Oh, the dilemmas of youth!

April 28, 2007 11:20 PM

I’ve been asked to try out for a modelling agency, sounds pretty sweet, right? Unfortunately, the only person not supportive of the idea is me. How do I convince myself that this may be a good idea?

One day, while waltzing along singing tra-la-la between classes at uni - that's college to some of you - I was approached by a woman bearing business cards for a modelling agency. She told me she was scouting for an agency that had recently moved to Melbourne, and that I was "just beautiful". After a five minute chat, she'd explained how it would work. If I was interested, she would set up a coffee or dinner meeting with the heads, who would basically look me up and down and ask me whatever questions they had, before moving to the next step.

Now, I've received compliments about my looks, and I've been told more than once - not just by family - that I should or could be a model. Caveat: I don’t actually believe these two things are related. I do not find models attractive but they are, on the whole, tall and skinny. I happen to be tall and skinny but I realise taking on something like this will impact on my esteem, anyway. So this does seem like an intriguing and possibly fun prospect, but it's about now that I should mention that I am deeply self-conscious and insecure about my looks. Being looked over by people who will no doubt nitpick every aspect of my appearance won't do me any wonders, and being in some kind of clothing catalogue where any person can look upon and judge me - in my mind, always harshly - certainly won't either.

At the same time, this could be an excellent opportunity to boost my self-esteem and overcome the issues that plague me on a daily basis. Maybe even become comfortable in my own skin and as a person. It may sound like I’m jumping the gun, they haven’t, after all, even said I’m suitable but I don’t even know if I could handle a meeting!

So I'm conflicted. Could this be a great opportunity I shouldn't ignore, or will it end up with me in the foetal position on the floor? Is there a good chance this could severely damage the level of self-esteem I already have? Do you know of anyone, perhaps a bit insecure, who has benefited from doing some modelling work? I've tried dealing with the identifiable aspects of my life that have caused these insecurity issues, but to little or no avail. Could this then be a healthy step for me, or should I just enjoy the fact that I was even asked and keep it as a story for when I’m old and grey?

I don’t wish for this to turn into a discussion about my lack of healthy self-esteem. I realise this is something I need to work on but it’s not something I wish to deal with in a public forum. I do want to emphasise, however, that this more than just a “I have the occasional bad hair day” thing. It has been suggested before that may I have BDD.

posted by liquorice to clothing, beauty, & fashion (50 comments total)

I wouldn't worry too much over the self-esteem issues. You look great. People model for the money. Just make sure you get fantastically well paid.
posted by londongeezer at 11:28 PM on April 28, 2007

Sometimes these scouts are a scam, so before you consider whether or not you want to be a model, you might want to look into how credible the agency is. If they ask you for any money upfront (for modeling classes, headshots, etc.) I would assume they're ripping you off.

Here's advice on avoiding modeling scams.
posted by lemuria at 11:30 PM on April 28, 2007

Don't do it if you have self image issues. If you hate the idea now you'll go insane seeing yourself in other people's magazines, etc.

If it's something you'd -like- to enjoy but can't bring yourself to think of yourself like that, then see student mental health services and get counseling, then go for it.

If they choose you for a project they will not nit-pick over your apperance. They chose you because they want someone who is you. (And they'll Photoshop out anything they don't like.)

My personal experience is that successful models have to be encouraged to do it. Of the three people I've known who modeled, it helped one's self esteem greatly, did nothing for the second(she quit quickly) and gave the third even greater issues. My opinion is that it magnifies your body image by 200%. So if you have 60% good thoughts about your body you'll start having 80% good thoughts. However if you have 60% bad thoughts about your body, you'll end up with 80% bad thoughts.
posted by Ookseer at 11:42 PM on April 28, 2007

One step at a time.

I'd like to focus on the practical aspects, and leave the personal situation to wiser minds.

*First--contact your local Better Business Bureau (or equivalent) to confirm the agency is legitimate.
They may be on the up-and-up; just know that some places make lots of money by duping nice young people.
This "scout" person who handed you a card is getting paid to have you come in. This is a business arrangement.

*MEET THEM IN THEIR OFFICE. Not "for coffee", certainly not "for dinner"-- professional agencies have real offices. bring a family member or a friend.

*Never forget--YOU ARE THE PRODUCT so you must interview THEM.

*If they suggest you purchase "headshots" or "lessons", LEAVE AT ONCE. They are scamming. Legit agencies get you jobs and take their cut but you are NEVER REQUIRED TO PURCHASE ANYTHING.

*SIGN NOTHING without getting the document reviewed by a lawyer.

*Ask to see their portfolio. What kind of modeling do they focus on? Print? Runway? Other?
As you have no prior experince in this field, what are their plans for you?

