Myths of the Modeling World

6 myths about the modeling world

The modeling world. Most people are curious about what happens in this magical land where the models are thin and elegant like poised unicorns sporting the latest brands, but once you enter into this realm you soon realize indeed it’s a dream of both light and darkness. Having been a model for over 10 years and currently doing so in Japan I’ve been, seen, and done many things in the modeling world to know that the most common rumors are just that. Rumors. I want to break these vicious truths, possibly cure your curiosity, and simply to help others better understand a world not everyone gets to be a part of.

MYTH 1~ You’re a model you must be rich right?

I think every model laughs at this question as soon as it’s asked. Perhaps even the famous ones too once their image fades and work becomes harder to find. Yes some jobs do indeed pay well, but let’s talk real numbers. First you have the agency fee. A good modeling agency will take about 15% of your check but a bad agency like all the ones in Japan take about 50% or more! After chipping off a chunk for themselves you have to also add the fees of traveling for each job performed. So what does that include? This is the amount usually dedicated into getting one job: The audition is day one, fitting the clothes day two, rehearsal day three (unless you’re lucky and they make it the same day as the show), and then day four the actual event. That is at least 2-4 days of traveling you need to free your work schedule for and pay hotel fees, gas, parking, etc. depending on the location. Do you get paid for all four days? No. Almost never. Each job you are paid a flat rate for the event day. Most jobs are in the lower end of free – $500. Print shoots, magazines, and runway are of the lowest paying and are almost always free for “exposure and experience”. They can usually cap out at $1,000 per show. Commercials and TV gigs usually pay bigger because you have yearly usage renewals so around $1,700 per day or more if you’re lucky. So yes some of these job pay quite large, but how often is where the model loses his/her wages. Getting booked back to back is pretty rare and sometimes we’ll land it big only once every 6 months to a year. The jobs aren’t guaranteed and the clients out there searching for a particular look for their brand. After you’ve met all their requirements it’s down to luck whether you’re chosen. Some years are better than others.

MYTH 2~ A cube of cheese for dinner and a glass of water.

Genetics and age my friends. Those are the magical properties to us wafer thin folk. Only about 5% of the world has this genetic anomaly. Just like my skin is super white and my eyes blue they can’t be change because it’s genetics. That being said it doesn’t mean models can eat for days and not gain anything. Most have a proper workout routine and eat healthy wholesome foods. Of course we enjoy the occasional junk food, but in moderation. Taking care of our bodies is part of the job and we learn how to keep it toned and healthy. I’ve only met two models with eating issues out of my entire career so yes they’re out there because sadly it happens, but not every model is this way. Another large factor is age. Some models can start as high fashion models when they’re as young as 12 because their bodies haven’t developed yet. When they reach around the age of 17, older high fashion model are hard to find because their hips soon start to grow and they develop more luscious curves which pushes their measurements past the “standard sizes” for high fashion. After that it’s up to genetics as to why some of us retain this boyish shape for their lifetime and learn to embrace it. Sadly, this is where I’ve seen some models are pressured by themselves or their families to lose weight and do harsh workouts and unsafe dieting methods to maintain their career. I say let it go and move into a different field of modeling which leads me into the next myth.

MYTH 3~ There’s only one kind of model, high fashion models.

It’s true high fashion models are almost always the same measurements and do you know why that’s desired in the fashion industry? Think of us as the ultimate mannequin. We can wear the same clothes on a global scale. Whether I’m in America or Japan all the clothes are built for this particular size. The designer doesn’t have to change or alter the shape and they don’t need us there to make the clothes fit well. We’re almost all guaranteed to fit into the same dress at every event. It’s every designer’s dream and makes sewing faster and easier. High fashion models may be the most popularly recognized in the industry, but let’s talk about the others who deserve the spot light and work just as hard. To understand just how broad the modeling world is let me give you a few examples of model types.

Runway model, print, magazine, fitness, lifestyle, cosplay/costume, parts model (hands, feet, legs, etc…, host model (works at live shows), online catalog, product model, commercial (scripted/nonscripted), TV and short series movies, workshop model, fitting model, make-up model, nail model, hair model, the list can go on for days! Each job has a particular requirement but it’s not all high fashion size. If you love modeling you’ll find the right one for you! It might not be glamorous, but honestly modeling isn’t about the glamour or the products it’s about doing it for yourself.

MYTH 4~ 20’s the limit. You’re time is over.

Never ever set an age limit for modeling. This is the one thing I’ve fought in the modeling world and mostly against agencies who have the limit of only taking in 20 year olds and nothing past that. Age is but a number and if you look great who cares about it. The magic of photoshop will always be used even for the professionals so be not afraid my aging beauties! It’s necessary for clients to choose young models to make their products look enticing and “perfect” as possible, but recently that’s been changing and I hope it continues to change in this direction. Keep pushing forward and you will find jobs and an agent if you want. Reaching my thirties it’s been a challenge only from the agencies and never the clients, but I’ve found a few good ones and I’ll keep going forward. As you mature the jobs will change, but people as old as 60 or 70 still find jobs with commercials, TV, and catalogs so there are jobs for those who love modeling at every age.

MYTH 5~ Mirror mirror who’s the fairest of them all?

Do you have to be “gorgeous” and “sexy” to be a model? In truth, no. Not always are standard “beautiful” models chosen for the job. Clients want unique faces that can capture the attention of their clients quickly with interest. Now that parts of the world are becoming more diverse, the clients are finding new inventive ways in creating advertising for their businesses. If everyone had the standard look of beauty (which honestly beauty can’t be defined so clearly because we all have a difference of opinion), then a magazine would look quite bland and uniform. More and more, advertisement is becoming a blend of art and fashion. They need models to suit their mood and so really anyone can be chosen for the job. The key is for models to take care of their health and know their special quality that makes them unique for the modeling world and desirable for the clients.

Bonus MYTH 6! All models are snobs.

Don’t be ridiculous! TV dramas feed the stereotype so well it’s funny to watch, but not even close to the truth. Models are human trust me so yes there are some

divas and snobs, but almost all models are regular people with jobs and families. Some come from other countries to enjoy traveling or to escape the hardships of their lives back home. Others work hard for their next goals in life using modeling as a stepping stone. But one thing we all have in common is that all of us enjoy modeling because it’s a magical realm where we can escape for the day and just have some fun with the unique experience.

Whether you are looking to join the modeling community or are just a curious wanderer, I hope these myths give you a small glimpse into the world of modeling. It’s a great hobby and for the lucky ones a career that can be enjoyed at any age and with any look. To me modeling is all about enjoying the experience and feeling like a pampered princess for the day. Modeling has so many facets so why not give it a try!

#fashion #health #modelingjobs #diet #runwaymodel #lifestylemodel #highfashionmodel #mythaboutmodeling #beauty #fashionworld #workexperience #modeling #fashiondesigners