Marc Wayne Intimates wrote:
As a fashion designer, I have seen it literally a thousand times! A young woman is told she is cute and should start modeling.  She's asked if she has a ModelMayhem account. She creates one and suddenly dozens of photographers are asking about doing "TFP" shoots! Wow!  The photographers are full of compliments and she has a nice body and should show it off! It turns out she does have nice body and does show it off.  If she's lucky she's traveling locally and nationally to do shoots.  She's making $50-$75 an hour.  But as cute as she is, she's not a supermodel.  Her height is somewhere between 5'2" and 5'10"...."with heels on".  Even still, she's placing dozens of gorgeous pictures on Facebook, old boyfriends are telling her she's the one that got away.  She has an organizer full of appointments for flashing lights of all kinds: castings, go-sees, fashion shows, photoshoots and she loves it! She decides "this is it, this is what I want to do".  Then out of nowhere it hits, the Valley of Despair.  A year or two later after countless glamour shoots, promises from designers and photographers and 1200 Facebook "likes" she hits a glass ceiling.  There are fewer photographers calling...fewer and fewer paid gigs, even fewer tear sheets from respectable publications, and more and more people want her to do nudes.  The dream seems like it's shrinking away. What to do??

As we all know, modeling and fashion are insatiable experiences.  The more we have...the more we want. If you're considering taking modeling seriously you need to learn your craft and the monetization of the industry. Chances are, if you're not represented by an agency, don't have a great manager and/or several photographer friends who keep publishing you - then you're less of a model and more of a muse.  It doesn't matter your age, how beautiful you are, your height or weight. There is paid work out there for every type.  But if you envision yourself on the covers of Vogue or Vanity Fair you need to stimulate people beyond your physical beauty.  You need to be professional, memorable and unique. Your presence needs to be as warm as the summer sun and you need to provide the best product possible. As a model, you're bringing other people's dreams and fantasies to life. When you do that well, they will be bring yours to life.

Lastly, be honest with yourself.  If you can't find good representation it's either because you are not looking hard enough or you are not marketable enough.  If you're finding that people are not paying to work with you more than once (supermodels are made by repeat clients) you need to know why. You need to ask them honestly and be prepared for the answer. Without repeat "paid" work you'll have a hard time making a life for yourself.

If you're a muse and your beauty, body, hair or personality inspire people. Then be the best muse you can be and don't shortchange "real life" in pursuit of modeling.  If you plan on modeling professionally, then by the definition of professional you need to be paid. If people aren't buying what you're selling -- then reconsider; maybe you're less of a model and more of a muse. Chances are if you're in the Valley of Despair and your modeling career isn't not taking off after a couple of years, you're going down the wrong path.

For what it's worth.

Marc Wayne

I really think that overall that some Models (that you are referring to) do not know really what it takes to succeed.  I do not think they have realistic expectation of the industry and of themselves. I do like your Muse vs. Professional angle.  However do not denigrate Testing/TFP arrangements, even Supermodels do Tests (either agency directed or self realization) the issue is when to test and the frequency of testing.

Overall if models immerse themselves in the industry (all facets of modeling) via serious research and are realistic in their expectations, and what the industry expects of them, constraints of industry standards, and where they fit in and do not fit in, it will go a long way to being successful. 

I think most internet models like the idea of modeling and “hope” to make a successful career or at least be successful for a period of time but once they realize the level of work it takes, and reality sets in, and then its decision time……… They either begin to despair and give it up in a short amount of time or gain situational awareness of their situation and adapt and overcome.

I would also add what you speak of happens to everyone in life regardless of what individuals pursue. Not everyone is well suited for any particular industry they would like to be in. Even ones who are successful in a particular industry often transition to other areas within the industry. The transition itself may give the individual more satisfaction and success that the original role they wanted.

-Just an observation

BodyIndustry wrote:
I really think that overall that some Models (that you are referring to) do not know really what it takes to succeed.  I do not think they have realistic expectation of the industry and of themselves. I do like your Muse vs. Professional angle.  However do not denigrate Testing/TFP arrangements, even Supermodels do Tests (either agency directed or self realization) the issue is when to test and the frequency of testing.

Overall if models immerse themselves in the industry (all facets of modeling) via serious research and are realistic in their expectations, and what the industry expects of them, constraints of industry standards, and where they fit in and do not fit in, it will go a long way to being successful. 

I think most internet models like the idea of modeling and “hope” to make a successful career or at least be successful for a period of time but once they realize the level of work it takes, and reality sets in, and then its decision time……… They either begin to despair and give it up in a short amount of time or gain situational awareness of their situation and adapt and overcome.

I would also add what you speak of happens to everyone in life regardless of what individuals pursue. Not everyone is well suited for any particular industry they would like to be in. Even ones who are successful in a particular industry often transition to other areas within the industry. The transition itself may give the individual more satisfaction and success that the original role they wanted.

-Just an observation

I agree. One my favorite stories is when Oprah cried when she was told she wasn't cut out out to be a news reporter which forced her transition into day-time TV. Peaks and valleys are part of the process. I also agree fully that immersion is key.  If you don't have the passion to study your craft you should question the craft.
I became a designer out of nowhere. I started tech companies first. It was hard for people to see me as designer but my passion for it made me not care. Later, my designs spoke for themselves and the passion models had for my lines made us popular in local markets.

I also want to point out that in no way am I denigrating TFP. I'm well aware of it's importance in the industry and we sponsor TFP workshops all over Chicago for models looking to get get started. It's a great way for talent to collaborate is a simple, productive manner. I was just spotlighting it as part of the typical process and how some models lean on it as a false sense of accomplishment/success - meaning if you can only get TFP work and no paid work how successful are you as a model? I hope that makes sense.