*If your gut tells you something feels wrong JUST GET UP AND LEAVE.

I do not wish to sour what may be a wonderful career opportunity-- some models can make decent money sometimes--- but I sincerely urge you to be wary of hucksters or predators.
posted by Dizzy at 11:48 PM on April 28, 2007 [1 favorite has favorites]

Well, you are incredibly attractive (wow!) and so I suspect you could do well as a model. But I also suspect this is a scam.

As others have noted, the key is whether they want money from you; if they do it's a scam. If they don't, given your looks amake you a "hot commodity", find a lawyer an negotiate a good deal, don't just take the initial offer.
posted by orthogonality at 12:04 AM on April 29, 2007

Incidentally, if you have issues with your appearance, take a look at the before and after pictures of models (on the dove cosmetics and elsewhere). Unless you've had your own flicker pictures professionally retouched, you look as as good as any professional model, without any benefit of photo tricks.

(When I want to judge the quality of writing, I ask myself "would this writing seem out of place in the New York Times?" If not, it's pretty good writing. You wouldn't look out of place among the beautiful models in any of the glossy ads in the NYTimes Magazine. (Now some snob will suggest the NY Review of Books is the real standard, and someone else will counter with Granta, but you see my point.))
posted by orthogonality at 12:15 AM on April 29, 2007

Note: Thanks for all the practical advice and I'll definitely take it all into consideration if I decide to pursue this. I understand everybody’s concerns, I‘ve heard the horror stories so I checked the agency out and did my homework to make sure it was actually legitimate. They’re an established agency in New York which is expanding to Melbourne. Thanks for the tips so far.
posted by liquorice at 12:20 AM on April 29, 2007

When you're 90 years old and looking back on your life, which would you regret, going for the modeling thing, or not? That might help you answer your question.
posted by Doug at 12:31 AM on April 29, 2007

I've known a couple of girls who have done some modelling and talked extensively to one about her experience. She did print modelling, no runway.

Feeling good about your appearance does not seem to be part of the deal. Her claim was that eating disorders were very common and the competition made everyone hypercritical of their appearance. She didn't seem to think it was all that great, but at the same time a little proud and maybe glad that she had done it.

On the other hand, even regional work seems to pay pretty good. If you can handle bright light the work isn't too hard and you would have some good and fun networking opportunities. Although whether you would be able to use those connections for anything beyond modelling is another question.

I once heard the snark that, "Pretty women go through the world thinking that everybody is nice.". There might be a bit of truth to that, but for the ones who don't have an assertive side I bet that's far from the truth. If you start making money from looking good, you could end up in some situations where you need to set some strong boundaries. Your confidence and comfort in doing that is worth considering as well.
posted by BigSky at 12:48 AM on April 29, 2007

You do look great! But if you think you have BDD or self-esteem issues, modeling is a very tough gig, requiring a lot of thick skin (metaphorically speaking!) and the ability to withstand being constantly poked and fussed over and critiqued on physical issues you never knew existed in anyone, let alone in yourself. The money can be great, but the pressure is brutal. Plenty of models end up with a lot of self-esteem and body issues because of all this; if you're starting out a little bit sensitive it'll probably only exacerbate that side of things, not (as you suggest) bolster your self-esteem.

The writing on your website indicates that you have a pensive and sensitive soul, while modeling is a business where superficiality reigns supreme. I can't imagine from the *wee* bit I've learned about you that you'd dig it. But you've got a great look, so good luck if you try it!
posted by Dee Xtrovert at 12:51 AM on April 29, 2007

What do you think, philosophically, about modelling? You're eloquent, and a feminist - will the shallow nature of the business (no, i really have no idea) make life more difficult for you?

My general approach is usually, if i have time, to take on as many experiences as I can. Even if I don't enjoy them, if they are significantly different to what I've done before, it gives me an interesting look into another world.

There's reasons for and against this, and all valid. All I suggest is that you leave yourself an out, so that if it does become too stressful you can go, that's it, i quit, and not have to worry about contractual obligations.
posted by b33j at 12:52 AM on April 29, 2007

go for it. use the money for therapy if things don't improve. body dysmorphic disorder (or even the hint of it) must be horrid. have a hug, lovie.

um... where is everyone seeing the picture of you? i must be nuts...
posted by taff at 12:58 AM on April 29, 2007

M'dear, no matter how lovely you are (and you are lovely), if you don't believe it beforehand modelling certainly won't help. Fashion designers will always find something wrong with you and will tell it to your face. You will be expected to keep a certain weight, and if you start looking like you're going over that weight--even if you're still perfectly healthy--you will be called fat. After the initial flush of "Oh, I'm a model!", you will probably start feeling the intense pressure of the job itself and the idea of repairing your self-esteem though the career will just be laughable. The best you can probably hope for is to maintain your current idea of your beauty.
posted by schroedinger at 1:03 AM on April 29, 2007

Taff: the website link on her profile.

