included) and those with the skin condition vitiligo (a skin disorder that causes loss of pigmentation of the skin, resulting in white patches) have turned to body makeup such as Dermablend and similar cosmetic products to help create the appearance of uniformly colored skin. Such makeup is easy to apply, especially on the face and neck. If you can manage to consult with a professional makeup artist at a makeup counter like Sephora or MAC, they can test different shades on you to hopefully find the right one. If you can find the right shade and learn to apply it, you may be able to pursue modeling without anyone being the wiser. Of course if you wear the makeup to an agency I would recommend still being honest with them about using the product to cover up your discoloration. If the agency likes you enough they may be willing to work around your skin issue, especially if the body makeup successfully evens out your skin tone.

I hope that helps somewhat and I definitely wish you luck in pursuing modeling. Even if an agency doesn't sign you, look into freelance. Always create opportunities for yourself when you can, even if there are others that close such opportunities to you.
Labels:

Comments

Anonymous said…
thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question.
August 25, 2009 at 7:02 PM
Anonymous said…
would it be ok if i sent you a picture so you can see my skin issues.
August 27, 2009 at 12:17 AM
Dania Denise said…
Yes, feel free to send me a photo. You can send it to: daniadenise@gmail.com.
August 27, 2009 at 1:29 PM
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