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I'd like some... advice
Hello, I'm going to start off with an apology (which is awful and terribly British): I'm sorry if I've put this thread in the wrong place - I'm still learning to navigate this forum! Right - now that that's out of the way: I am 24. I am 5' 9" and I started modeling in March of this year. I think at the moment I weigh about 125lbs, and I will check on that but it doesn't usually change by much. I've done several freelance shoots, and I've listed them all on my profile (mainly to credit the wonderful photographers who took my 'unusual' face and made it look nice  ) Today I went to two agencies in central London (I live in London, pretty near central so that is my market) and was summarily rejected from both pretty much upon walking in. I know it's harder as a black model, especially one (like myself) who has such non-European features. I know that my look is rather niche, if it has any appeal at all, but I am determined. I have been rejected by more than 15 agencies online, and three in person. I'm willing to keep trying, but what I want to know is, am I wasting my time? Do I have any potential at all? I always want to ask when I'm rejected, but I always feel as though my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth and I can only say 'thank you' and smile and leave. I am not ugly. I know this, but there's more to modeling than 'ugly' or 'pretty'. Maybe I am too ordinary? Or, as a friend and I joked- maybe I'd need to shave my head to have 'the right look' for my features in this industry (that's not a huge option for me at the moment, but if it's more likely to work then I will consider it.) Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated, and thank you in advance! Sep 08 14 04:51 am Link It's hard to say what's going on, because we've never met you, but I'll ask a few questions which might give some clues... 1. When did they turn you down? Was it immediately on entering (based on your looks in person, the way you carry/present yourself) or 2. Did they go through your photos and turn you down? (possibly deciding that there's no "spark" there or otherwise not finding your images interesting) BTW--this is not a critique on my part. They've already passed judgment. We just need to figure out what part of YOU they passed judgment on--your physical presence or your portfolio. Either has the possibility of being improved. Also-- are you presenting yourself as the right kind of model? Are you trying to be a fashion/runway model? Did you ask if they handle commercial models? Is there another niche that you'd be right for? Sep 08 14 05:55 am Link While I can't critique you or your modeling here I will said that it might be a waste of time giving that you've already been rejected by multiple agencies, probably a sign that it just wont work out for you. Fashion modeling is EXTREMELY judgmental, you certainly aren't ugly like you said but you just might not have the right look that they're interested in. That being said you can have a lot of success as a independent model. Many girls, if they happen to be shorter or don't have the right stuff for agency work can still get plenty of work just booking shoots themselves. I've worked with a bunch and many have even gotten published work out of it. Don't put all your eggs in one basket that you have to be signed to an agency to model, because it seems like it might not happen. Getting a better port and improving your walk might help a little but there's only so much you can do to try and change their minds. I'm sure plenty of girls on here can give you good advice for how to be a successful model without being signed. Hope that wasn't too harsh, I was just trying to be realistic  Sep 08 14 06:03 am Link 24 is about ten years too late for many agencies. You are absolutely right about the features they look for and I think you already have your answer. Freelance is your best option. Runway work is still possible. Work with locals. Only about 3% of the population is qualified to be a fashion model. It's pretty much a gene pool lottery. Sep 08 14 06:06 am Link Marin Photography NYC wrote: I always thought the average age to be signed was around 18/19? or at least I know a few girls that were signed or offered to be signed at that age. Sep 08 14 06:10 am Link Laura Bello wrote: No, they start around 14-16, but schooling is an issue so they go up a little bit from time to time. Sep 08 14 06:12 am Link Tel Felicia wrote: I say shrug it off. Being rejected right off the bat like that is pretty normal. I know models who have walked in and not only were they rejected without showing any work, they were also told that they needed to loose at least 10 pounds. But they didn't let it get to them, they lost 10 pounds and went back, and things went better, and they eventually started working for the agency. Sep 08 14 07:48 am Link Far short of an outright critique, I would guess that your age and general look would pretty much disqualify you for fashion work, however employable you might be in other genres. While I would never tell a model to not monitor her portfolio carefully, I suspect that this might be an instance where it's