I say go for it! You'll have fun and you'll learn to love yourself.
posted by Persimmon at 1:10 AM on April 29, 2007

(Fair warning: I'm skeptical.) I think it's a bad idea because you're unlikely to be the only person who looks decent, and being passed over for someone who doesn't look as nice but is willing to put up with a lot more BS (and less money) because they think being a model is glamorous is likely to be unpleasant.

Instead I think you should just focus on the compliments of your family and friends, who after all aren't trying to make money off of you or qualifying their thoughts with "if we use a flattering camera angle" or "under tons of makeup" or "after photoshop".
posted by anaelith at 2:35 AM on April 29, 2007

You should check out Elyse Sewell's Journal. - as discussed on Mefi.
posted by MonkeySaltedNuts at 3:00 AM on April 29, 2007

I think that while the title of model is quite glam and you will enjoy the prestige and gratification of it (at least at first), its not worth it.

If you think you have BDD, just wait till you have an eating disorder b/c some asshole screamed at you for hours for being too fat (and it doesn't matter how skinny you are now, unless you already have an eating disorder - in which case, expect it to get worse).

No money is worth the aggravation, the stress, and the objectification. I'm sure you can find better things to do with your time.
posted by zia at 3:04 AM on April 29, 2007

My stepsister started modeling at 15 for a major agency based in New York. By the time she was eighteen she had lived in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan and appeared in almost every major East Asian fashion magazine. Modelling COMPLETELY destroyed her body image. She was constantly told that she needed to lose weight (she's six feet tall and has never weighed more than 120 pounds), that her nose was too blobby, that her ears were too big, whatever. She was even told more than once that her knees and elbows were too big (maybe, you know, because you made her lose so much weight, assholes. Thigh bones and arm bones are narrower than knees and elbows). She also made very little money, because the agencies paid up front for her apartment, plane tickets, portfolio, etc. and she had to pay them back from the money she made. She actually owed the agency money when she finally quit, but they didn't pursue it. Now, at 24, she's twice-divorced, has had two different plastic surgeries, and works as a stripper - a very well-paid stripper in a "classsy" club, but a stripper, none-the-less. She was a happy, healthy tomboy who wanted to be a veterinarian and who never even thought about her looks before modeling, and now she is disturbingly obsessed with her appearance. I can barely stand to be around her because ALL she talks about is fat - her own (imaginary, of course) and other people's.
This is high-fashion modeling - the agency and the clients WILL nitpick every single aspect of your appearance. They deal with beautiful girls all the time and you will be held to an impossible standard. Your self-esteem and body image are of little or no importance to them, no matter what kind of lip-service the industry pays to the eating-disorder problem.
Having said that, there are other kinds of modeling besides high-fashion. Catalogs and non-fashion advertising actually call for healthy, happy-looking models and the people you would work with would tend not to be so... evil. You could have fun and make a little money, blah blah blah. Just be ready to immediately walk away if anyone even hints that you need to lose weight or make any change to your appearance more drastic than parting your hair on the other side.
posted by Wroksie at 3:24 AM on April 29, 2007 [2 favorites has favorites]

Why don't you download (or buy?) a couple of seasons of America's Next Top Model or Australia's Next Top Model (assuming you haven't watched them already) and see if you could really imagine all the posing and the having to perform?
You're going to have to have a certain level of self-confidence to be professional, so you're really going to have to figure out whether this could be the THING to build your self-esteem, or whether all the minutiae of modelling will, in fact, be too stressful to keep up.
posted by mjao at 3:46 AM on April 29, 2007

What do you hope to get out of modelling? Are you hoping for fame and recognition and wealth, or just for something fun to do on the side that could get you some money and just add some variety into your life? That would make a big difference.

I've done glamour shoots (vanity ones, as presents) and I've done a magazine shoot for a feature article. The glamour ones were fun - they were just for my own thing, so no chance of being famous there, but it was great to dress up and be made up and become a character. The crew were also nice and friendly and relaxed.

The magazine shoot, for the Malaysian Seventeen magazine, was weird; they were more focused on the type of foundation to put on my skin and whether I was attractive enough, or whatever. Superficial stuff. I didn't enjoy that one. So I suppose to also depends on the personality of the company and the type of jobs they get.

