Skip to main content

You Cannot Be a Model If...

...You Don't Meet the Requirements: No matter how many of us wish all shapes, sizes and heights could appear on the runway, the industry is pretty firm about what it wants--agencies included. Until those requirements change, you cannot be 5'1" and strutting down a catwalk in New York Fashion Week. Only submit yourself for the type of modeling that you meet the criteria for. There are exceptions to the rule but for now it is the majority that rule.

...You Are Not a Morning Person: If the thought of getting up before the sun makes you ill, then modeling won't be a good fit. When I say early, I mean it. There have been shoots I've done where I had to BE on location at 7am. Not only do you have to be awake, you have to perform at the top of your game. If early mornings don't work for you, then neither will maintaining a serious modeling career.

...You Don't Play Well with Others: From agencies to photographers, makeup artists and other models you must be able to get along with people from all walks of life. Never met them before? By the end of the shoot it will be as if you've known them your whole life. No one says you have to like the people you work with but being a snooty booty won't get you much work in the industry. There are enough divas out there--we don't need any more!

...You're Used to Calling the Shots: Modeling is not about "you." You are a commodity that must be able to go with the flow. If you are picky about how your hair, makeup and wardrobe is, do NOT pursue modeling. Even if you look like a train wreck, you've got to flaunt your look as if it was something you'd rock on a daily basis. There is no "I" in "Team" and the last time I checked, it isn't in the word "Model" either.

...You Can't Be on Time: Unfortunately, there are many models that do not follow this rule but I cannot stress enough the importance of learning how to be on time for all things related to modeling--this includes go-sees, castings, interviews, shoots, fashion shows, etc. Don't fall into this bad habit, even if other models are doing it and getting away with it. For every model that is late to a gig, there are many more that will arrive on time and be what the client needs.

...You Don't Know What You're Doing: We all have to start somewhere but eventually you should come to know exactly what to do once you step in front of the camera or onto the runway. Being aloof, awkward and unsure of yourself will only hinder your performance and hide any potential talent you have for the profession. You can have the perfect look for modeling but if you don't know what to do with your face and body, no one will want to dedicate the time to work with you.

...You Are Shy: "Shy" and "Model" do not belong in the same sentence. Need I say more?

Comments

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 ...

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 ...