The “Glamorous” World of Modeling
It seems to most people on the outside that modeling is a “glamorous” lifestyle, but trust me, it’s not. One of the keys to a successful modeling career is your ability to deal with rejection and being told NO over and over again, having to swallow the reality that it’s not personal. There is no weekly salary, benefits package, paid vacation, or 401K. It’s hard work, knocking on doors every chance you get.
After my modeling career transitioned into the business of talent management, I used what I’d learned first hand to help others interested in getting into a career in modeling or acting. For many of the girls I’ve interviewed in my agency, the dream is nothing more than a fantasy, and it’s my job to bring them down to earth with the harsh realities of the industry.
Jackie’s story*
Here’s a claim I’ve heard over and over again. “Jackie” is a typical, attractive teenager.
“Somebody saw me at the mall and told me I should be a model. They thought I was tall enough and pretty enough.” (I’m not sure what qualifies that random somebody to think they know what works in the modeling business, but I’m sure it’s flattering for girls like Jackie to hear.) Soon after, I receive a call from one of Jackie’s parents, telling me, “Everywhere we go, everybody says my daughter should be a model.”
Thoughts of becoming the next Victoria’s Secret model begin to spin ’round and ’round inside Jackie’s naïve mind. She wants to be a model more than anything else in the whole world, or so she believes. Jackie’s goal—or her parents’—is to be famous, but like so many others she has no clue how hard it is to break into the business and may not be willing or ready to do the work required.
Most girls will never work in a major market because their height, size, or their look is not right. Agents in the major markets don’t mince words and are not shy about telling a girl the cold hard truth: “You’re not right for the business.” Even as an agent in a smaller, secondary market, I operated in the same way.
Jade’s story*
Modeling is work—hard work—and it requires a strong work ethic and a commitment to putting in the time to develop a successful career. But these are not the words aspiring models want to hear, and some girls think—no matter what I’ve told them as an agent—they are going to prove me wrong. Jade’s is a cautionary tale.
One young woman let the supposed glamour of the business carry her off into a fantasy that could’ve ended in a nightmare. At age 25 and standing 5-foot-5, Jade was only able to work in a secondary market because of her height. On one occasion, she was doing a promotional job for a race car event at which some well-known young drivers were in attendance. After the job ended, Jade disappeared; no one could get in touch with her, including a frantic boyfriend. As it turned out, she’d hooked up with one of the more high-profile drivers and spent the night with him, not bothering to let anyone know. When she resurfaced, she broke up with her boyfriend and went on the road to follow the driver. Jade’s new celebrity boyfriend took her with him to various races for several months, then surprise, he dropped her for a newer model.
Unfortunately, Jade bought into the myth of modeling, that it would propel her to stardom and wealth, either hers personally or hers by connection. That fantasy ended pretty quickly, fortunately before anything really bad happened to her, and she returned home, obviously never working with my agency again.
Hard truths
Anyone who wants to be a model or actor must face the truth about themselves and the industry they desire to be part of. Bottom line: if you don’t have the skills, the right look, or the proper height and size requirements, you will never sign with a major agency in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, or Milan. You can’t wish it into existence or “fake it ‘til you make it.” There’s no mask big enough to hide behind if you’re not right for the job. It may be believable to the “people in the mall,” but not for an agent.
For those wanting to pursue a career in acting, singing, comedy, dancing, sports, or music, there is a less-than-10% chance that anyone, including Jackie or Jade, will have their dreams come true. My career path was no different; I paid some hard dues to become successful.
Don’t get me wrong. While life is 90% work and 10% reward, it’s worth every second. Despite the long hours, constant rejection, and lack of guarantees, I loved it. It does have its moments, and when it’s good, it can be really good.
*Names have been changed