If you can handle not giving a damn what people think about your looks, then I'd say go for it. You don't have to do every job they give you, you can pick and chose, go at your own pace. At the very least you get stories to tell. It'd probably be dead boring after a while though. If you're intending it as a full time career, however, be prepared to get really really thick skin, because as everyone else said, there is a lot of pressure, even if they don't directly say it. It's all very catty and competitive (how come there aren't any wholesome holistic modelling agencies out there?) and may just make your body issues worse - or at least make your health suffer with all the workload.

Some people have explored life modelling (nude modelling for an art class) as a way to work through body issues. You don't get judged for how you look; you're just neutrally examined since the artists are more concerned with getting a drawing done. Would you be comfortable with that? I was considering it but I haven't found anyone reputable in Australia; the one place I found turned out to be dodgy.

By the way, which agency was it? I'm trying to do some print modelling for fun (and for pics, haha) and I'm having a hard time finding an agency that does "ethnic" people - i.e. anyone beyond white Australian.
posted by divabat at 4:59 AM on April 29, 2007

This is almost certainly a scam. Real agencies are inundated by applications from the millions of aspiring models out there. They don't need to wander the streets looking for models. After they meet you they will tell you you are perfect.... nearly. You just have one small defect which they can conveniently remedy with $500 worth of walking lessons or whatever.
posted by selfmedicating at 6:08 AM on April 29, 2007

I used to work with a fashion photographer in Boston, have shot a couple of shows myself, and have an ex that modeled for a short time. /credentials

The biggest thing to remember is that a legitimate agency will never charge you for photos. That's the one instant tip-off that they're less than reputable. I wouldn't say "scam" necessarily, but there are varying degrees of disreputableness that range from outright fraud to not terribly forthcoming. The latter are harder to recognize: they're often new agencies that are trying to break into the business and get a bunch of faces in their lineup right away, but don't have a lot of capital to spend on trivialities like "photos" or "office space." They send scouts out to canvas an area and try to sign up as many people as they can, and only start whittling down their candidates after they find out who's getting work and who's not. Effectively the "throw a bunch of darts at a target and see who gets the bullseye" approach.

The obvious problem with this approach is that it's going to leave a lot of people very, very disappointed, and potentially angry. Unfortunately, the way you look has an only incidental relation to the way you will look in pictures. Seriously, we'd have these average-looking (at best) women come in for a shoot, and I would question the sanity of the agency, but then something happens when they're being shot and they just come alive. Conversely we'd get drop-dead gorgeous girls come in, and you simply could not get a good photo out of them no matter how hard you tried. You have to take the whole "I was just walking around and saw you from afar and really think you should be a model," with a grain of salt.

Young women are enormously susceptible to falling in with these groups because it is so flattering to be considered "model" material, and forget that, in the end, they are just an employee and should be paid as such. If you were "trying out" for janitor because a company saw how much of a natural you were at throwing away trash, you'd still expect to get paid, right? Same deal. It's all-too-common for pretty girls to find all manner of reason to justify paying for portfolio materials because they're told it'll only last until their "big break" at which time they'll start making the big money.

What I saw a lot of is that the agencies would pay for a photographer (or use an in-house one... ugh), take some shots, then charge the "model" for copies of the shots. If you've ever had a school portrait taken, it's the same scam business model. Pictures are free, copies cost money. And it's very hard to turn down "professional pictures" when they're right there in your hands, and don't cost that much, anyway, and "oh it would be so nice to give a copy to my boyfriend" or whatever. Don't. Portfolio-building should be at the agency's expense, not yours. If they charge you for copies, they're nothing more than glorified student portraits. Likewise, hair and makeup should be covered. If they suggest using a particular stylist or makeup artist (at your expense) you might ask if they're going to charge you for office supplies (pens, paper) to fill out model releases as well.

As for the whole debate on whether the industry destroys women's body image, I have only this to say: don't take anything personally. That's the real problem with models. They tend to already have a mean streak of vanity in them, and they take clients' criticisms to heart. Just because one client thinks your ears are too big or your waist is too wide (or whatever) doesn't make it an objective fact. It merely means that, for the image they had in mind, you don't match up in [x] ways. It doesn't make them evil, it won't be the end of civilized society, it just means they came with preconceived notions of what the agency would provide for them, and you ain't it. Just keep your composure and professionalism and you'll be alright.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 6:32 AM on April 29, 2007

This is almost certainly a scam. Real agencies are inundated by applications from the millions of aspiring models out there. They don't need to wander the streets looking for models.

I'm almost certain this is wrong. Real agencies are inundated with applications from women who don't have what they're looking for. They need something really specific, and it doesn't bear a lot of relation to what people think of as model potential. When you read stories about real models, they are almost always approached in exactly the way that the OP mentioned. In fact, a recent story in Vogue about the current top models mentioned that one of them was unusual because she sent pictures into an agency, rather than being approached in the usual way.

