It seems that many girls grow up wanting to be models. I was one of them. It seems glamourous and fun – beautiful designer clothes, your make up done for you, travelling all over the world, strutting your stuff on the catwalk, gracing the covers of magazines – what’s not to love?
While it certainly can be fun and glamourous, there is another side to modelling and if you are serious about getting in to it, then it’s important that you know what is really involved.
Image source: The Fashion Scout
Rejection
The modelling world can be tough. When you turn up to a casting with 200 other models, you have to have a strong sense of self-worth and confidence to stand up tall and give it your best shot. You have to remember that every client is looking for something different and even though every single model there is stunning, you might be just the look they are after for this particular job.
And you might not. Rejection is a daily occurrence in the modelling world – you just can’t possibly get every job that you go for. So you really need to know how to handle this effectively so that it doesn’t effect your sense of self.
Many girlfriends that I worked with battled with eating disorders. This meant they weren’t able to work and suffered immensely. I can’t stress enough how important it is to love yourself just the way you are and be strong enough to handle the ups and downs of the industry.
Past Model Masterclass Student now signed with Dally’s Models
It’s Hard Work
Contrary to popular belief, modelling is actually hard work. It’s true that you could be sitting around for hours between catwalk shows but many jobs require very long hours, early starts, doing random things like standing in a gown in the water at the beach before sunrise in the middle of winter, twisting your body in to strange positions and holding those positions under hot lights for long periods of time without a break (all while looking relaxed), super quick changes and complicated choreography and more. It also takes professionalism and an understanding of how to work with the various clients and stakeholders to give them what they need. A model that is just ‘really really ridiculously good looking’ will quickly find they are out of work if they don’t know what they’re doing and don’t have the right attitude.
Past Model Masterclass student now signed with Vivien’s Model Management
Superficial
A model is really a sort of glorified coat hanger and a good one will do as they are told and keep their opinion of the brand they are working for to themselves. Because it is largely based on your appearance, you really need to work hard to look after your body, skin, nails, hair, etc.
After a while, many models decide they want to do more with their life. Some are also studying at uni or pursuing other interests as well – it can be a wonderful and fun job to earn some extra money and see the world during these early years. Some are smart about it, make incredible connections and can end up with fabulous jobs in all sorts of areas of the fashion industry for the rest of their lives. I have friends that I used to model with that are now photographers, hair and make up artists, styling directors, fashion writers and more.
Past Model Masterclass student signed with Asha Model Management
Now if the above hasn’t turned you off completely, then that’s OK. For me personally, modelling has introduced me to some of my bestest friends, taken me to beautiful places around the world and taught me many things about professionalism and business. And it’s kinda fun. I don’t get as much joy out of it as I used to but I do love working with particular clients that share my passion for treading lightly on the planet. And of course I love teaching and seeing my students shine as they pursue their dreams.
It’s just important that you have a strong sense of self-worth, relax and don’t put too much pressure on yourself when going to castings. It’s also just as important to truly nourish your body, mind and spirit so that you shine bright on every job and are a happy little munchkin.
We’ve got a Model Masterclass coming up in June on the Sunshine Coast so if you are interested in learning more about the industry including catwalk training, how to find the right agency for you, how to audition for a TV commercial and much more, then please come along. As I’ve always said, if you are going to get in to the industry I would love you to come along and learn with me so that I can help you go in to it with the right mindset and confidence to truly shine from within.
Amanda xx