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Answering a Reader Question #322

Anonymous Wrote:


Hi dania, I'm in this person's position as well. all the agencies I've applied to have said they're too full for the category I qualify for. It's so frustrating, it's hard to not occupy my thoughts with modeling but I really want this but I feel that they don't want me. I'm a new freelance model but I'm just starting out and getting TF/CD shoots is difficult because some of the photographers on MM say they have no use for my look. I'm just frustrated because I'm eager to learn and get better. It's annoying because one agency I applied for they said they like my look but they have too many people in my category. I just don't know what to do. In the mean time I am looking for a day job I have bills to pay and I'm researching getting into acting as well. What can I do to occupy my time until someone gives me my big break??? 

Hi, Anonymous! Ugh, that's the worst position to be in for sure. While it's not fair to the model, it's purely a business decision by the agency so I hope you're not taking it personally. Having a look that is too in demand can sometimes backfire because, like your comment stated, it could result in agencies signing on too many models with the same "look."

You mentioned acting, which could actually help you out. Unlike modeling, where experience isn't mandatory to be successful starting out and/or getting signed to an agency, acting does require training and at least basic acting skills. I would recommend looking into local acting workshops to test the waters and see how you like it. If you do well and are serious about pursuing it, then you can revamp your approach and submit to "talent" agencies instead of modeling agencies. Talent agencies represent both models and actors and if you can get your foot in the door as a signed actor, that could leave the opening for pursuing modeling if your agency feels they can transition you over into that type of work as well. So see what acting opportunities you can get into to get experience and go from there.

Also unlike modeling, you'll need a professional actor headshot to submit to agencies so when looking for TF shoots, mention to the photographers that you're in need of photos for acting. This could make it easier to find photographers willing to work with you. In most cases you can use your actor's headshot for modeling, too, so you'd be able to kill two birds with one stone.

I hope that helps and good luck to you!
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Anonymous said…
Hi dania i have a question. will you look at this models profile. i want to know what is so special about her look and what is so spectacular about her pictures that makes her marketable. to me her pics seem one dimensional like she's giving the same face in every picture .she was offered the modeling contract she didn't even have to struggle to get representation. which is very frustrating because i'm struggling for representation. can you tell me what she's doing that's great or what she's doing that i'm not doing so i can further my career. here's her link:http://209.166.208.185/mmg/compcard/Full.cfm?mid=93606&image=499700&name=Anna%20Sundstrand%20%28Pop%20Artist%29
February 24, 2012 at 7:18 PM
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #324." Thanks for reading!
February 25, 2012 at 10:29 AM
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