It could definitely be a scam. But this is, in fact, how people become models.

I strongly suspect that being a model would be bad for your self-esteem, if you were troubled in that direction to start out with. First of all, it would reinforce the idea that how you looked was a very, very important aspect of your being. You can't really tell yourself it doesn't matter that much when you're getting paid for it. Second of all, being a model means being sent to constant castings where you will be judged and (often) rejected because of aspects of your appearance that it's never even occurred to you to criticize. Third, there may be pressure to change your body in ways that aren't healthy for you.

Finally, the people who run modeling agencies are after their bottom line, not your best interests. You're just a highly-disposable product to them. If you'd get more work if you lost weight, they will pressure you to lose weight, even if it'll make you miserable. You should only do this if you're confident that you can be your own advocate and guardian of your own well-being, because otherwise you aren't going to have any advocates. If you aren't good at defying authority and standing up for yourself, I think you should seek work that isn't as wrapped up with your personal self-esteem challenges.
posted by craichead at 6:40 AM on April 29, 2007

It's easy to avoid scams: never pay for anything, and never agree to take off (all) your clothes.

It's hard to be prudent as to the rest. Modeling is like high-level sports: lots of very talented people get to play around with it for a few years, but few people can make any real money out of it even in the short term, and very few people can make a career of it.

Thus you have to commit to it as a sideline, a short detour, making sure that it doesn't interfere, or unduly delay, with pursuing OP's long-term career and life plans. Modeling is not particularly congenial to those plans -- whether you want to be a hard charging lawyer or a stay-at-hom mom married to hard-charging lawyer, or anything in between.

The key -- as with acting, sports, or other low percentage endevors -- is to be ruthless with yourself in terms of recognizing when you're done and then getting on with your life. Modeling is that much more critical in that respect, because, unlike other low percentage gigs, a model's useful career span really runs from one's mid-teens to mid-to-late-20s, and OP's halfway or more through that span.
posted by MattD at 6:53 AM on April 29, 2007

Modeling is a job. People take jobs because it seems like a good idea, a career opportunity, or they need the money. You don't take a job to boost your self-esteem.

Incidentally, for what it's worth, all the models I knew in New York were extremely neurotic; they would spend hours telling me about the therapy they had to go through to undo the damage done by years of modeling. You should go into modeling if you're immune to those pressures, not if you're extra susceptible to them.
posted by ikkyu2 at 7:00 AM on April 29, 2007

Wow, thanks for all the responses so far. It was really enlightening to hear from everyone.

To answer a few questions, I'm not looking at this as a career, by any means. I thought it might be something fun to do and make a little bit of cash on the side while I study. I'm a full time student doing a double Law/Arts degree and I love it so I wouldn't give it up to go catwalk on the runways of Milan if it even came to that.

Coincendetally, my father told me a story today about his co-worker's daughter having just been put into a psychiatric hospital after being promised her "big break" through modeling and the pressures just becoming too much. That was scary.

I used to have a problem with modelling and in particular, beauty pagents, but I've come to realise that it's not so black and white. Not to go in depth about it but I think there's a big difference between exploited and empowered and that all depends on the individual.

I'm not a ballerina, that was a joke, and I don't have an eating disorder but I'd love to gain some weight if I could. The impression I'm getting from here is leaning towards "stay away" but I'm still wondering if it's worth it to take that first step, not make any commitments but see what they say next?
posted by liquorice at 7:22 AM on April 29, 2007

It's so obviously a scam. As others have said, this just isn't the way the business works.
posted by spitbull at 7:35 AM on April 29, 2007

" As others have said, this just isn't the way the business works."

I respectfully but thoroughly and adamantly disagree. The business works this way all the time. That isn't to say there's no scam here because that's a very real possibility. However, to reject it categorically due to being approached is a Very Poor Idea because legitimate modeling gigs are cast like this every single day.
posted by majick at 7:55 AM on April 29, 2007

As others have said, this just isn't the way the business works.

You have no idea what you're talking about. If you have no idea what you're talking about, you shouldn't be answering AskMe questions.

This is most certainly how the business works. Modeling gurus like John Casablanca got a lot of their talent by going to clubs in Europe and approaching the PYTs. Claudia Schiffer (club), Gisele Bundchen (McDonald's), Christy Turlington (horseback riding), Cindy Crawford (sheering corn on a farm), Elle Macpherson (vacationing)... etc., etc., etc.

