Skip to main content

The Benefits of Creating a Modeling Persona

Okay, some of you are probably going to read this post and think, "Dania, what is wrong with you? That is just crazy talk!" LOL...but hear me out. There is always method to my madness. Many posts back, I talked about how models are very much like actors in the sense that they are required to get into character when playing a certain role in a photoshoot or even in a fashion show.

I've found that one of the best ways to really bring out the best in your modeling abilities is to adopt a model "persona," or alter ego, if you will. I actually got inspired to do this myself after reading an interview Beyonce did a while back. She talked about her alter ego "Sasha Fierce," which is a character she assumes each time she does a performance. That got me to thinking...I basically transform into someone else every time I step in front of a camera so why not do the same thing?

Whether you're a complete newbie, have some experience or are already established in your modeling career, it doesn't hurt to develop your own modeling persona. As silly as it may seem at first, embracing this alter ego can do wonders for your performance when doing a gig, hence creating strong images. When you really believe in your character, it will show in the photos.

Come up with a name for your model persona and create characteristics of his/her personality that only come to life when you call upon it during modeling. There is no right or wrong way to do this. The great thing about this concept is that you can customize it however you want. If you think it rocks, go for it!

My modeling persona is named Lola Fox (snicker and giggle if you want, I think it's HOT haha). I chose Lola as the first name because I absolutely love the song "Whatever Lola Wants" by Sarah Vaughan. The lyrics are totally what I want to embody when I do a shoot: "Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets..." Lola is the woman all men want and all women want to be. She knows she's fierce and isn't afraid to show it. When I become Lola in front of the camera, it's all about me--I'm the top model and the resulting images from the shoot will be the proof to show why that is.

As far as the last name of Fox, I added that on thanks to one of the designers I worked with previously. I had networked with the designer at an event and was invited to a casting for his next editorial campaign. When I walked in, he greeted me with, "Hey, Fox." And it just kinda stuck. Fox as a nickname for a woman is totally about sex appeal so I added it. And that, ladies and gentleman, is how Lola Fox was born. :-)

I think the most important thing to realize about a model persona is to not buy into your own hype. Remember, this is an alter ego, which means it is a part of you but it shouldn't define you. Am I really a diva that thinks every man wants me and every woman wants to be me? Heck no! I leave Lola Fox behind when the shoot or fashion show is over.

In real life I am the biggest self-proclaimed nerd around and am very humble (in this industry, competing against some of the most beautiful women I have ever seen definitely keeps me in my place haha). Lola Fox comes out when I need her to and as much as I love her, I don't want her around 24/7--I mean, who walks around in sexy black dresses and other fashionable outfits, seducing people all the time and projecting this air of self-importance to anyone that's around? It's truly a role that's only meant to be played and not brought into real life.

Remember, photoshoots are about creating images taken during a staged moment in time. The final pictures represent a world we would want to be a part of--we're selling a product, idea, brand, designer or concept--not reality. This is the home of the modeling persona. Learn to keep it there.

Your model persona, if you choose to adopt one, should be a reflection of that person you always wished you could be but maybe never had the guts to follow through on. If you're shy and worried about what others will think of you while you're posing or doing a show, what better way to eliminate those unnecessary thoughts than by pretending to be someone else for a bit? Chances are, you'll be less likely to care what others think because you're giving them a different version of you.

I hope I'm making sense but once you put your modeling persona into practice, the results will be much more apparent. Step outside of yourself and see what alter ego you come up with...you may just surprise yourself. ;-)

Comments

Cass said…
Hi
so i am interested in trying to become a runway or fit model in ny. I know a person that works in the fashion industry in ny so she could help me get in.
but my question is
am i what they look for?
i am 15 (16 in 2 months :D)
i am 5'7 or 5'8 (not sure)
i weigh 103 lbs
i wear a size 00 or 0 in most clothes
any advice would be lovely cause i really am inspired and admire you!
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Cass! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #143." Thanks for reading!
Jo said…
Hi Dania- what a fantastic read! I am a newbie (just started going on open calls in LA) and believe that creating a persona is so important in the modeling industry and in life. I see it as a protective armour. In my case I am extremely intuitive which triggers my sensitivity. Anytime I feel my confidence slip I think of the woman I want to be (and will be in time!), and persevere.

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