So you want to be a model…
Ξ March 23rd, 2006 | → 3 Comments | ∇ Modeling advice |
I am truly delighted to receive a number of letters from young ladies (and men) who want to model and are seeking my advice on how to go about it. I’m flattered to read that I’ve inspired others to take up a career in modeling. But what I find MOST inspiring is these girls (and the guys who ask, too) recognize the importance of finding a mentor. A good businessperson will tell you, if ANYONE is going to succeed in ANY task, we/they/you are best served to seek the advice of someone who is already succeeding in their field and I’m flattered to be viewed as a successful model.
Volumes of modeling advice have already been written by other professionals who possess far greater experience than I. And I am not going to attempt to repeat what they’ve done. Instead, I will point you to the best source I’ve found, so far. However, I will share some of my biggest mistakes in the hopes that they save others from repeating those same mistakes.
First, don’t ask if you have what it takes! As a businesswoman, and just as a woman, I want to help you understand why that is such a mistake. Frankly, it shows you don’t believe in yourself. It communicates to others that you are so unsure of yourself and your abilities that you require validation. One of my biggest gripes with the current education system is the fact that grades are given. Guess what - I don’t get a report card every nine weeks so there is no little slip of paper telling me how I’m doing. So don’t think that a kind, caring, compassionate teacher-figure is going to help you. In fact, the opposite is true, people are going to try to take advantage of you!!!
That leads nicely into my second point and that is, you are going to make mistakes! AND BLESS YOU!!! The more mistakes you make, the better you will be. If you are NOT making mistakes, you’re not moving! There are precautions you can take to ensure that your image isn’t being used to tarnish your modeling name. You never want to get into a situation that compromises your morals or personal code of conduct. To put that in simpler terms, don’t do anything illegal or anything that puts a knot of guilt in your heart! If the photographer starts using phrases like, “Next time we work together, you can show a little ‘down there’, maybe… and once you’re comfortable, touch yourself and flirt with the camera” — never go back! You have caller ID, ignore his calls if you don’t want to confront him. Just DON’T RETURN! You don’t have to give up your dignity to get ahead in this business, but you do have to have “IT”!
What is “IT”? “IT” is a passion that burns inside you so intensely that others can see it. “IT” is the confidence in yourself that instantly dismisses the words of the “hater du jour”. “IT” is charisma. “IT” is humility. “IT” is compassion. “IT” is integrity. “IT” is kindness. “IT” is confidence (yes, I said it again)! “IT” is patience. “IT” is drive. “IT” is focus. The instances that come to mind of someone earning celebrity status without “IT” are not happy stories. Keep in mind, the names you know best worked long, hard, & exhausting hours to get where they are. If you want an easy job, modeling is not for you!
The last pearl I’ll share on the “IT” topic is advice one of my favorite photographers, Jonathan Simms shared with me as a comment to the first “girl talk” blog: Make up artists, hairsylists and great locations are one thing but ATTITUDE is the key. Something girls, Teresa, is not short of, and what aspiring models better be long on if they want to succeed in this biz!! You guessed it - that’s part of “IT”. Don’t think that photographers want to listen to some whiney princess about her legs hurting from holding a pose, even though in all likelyhood, a four-hour shoot will leave you physically exhausted and your muscles will be begging for mercy. This isn’t Romper Room! No one is here to diaper your bottom.
The fact of the matter is that coming into the biz, you will have dues to pay. For every model that makes a name for herself, there are hundreds who end up serving beer and wings until they finally leave modeling behind them. If you’re willing to sacrifice a few years of partying and playtime, you have a chance. But if you believe you can have your cake and eat it, too, continue filling out job applications. The photos look glamourous, but if you’ve viewed every photo of mine on the internet, you’re seeing about two hours of my actual labor in front of the camera from over a year of working countless twenty-hour days. Sound glamourous?
Okay, enough from me on this topic. Here is a great resource I found after making some mistakes. http://www.modelsadvice.com/ My friend Alexa also has some excellent advice to share, located here. If, after reading all of that, you have other questions, post them as comments to this blog. I will link it from my FAQs so that everyone who comes to my page may benefit from our discussion(s).
All my best,