The thing to remember is that, while this is how most models are found, it's also how most women-who-don't-make-it-as-models are found.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 7:58 AM on April 29, 2007

RE: how it works or not? A guy I know quite well is a model agent. He has representatives all over Eastern Europe whose work is basically to approach girls on the street if they like the look of them as potential models. So up to a point it does work like this; but USA may be different.
posted by londongeezer at 8:18 AM on April 29, 2007

No harm in doing the initial meeting, I'm sure they won't nitpick your appearance there anyhow. Go talk to them and see if it is a serious opprotunity or just some people out to get money from you, then you will know if you even have something to decide.

Not all modeling is super skinny supermodel stuff, there are models who do just a few local things or have a special look that one particular client wants.
posted by yohko at 8:26 AM on April 29, 2007

I was sitting right next to a friend when she was discovered by a famous and legitimate modeling agency. She did it for a little while but didn't like it so she quit pretty quickly. Made quite a tidy pile of money in that time, though!

I say give it a shot, see what the paychecks look like and how you feel about it when you actually try it. You never know. If nothing else it'll be a life experience to write about. You can always quit if you hate it.
posted by bink at 8:27 AM on April 29, 2007

I would not do this unless you are able to completely ignore what a bunch of extremely superficial people will throw at you constantly during your tenure in the industry. You sound like you care what other people think about your appearance, which is not a good attitude to have, as no matter how incredibly good looking you are, people will find faults with you in this setting.

That said, you are really good looking (assuming the Flickr stream on your website is you), and could certainly make some money this way.

Oh, and seconding all the scam stuff... do a little research and see if these guys are legit. All cash flow should be in your direction.
posted by phrontist at 10:29 AM on April 29, 2007

Seconding modelling for life drawing classes to boost self-esteem. (I did it to boost my own self-esteem as a fat chick, and met my first girlfriend there).

It's not hard at all to find un-shady situations: art schools. In a large urban centre you won't get many repeat gigs because there are a lot of models to choose from, but in suburban areas you could be asked back several times for the same class.

Even if you only do it a couple of times, it's instructive.

My cousin worked as a fashion model for a while. He was approached by a stranger and got work right away. He enjoyed it for a couple of years and then quit because people in the business were mean and it was getting boring and not worth it any more.
posted by kika at 11:59 AM on April 29, 2007

She told me she was scouting for an agency that had recently moved to Melbourne

Watch out for this -- this really does sound fishy. Do some research on the agency, and, if possible, the woman herself.

And, regardless of whether this is a scam, watch out for people who want to use you, one way or another. Wroksie's sister is doubtless very beautiful, and once she got pulled in to the modeling world, no doubt did want all those shows in all those foreign cities. She wasn't scammed, exactly, but she was used, unkindly, for other people's benefit. If you find yourself with a genuine opportunity, make sure you enter it on your own terms, and always be skeptical of people whose interests differ from your own.
posted by mattpfeff at 12:27 PM on April 29, 2007

I know a few models that didn't start until college (I would imagine that this is important as modeling when you're 14/15 must fuck with your self-esteem and body imagine like nothing else). They're as well adjusted as anyone else I know. They don't take it seriously and get a few high paying ($500+ for a couple hours) photo/ad shoots ever month or so. They use it as just extra cash to be floating around. The guys I know that do it, especially are egotistical -- though I think any of us would be if we always got hit on by hot girls wherever we went.

I think the route my friends took would fit you well. They don't travel, they didn't approach as anything but some quick cash for the weekend. I know the girls were asked to lose weight, etc. but most just shrugged it off and had the attitude that if they didn't want to use them they wouldn't call back.

As long as you approach modeling from the perspective of it being a part time job in college and if it starts to affect your life you'll leave it, I don't see it being a problem. It is incredibly easy work for the pay as long as you don't take it too seriously.
posted by geoff. at 1:33 PM on April 29, 2007

For what it's worth, my mother was a model for a few years. Her modeling career was not particularly high-powered, and it was in the pre-Twiggy era. But even now as she's pushing 70, she's still very neurotic about food, fat, and her appearance. Now, it's not like that kind of neurotic behavior is uncommon, but I've met only one other person who views food with quite the same degree of anxiety about her own virtue as a human being. (And that person is a former gymnast, which has some similar pressures.)

Modeling was an interesting experience for her, and she was reasonably well paid, but in the long run I don't think it was good for her mental health.
posted by sculpin at 1:36 PM on April 29, 2007

No harm in meeting with the agency, just to see what they're about. Dizzy is right, right, right, so follow that advice and you should be fine. (And everyone who says "this is not how real agencies work" are wrong, so just ignore them).
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 1:43 PM on April 29, 2007 [1 favorite has favorites]

Disclaimer: no personal experience in this. BUT... my daughter has expressed interest in modeling, so I have looked into some of the pros and cons.

Lots of good advice here, which I will add to my advice for my daughter. From what I have heard/read in my research:

YES, agencies can get their models by approaching them cold and showing interest. Many people with model-appeal don't even know they have that quality; they often only see their flaws.