more appropriate to monitor the agencies. What do the models in their books look like? Are they just fashion? White only? All very young? Instead of "auditioning" for the agencies, you might want to try auditioning them. Look over their websites, portfolios and credits. Are they right for you? If not, just unceremoniously dump them and go on to another who knows how to exploit a talent such as yours. No kidding! Several years ago I knew an actress who went through a much longer string of rejections by agencies. In desperation and frustration (After all, she wasn't getting anything from them any way) she wrote a very nice, informative and supportive rejection letter to the heads of each of the agencies, explaining in detail their failings and just why she would not be working with them and suggesting ways in which they could make their agencies more appealing to her. Surprise!!! Two of the agencies invited her in for an interview and one actually booked her for a road company of a musical. "Audacity, audacity, always audacity." (Frederick the Great)--When you're not winning anyway, what have you got to lose? All IMHO as always, of course. Sep 08 14 09:13 am Link The Self-Made Model: Success Without Agencies Interesting and somewhat related thread - YMMV Thoughts for newer models seeking to go full-time: Sep 08 14 09:29 am Link Tel Felicia wrote: None of the shots in your MM portfolio really get across your build. So, perhaps also look at the clothes your wearing when you visit agencies. If jeans make them tight enough so they can see the shape of your legs, etc. Have you sent good polaroids to the agencies online? Sep 08 14 09:29 am Link Thank you all for your input! I think the reason I got rejected was a few things: The first agency I went to in person said they were only taking on 'main board' models as fashion week is coming up here. The second had me sit and asked me some questions, and I think it was a combination of my height (I'm a little short for fashion really) plus my age (I'm 24 - and I completely agree, I think I'm at least 8 years too old for most agencies) and then the fact that I had waist length braid extensions and no hardcopy of my book (lol - yes, I definitely did just turn up like that to both agencies) which is not very good to begin with *sigh* it all makes sense really. I think what I was looking for from here was an idea of where to go next, what my next steps should be, so that I could decide for once and for all whether I was going to get serious or not. It scares the heck out of me to think that I'd be serious about modeling because it is such an uncertain business, and I don't yet have the confidence to think I have a real fighting chance at it. I think the reason I've been going on so far is because I like it... as simple as that. I was too afraid to really commit myself to it though, and that's what's damaging my chances (among the other things listed above). I don't think it'd be impossible for me to get signed somewhere, but as another poster pointed out, I really do think I'll try commercial. I also think I'll change my hair for jobs - no braids, and no 'fro. Unfortunately, natural beauty in black women is something that is still finding its place in this world, and as I didn't make society, I can't just march in there and try to change it all once. I'm willing to make certain sacrifices for this, because it does matter to me, and thanks to all of you hearing me out, I think I can safely say that I will get more serious about modeling. I'd like to get good enough at it to get paid for things some day! Sorry again for the long post, and thank you all for your wonderful insights! Sep 08 14 01:41 pm Link Oops - I forgot to add this in: Another poster had asked about whether I'd sent good polaroids to the agencies I was rejected by, and the answer to that would probably be 'I might have...' I had to laugh when I realised: I've been awfully naive about this whole process - I sent in some pictures I'd taken myself, of my self without make-up as the briefs said on the websites. Then, when I had the first set of pictures done (the ones where I'm in the striped top or on the blue/black backgrounds) I sent those... I suppose I really shouldn't be surprised right? I honestly can say that I had no idea how much I needed to improve my portfolio - I think my indecision blinded me to that fact, but again that's why I'm glad I posted! When I gave it some thought I realised that I do indeed need to see if I can build more looks (more challenging shoots and emotions as well!) into what I'm presenting before I try again with any agencies. Sep 08 14 01:55 pm Link The answer is simple. If you had been watching the "Top Model" show, you should already know the answer. You do not emote well. It takes more than standing in front of a camera, or being the right height to make a model. A model is part mannequin, and part actress, all rolled into one. You are missing the actress, part. Give that some thought, and see if you can overcome. Sep 11 14 06:03 pm Link You can hear no a million times but you only need to hear yes once. Keep trying, try changing things up a bit based on what the others have posted. Sep 11 14 06:18 pm Link |
