4 Myths About the Modeling Industry, Debunked
With the combined powers of smartphones, social media, and the Internet, it may appear as though anybody can simply have their photo taken and become a model for a brand or product online. A quick browse of photo-sharing platforms, where there are countless images of yet unknown individuals promoting products, events and locations, might seem to support that assumption.
However, studying the realities of the professional modeling industry can help you understand that modeling is real work, and it can be a viable career. Modeling is more than just glitz and glamor – being a professional model requires dedication, hard work, passion, and strength, as with any other job.
To help you gain a deeper understanding of the industry, here are four of the biggest myths about professional models and their work that have been debunked over time:
Myth #1: Only tall people can become models.
The height requirement is probably the biggest misconception in the world of modeling. Whether you are a modeling hopeful or just someone who admires models, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard of this myth.
If you’re someone of an average or shorter height, people would immediately assume that you have no future in modeling. Alternatively, tall people often get urged more to enter the industry even if they haven’t expressed any interest in becoming a model.
While a catwalk model needs to meet certain weight and height requirements, other kinds of models don’t need to be very tall. In fact, there are cases when clients require petite models for their projects.
Myth #2: Only young people can become models.
While there is an entire sub-niche catering to teen and child models, modeling as an industry is not exclusive to the youth. In fact, since baby boomers are starting to age, the demand for models who can effectively represent the generation is expected to increase.
Remember that modeling is a marketing tool that is not just for clothing and apparel — it can also be used to boost sales in other industries, even ones like healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Of course, there’s always a chance that older models can get into fashion modeling, especially when it’s high fashion.
Myth #3: Models don’t get to eat what they want.
Well, not exactly. While some models do need to maintain a particular type of physique for a project, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to refrain from eating foods they love throughout. It only means that they need to time their consumption right and eat balanced meals.
Aside from that, it should also be noted that photo shoots and other tasks involving their job are also tiring, which means models need to eat nutrient-rich foods to keep their strength and stamina up.
Myth #4: Modeling agencies pay for everything.
This is a particularly misleading notion which, mind you, is entirely false.
Modeling agencies serve as agents for models, working in close liaison with client companies. However, agencies are not responsible for paying for photo shoots, modeling courses, and other things models need to succeed in their careers. Start-up financing, costs, and fees tend to be affected by plenty of hype and confusion in the industry.
The truth is that modeling agencies work for the model, not the other way around. This means that models have to pay agencies once they get their talent fees from successful projects that the agency was able to get for them. Of course, this shouldn’t be confused with a payment upfront, as most legitimate modeling agencies won’t require payment until the model is already earning.
It is worth noting, however, that there are no hard and fast rules about paying or not paying agencies. It all depends on who you are working with and what exactly you are being asked to pay for, so finding a reputable agency is a must.
Modeling: Real People, Real Efforts
Anyone can post a photo online promoting a product or company, but professional modeling involves real work, requires sincere commitment, and entails partnering with trusted agents who can help models connect with the top clients. These debunked myths can help you gain a better look inside the industry and understand what it takes to be a model today.
AUTHOR BIO
Adam Jacobs is the Managing Director of Bubblegum Casting, the longest running agency specialising in babies, children and teen talent in Australia. Bubblegum Casting works with some of Australia’s biggest brands, media properties and agencies to secure talented children to work in Television, Film and Modelling roles.