There are just as many--if not more--horror stories or at least stories that might make some hesitant to get into the modeling world.
When it comes to establishing what you will and won't do as a model, you'd be surprised just how easy setting this up is.
The concept of a new, fresh-faced female or male model eager to make it in the "Biz," only to find out they have to compromise their values to reach those goals is a tale as old as time. However, that doesn't mean it's one you have to follow. In life overall you should never compromise yourself in order to "make it." So let's put that out in the forefront right now.
Models signed to an agency do not have to feel pressured to do things they don't want to do. What's cool is that when you first sign with an agent, they have you fill out paperwork. In addition to signing the contract, there are things they want to know about you and the types of work you're interested in. While it's the agent's decision how to market you, there is the opportunity for conversation and they do care about what interests you as well.
Whether on paper or online, there is usually some form of a questionnaire that helps agencies know what their models will or won't do. Those categories include but are not limited to:
- Fur Products
- Cigarettes/Vaping Products
- Alcohol
- Nudity/Semi/Implied (if you're under 18 in the US, you will not be submitted for projects that call for this type of modeling)
All you have to do is fill out the questionnaire (if one is provided) or make it a point to discuss with your agent where you stand when it comes to these major categories. Once that's settled, the agent will have a better understanding of how to move forward and which projects they'll submit you for and which ones they won't.
Freelance models can also make it clear where their comfort zones are but they'll have to incorporate it into their brand, portfolios and the platforms they use to promote themselves online. I harp about the concept of branding so much because it is so essential in letting people know what you're all about.
What people see is what they'll use to build an idea of who they'd be dealing with. In modeling, your values and interests should be reflected in not only the images you post but the content you write as well.
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