ArtistryImage wrote:
have trained several models in make-up artistry... they found it to be an excellent transitional exit strategy from modeling which has a finite tenure...

no worries here, no problem...

MUA is an excellent transition!

Jeff Fiore wrote:
It amazes me how some people only see things in their perspective. There is more to modeling than fashion or agency modeling. I know a LOT of models that make a full time living and have been doing it for years. Several have been full time for almost 10 years.

Jeff, this is my perspective but also my experience. I'm on the business side of this as you likely are and I'm very aware of the scope of modeling. I've cast and referred models from everything to foot models, promo models and fashion to art modeling and character/story board modeling. We use fit models who are of every size and shape. But it's safe to say that the majority of models, when they first start out, dream of being fashion models and VS models. Some of those are struggling and they don't know why. I talk to them weekly. They are who this post is written for.

Garry k wrote:
thats why the smart ones keep other options open such as schooling and non modelling careers

a similar thread could be started about aspiring fashion photographers

Gary, I agree 100%

AlyssaNicole wrote:
I really enjoy thoughtful threads like this one.

I appreciate your thoughts very much, Alyssa.
Honestly being a designer isn't much different. Marc Wayne is the smallest of my businesses but it consumes the majority of heart. I'm able to enjoy it even more not having to stress about putting food on my table.

LizaK wrote:
But I'm stuck. I don't know where to begin, what to work on, how to reach out to people in the industry without making a complete fool of myself, etc. Anyone who can help me out a little?

Hi Liza, first I would say be patient with yourself. Your port is off to a good start! You have a unique look that not every photographer will be able to capture authentically in my opinion. Rule #1, no your self/your strengths and goals. Know if you're editorial or commercial, etc. Secondly, modeling is a game of inspiration and relationships. If you want to pursue it then be aggressive with approaching photographers, MUAs and stylists. Genuine flattery can go a long way to opening doors. But also practice. I think the face is the most important aspect to all fashion modeling. It's the hardest to fix in post production and provides the most story context for viewers to connect with. Try to see if the expressions in your pictures exude context and inspiration.

Marc Wayne Intimates wrote:
There are fewer photographers calling...fewer and fewer paid gigs, even fewer tear sheets from respectable publications, and more and more people want her to do nudes.  The dream seems like it's shrinking away. What to do??

For some people, working as a full-time nude model, with independent artists on personal projects - IS the dream. There is nothing about shooting nudes as a career option, or never having tearsheets, that should be equated with failure, or lack of modeling potential. I started shooting nudes 8 years ago, with NO intention of it ever being more than a hobby. I ended up working as an income-earning nude model for several years. When it did become a way to see the country, and pay my bills, I felt quite successful.

Even if I had been tall, thin and beautiful in that ethereal way that fashion models often are, I doubt I would have ever been interested in shooting fashion seriously. Nudes were what excited my intellect, emotions and creative aesthetic.

So many times, people here imply that there is something innately flawed about models who pursue nude work, are never widely published or receive only nude offers for shoots with individuals working on personal projects. This is inaccurate. The vast majority of models who routinely shoot unpublished nudes do it because they want to do it -- not because they are "forced" to, or feel it's their only option, or a "last resort."

ShivaKitty wrote:

For some people, working as a full-time nude model, with independent artists on personal projects - IS the dream. There is nothing about shooting nudes as a career option, or never having tearsheets, that should be equated with failure, or lack of modeling potential. I started shooting nudes 8 years ago, with NO intention of it ever being more than a hobby. I ended up working as an income-earning nude model for several years. When it did become a way to see the country, and pay my bills, I felt quite successful.

Even if I had been tall, thin and beautiful in that ethereal way that fashion models often are, I doubt I would have ever been interested in shooting fashion seriously. Nudes were what excited my intellect, emotions and creative aesthetic.

So many times, people here imply that there is something innately flawed about models who pursue nude work, are never widely published or receive only nude offers for shoots with individuals working on personal projects. This is inaccurate. The vast majority of models who routinely shoot unpublished nudes do it because they want to do it -- not because they are "forced" to, or feel it's their only option, or a "last resort."

+1

ShivaKitty wrote:
So many times, people here imply that there is something innately flawed about models who pursue nude work, are never widely published or receive only nude offers for shoots with individuals working on personal projects. This is inaccurate. The vast majority of models who routinely shoot unpublished nudes do it because they want to do it -- not because they are "forced" to, or feel it's their only option, or a "last resort."

Shiva, while I agree with your general position, I feel like my comments are really being quoted out of context here. This post is a hypothetical story about a single particular model's journey. Again, based on models who I've met. Not a narrow point-of-view of all things modeling. I am a lingerie designer after all.

I have friends, good friends, who make fantastic livings both posing and shooting nudes.  I personally in no way see any issue with it.  But there are models who do not want to pose nude as much, don't get a much joy from it, but feel it is the only way to get paid work.  I understand your rant, but it's being perhaps wasted on someone who agrees with you. To each their own. I particularly don't care what people shoot or what brings them joy. I do however, often times concern myself with what brings them despair, as this post reflects. Especially when it's just an issue of education.

Scarlett Renee wrote:
If I happen to get where I want to be in this industry, great! If I don't, no tears shed here. I still had (am having) a great time.

I still walk by the mirror and think I'm awesome and am happy with my life regardless of how successful I am in such an unreliable industry.

Scarlett that is a fierce response! Love it!!
-mw