What do we think about the modelling industry – some common myths
The glitz and glamour of the modelling industry charms many of us. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be Bella Hadid modelling for Vogue in Paris? Or Bella Hadid draped in Chanel? Or Bella Hadid at all for that matter? But what many of us don’t know is you don’t need to have Bella’s scientifically designated ‘perfect’ face with the ‘perfect’ features to reach to the top.
Modelling nowadays does not only revolve around the physical features like weight, height, skin tone, or even the size of your nose (Yes, it’s true). You don’t need to be the fittest of all, or the most beautiful of all, or the tallest of all. You don’t need to stick to dressing-less salads and starve yourself until the only source of nutrition you have is watching those random cookery shows on YouTube.
Another myth we often stumble across is that you need to have a lot of experience before you actually land a major gig. Of course, learning is a part of the process, and you have to begin from the bottom to actually gain the important knowledge. But if you’re a natural, you don’t need to put yourself through years of minor gigs and struggle throughout your 20’s.
Last, but the biggest myth, is that your background affects your chances in this industry. Securing a main role as a part of a certain caste, a certain community, nationality, religion, or gender, can be difficult, right? Wrong.
Bursting those myths
Matter of fact, the agencies in this decade have changed their outlook completely. They focus more on the ‘inner beauty’ of the candidates – how hard they’re willing to work, how passionate they are to make it, how down to Earth they can be when they actually make it. Basically, if you think that just a pretty face can get you anywhere in this industry in 2021, you are highly mistaken.
If you’re worried about the experience you have, or lack thereof, let me put you at ease. If you have the knowledge and gumption that you need to work professionally and ethically, you can get your breakthrough even if you have just stepped into the industry. Like when you want to be a teacher you need to be thoroughly prepared with the course, or when you want to be an engineer you need to have that passion for science? Modelling industry is exactly the same.
In short, you need to know how to play your assets. If your strength is your clear skin, you can aim for a role for a cosmetic industry, or if you are a natural at posing for pictures, catalogues can be your target. Even a single photo can radiate your potential and turn heads of the biggest recruiters in the World.
In fact, some of the most significant agencies now have already started hiring models who have never done any modelling professionally. If you don’t have any experience, and you’re auditioning with a bunch of models who do, the recruiters will take that into consideration and still hire you if they see the spark.
As for your background, that hardly matters. Even if some of the agencies ask for personal information, such as your economic background or whether you’re a part of the LGBTQ+ community, they only do so for their own knowledge. This information won’t even be considered as a part your audition portfolio, let alone used for discrimination. In fact, most agencies now pride themselves on diversity.
Then what do we need to become a model?
It goes unsaid that you need to take care of your health and your posture if you want to be a part of this industry. Some basics are a must - your skin and your nails must be clean and your hair has to be well-maintained. But more than that, you must have a strong personality. You must have the confidence, the willingness to work, and the power to own the stage you walk on. Learning how to handle yourself and the outfit you’re modelling in when millions of people are watching you on television is not easy.
Invest in yourself and your talent. Learn to grab opportunities. Take part in as many competitions as you can, do free shows if need be, attend webinars to gain information, and most importantly, always keep an eye out for recruiters. Send your portfolios around and maintain professionalism. Breaking through the outer walls of the modelling world isn’t difficult at all if you’re willing to go all in. Don’t let your lack of experience or your features which don’t fit into the stereotypical version of a perfect model hold you back.
It’s all about glitz and glamour, but also about self-assurance and resilience.
You got this!
- Hridhima