One of my first ever shoots with photographer Natalia Marzec and stylist Francesca Romana Audino
Modeling; from the outside in looks awfully glamorous. And admittedly, sometimes, it is! However, it’s not nearly as luxurious as one may expect. It can be a fun career, but like any job there are pros and cons. Here are a few facts about modeling that you probably have never known!
The sets are always freezing
I’d say 95% of the time, you are freezing cold on set. I’m not sure why, but most studios are quite poorly heated, or you are outdoors (it’s always cold in Ireland). I’ve been on many shoots where by the end I can’t feel my hands and feet, sometimes even my nails turn blue! A lot of the time also, you are asked to strip down and wear clothes that are not suitable for the weather. Models also tend to have quite a low body fat percentage, meaning in general they tend to be cold. It’s bizarre; but this is very common!
We are insecure, like everyone else!
You may be surprised to know that some models I know are the most insecure people I have ever come across. It’s not surprising, when your business is your body and your features are up for public scrutiny. When your supposed ‘beauty’ or ‘look’ is the deciding factor in whether or not you’re picked for a job, it can play with your head and self worth. You have to be mentally very strong in this business to keep well and not develop any unwanted habits or mental patterns.
We’re not always paid a whole bunch
Most models don’t earn much from the job. Firstly because the jobs are scarce (at least in Ireland), so when you do get one it’s quite infrequent, and secondly most models are paid a basic rate. You’re agency takes at least 20% commission (fair enough they are trying to run a business), and you are paid a gross rate of 100-150 euro most of the time. If you get two to three jobs a month, it’s a great additional source of income but it definitely won’t pay the rent.
Keeping our bodies in shape is tougher than it looks
I’m not just referring to the way that we work out or eat, but in general! You have to keep shaved, moisturized, have good skin and great hair. This means money spent on good quality products and spending more time on beauty procedures than most people. A lot of models would additionally work out a few times a week and eat pretty well to keep in shape. This means a little less cake, treats and sweets than an average person would have.
However, we don’t starve ourselves
Despite a common misconception that models survive on three apples a day and black coffee, we actually eat a very balanced diet. If you eat so little, firstly it’s really bad for your health and secondly you don’t end up looking great in the long run. Food and happiness any day please!!
Most people in the business are incredibly friendly
I don’t remember ever meeting a model, photographer or client in Ireland that wasn’t nice or good to work for. There is a stereotype perpetuated by the media that give the impression that both the models and the clients are cruel, cold and competitive but that’s not my experience with them at all. Everyone is there to just do their best and to be honest I’ve made so many friends in the business. However, I can’t speak for other countries, and from my experience of being in Milan I know that the market is a lot tougher and girls can be a little more standoffish.
It’s an industry of relationships and connections
If you have potential and are on a first name basis with most people in the business, you already have your foot in the door. A lot of clients book girls just because they have met or seen them before, and trust them. It’s crucial in the world of fashion/modeling that you establish good relationships with other people and are kind and professional with everyone. You never know who will give you your break and it’s always good to be known as someone to be easy to work with.
Every country wants a different ‘look'
The markets are different in every country; in Ireland older, more curvaceous models are popular, Milan; an olive complexion and dark hair, Japan; angelic, younger looking girls are more popular there. When girls travel, the agencies choose from their portfolio which pictures will work best in their country. This is because some countries prefer certain looks and features!
Models don’t always like their own photos
Most of the time, photo-shoots are awesome, and you get great photos at the end. However, there are times where for some reason the photographer’s style doesn’t match with your own, and the photos don’t turn out so well. It can be a little embarrassing for the model herself when photos are used on social media that you’d prefer were deleted and removed from the face of the earth. But alas, it’s all part of the job, and what you are paid to do! You just have to grin and bear being a little uncomfortable with it sometimes.
Rejection is part of the job, and that’s why it’s easier to deal with
Absolutely everyone deals with rejection in the business, and that’s why you can’t take it personally. Often times, you just don’t ‘fit’ the exact image a brand has in mind for a campaign/show etc. It doesn’t mean you are any less than the girl that gets the job at all.
If you have any questions, let me know. Have a wonderful Saturday evening.
Kerrie x
