Modeling & Acting 101 - A Model/Actor's Diary

(In case you haven't already, you can get my overall viewpoint on the subject by clicking HERE for a previous blog post about tattoos and piercings in modeling.) Ah, tattoos. Although more women these days are sporting ink, this form of body art is still very much associated with the male physique. Some people find tattooed fellas absolutely irresistible. Others may not care for them at all. From time to time in my career I've been asked by photographers and clients if there are any male models I could refer them to for certain projects. One of the male models I used to refer has a lot of tattoos (on his chest, stomach, arms and even all over his back). He has a great look, amazing body and is experienced. Unfortunately, to this day, anytime I refer him, the feedback I always get is exactly this: "We would love to work with him but he's got all those tattoos. We can't use him." That's been my experience but there is certainly a much larger scale ...

For those of you who want to model and have body piercings and tattoos, be cautious, as these can make or break a potential modeling career. If you don't have any tattoos or piercings other than your ears, you may not want to rush to get them if you want to model. When you sign with an agency, they will ask you what piercings or markings you currently have on your body. Most ideally would like just your ears to be pierced. If you have your belly pierced or you have numerous ear piercings, an agent may tell you to take them out while out on shoots or going for auditions. If you don't mind the possibility of your piercings closing up, this shouldn't be a problem. But if it is, then you may not be a happy camper. Tattoos will usually hurt more than help your modeling career, unless you're into commercial/print modeling, where you can cater to this specific type of audience. You may not get as much work but there are clients out there who need models with real t...