YES, scam companies run the same way.

YES, agencies have open auditions, and so do the scam companies. It's really hard for my daughter to take when I tell her that the company that is having open auditions at the mall is really there to sell her photos and lessons. It can be hard to tell the difference.

I agree with watching America's Next Top Model (available on DVD), but it seems a more realistic look into the business can be seen in Janice Dickenson's Modeling Agency. Not sure if it's shown in Oz, or available on DVD. It's definitely more rough and tumble than Next Top Model; and Janice can really be an uber-bitch. But you also see how the models really are treated as if they have no feelings. The clients and photographers are looking for a prop for their product. They will say "You have a weird face and are too big" with no more emotion than "I want a blue car for the shot." It's all the same to them.

The advice I have given my daughter is to pursue print and catalog type work. She is too short for runway, anyway, and she has no interest. She has said things like, "If I could model a sweater for the Wal-Mart ad and get paid, I would be thrilled!"

A KEY element will be your ability to perform; you have to work the camera, and give the photographer something to shoot. I have been training my daughter in this, but she is also very naturally good at it. I'm a photographer, and we go on practice shoots every couple weeks. There is balance between taking direction, and improvising for the camera.

Along that line, and on a lighter note, do watch Zoolander. There is a lot of truth-as-satire in there. I especially like the scene where Zoolander is posing as a monkey with cymbals. The art director is throwing bananas at him, which he is hitting away with the cymbals, as the art director yells, "Dance, monkey, dance!!!!" I'm sure that's what a lot of modeling must feel like.

Anyway, good luck. You are a beautiful person, and you also seem to have a good head on your shoulders, so I'm sure with all the input here, plus your own good sense you will do the right thing. And if this current offer ends up a scam, maybe you can think about pursuing something anyway. Keep us posted if you can!
posted by The Deej at 1:56 PM on April 29, 2007

Yeah, I've known someone who did modeling work, and the impression I got of it is that if you're at all intelligent or reflective the work gets real stultifying real quick, especially at regional levels. Think waving at people at car shows.

I don't know when she got into it, exactly, but she's one of those who was able to handle the criticisms on a professional level and not come away with horrible neurotic scars or anything.
posted by furiousthought at 2:54 PM on April 29, 2007

I think you're gorgeous. However, I think you should do anything rather than model, since you are so attractive but are posting stuff like this and this -- and I linked those, rather than quoting, because you'll probably want to delete those entries at some point, once you are a little more rational about your looks. Modeling will not bring you closer to that point.
posted by booksandlibretti at 3:19 PM on April 29, 2007

I think I've reached an agreement that I will pursue this at the beginning but if it becomes more hassle than it's worth or I feel pressured into doing things I'm not comfortable about, I'll pull out. This isn't something on my "Must Do" list but I get the feeling that if I didn't even feel it out, I'd always wonder "What if...". In any case, the answers here have been very enlightening and informative, so thanks for that. On a side note, I couldn't actually bring myself to watch ANTM as it seemed quite painful to sit through more than 10 minutes of watching girls prance around in the midst of cat fights and eating disorders, but I guess if this is something I want to do I better get used to that.

I believe not taking the criticism to heart would be the hardest obstacle for me to overcome. Thanks for all the responses.

Those blogs were written at a period in my life when what I was going through was much bigger than my looks, but I diverted my grief, anger and pain into that outlet as an unhealthy way of dealing. I like to think I've healed enough that that person who wrote those entries is no longer a part of me.
posted by liquorice at 3:46 PM on April 29, 2007

What Dizzy said!! Fantastic advice. I dated a girl who got suckered into one of the sleazy "agencies" in NYC on the pretense that she would get free head shots. She figured out it was a scam pretty quick luckily, and found out several months later that the owner had been murdered, supposedly by a jealous/pissed off boyfriend.
posted by vronsky at 4:26 PM on April 29, 2007

I repeat, this isn't the way the business works. I add, except in rare and exceptional instances that prove the rule: good fortune does not fall on you from the sky, no matter how pretty you are, unless you're Michelle Pfeiffer or some such. And if you are, you know it.
posted by spitbull at 6:53 PM on April 29, 2007

Spitbull - I agree, but who the hell are ya? My instinct says this isn't how it works, but then, fending off modeling agencies has not really been a problem in my life. I freely admit I know nothing of how it works. Are you basing what you say on experience in the modeling biz?
posted by selfmedicating at 7:20 PM on April 29, 2007

Modeling scouts are pretty much walking around trying to find generally pretty people in hopes that they will wind up buying services. It may not be a scam per se, and you should be flattered, but unless you are prepared to invest in a modeling career financially, let the flattery be its own reward and move on.

And if you're over 17, definitely don't bother.
posted by hermitosis at 7:40 PM on April 29, 2007

I dpn't see a good reason to do this, apart from maybe the money. It's not likely to help you with any of the issues you describe; it will only impress people you should avoid in the first place; and it's a nasty, nasty industry. In New York, where models comprise a significant percentage of the dating pool, I'm often relieved to find the woman I've met is not a model.

Yes, as Dizzy says, it would be best to meet in the office; yes, agencies have scouts who might approach you on the street. But the "coffee or dinner" is odd enough to be suspicious. A scout wouldn't suggest that--for a modeling job.

You will find, if you model, that nobody you work with cares what you think or have to say. So why sit at a table and converse? It sounds unconvincing. Also, and I say this gently: the word "model", worldwide and for the last century or so, can be a euphemism for. . . less glamorous work.

My advice: model if you must--although it doesn't really help the issues you describe. But wait for another opportunity. And before signing a thing, show the release to a prof at the law school--those likeness rights are really tough to get back.
posted by Phred182 at 5:00 AM on April 30, 2007

my friend is a junior agent at a midsize NYC modelling agency. on seeing your question and photos, here is her response:


One thing I've learned in my business is even with the specific standards and physical criteria a model must meet, this is still a very subjective industry.. What one agent may see as a fantastic match with a certain market or client another agent may vehemently disagree with that model being the business alltogether.. In short, model managers and agents will always disagree on certain models and beauty in general...

Also, I will add, that there are many specific markets that differ in the kinds of models they require.

That said, I will not say whether this girl can or cannot model based solely on her looks. I believe she is for sure attractive, (that of course does not necessarily equate to a model) but her question is not whether she can or cannot model, it's SHOULD she?

The best models for me to work with are the ones who are intelligent, professional, self aware, the ones who really WANT to model, and can handle critisism and rejection (over and over again).

I think those models who have the healthiest careers are the ones who do not seek validation through the modeling, who are inherently confident, and recieve gratification only consequently through their bookings (when clients pick them for jobs). So it is necessary to say these girls already have healthy self esteems.

The way I wouldn't recommend an anorexic to visit Paris, I wouldn't recommend a girl who is unsure of her looks to persue a modeling career. I admire her self disclosure and honesty, but until she doesn't give a shit about being 'judged' and picked apart by an audience, I would tell her to look into other ways of raising her self image..I think it's very important for a woman to feel comfortable in her own skin, sexy and attractive, both physically and mentally. I would recommend implementing athletics, working out, yoga, or dance into her routine. This is an autonomous way of accomplishing a higher self esteem, as opposed to seeking others approval.

But of course people do different things to achieve their goals... I think she already knows what she should do. She shouldn't need anyone else's go-ahead :)

Hope that helps.
posted by twistofrhyme at 8:55 AM on April 30, 2007

I'll chime in here. I used to get approached by modeling 'scouts' all the time (usually on the street in Manhattan, a few times in New Jersey) from about age 15 - 20. I always assumed it was a scam; I never looked into anything. At those ages, I also never really believed I was pretty enough. Looking back now, I realize I probably looked as amazing as I ever will.

Now that I don't get approached anymore (a lil older and about 15 pounds heavier - not fat in the least but not model skinny anymore) - I really wish I had followed up on some of those meetings.

No regrets, baby, just go for the initial meeting and see what happens. Good luck!
posted by infinityjinx at 9:39 AM on April 30, 2007

You are gorgeous and could certainly be scouted. Since it was a woman who told you so, I am less suspicious than others about the initial contact. However, if meeting the higher-ups is suggested to take place anywhere other than a VERY public place or an office, RUN!

Also..this is not a way to boost your self-esteem. Validation from others doesn't boost your self-esteem, your own achievements do. Even if you had a fantastic career as a model, somewhere down the line someone would reject you simply because you weren't blonde or had the wrong color eyes or the wrong height, and you would take it far too personally. I can see it simply in the way you form your question.

People who have been told their whole lives they are pretty inevitably feel they DON'T deserve the appreciation--pretty is something you are given, and you tend to feel you didn't do anything to earn it.

Don't just be pretty. Be purposeful, driven, passionate, courageous, altruistic, compassionate--any of those qualities last and will do more to boost your self-esteem than modelling ever will.

Find something, anything, that you love and at which you can be successful. Don't look to succeed at something that had never even occurred to you before. To me, it sounds like another symptom of your insecurity: someone said you could do this, and you are so afraid you can't do anything else you think maybe you should jump at it.
posted by misha at 2:46 PM on May 12, 2007 [1 favorite has favorites]