9 Things You Should Never Say In Your Model Mayhem Bio
We don’t like to talk about our bio text much. It’s not glamourous, and most people think no one ever reads it. But over the past several years I have not only seen changes to my own bio text create amazing results in my career, I have watched the models I work with enjoy similar results from changing theirs.
I want to offer a quick guide to help you troubleshoot your bio for any glaring errors that might be discouraging people from reaching out to you or otherwise harming your career. Below you’ll find a list of 9 phrases I highly recommend against using in your bio, along with my recommendations on how to rephrase them.
Model: Eleanor Rose; Photographer: seconD lifE
1. “I’m passionate about modeling.”
This phrase is massively overused and has become a marker for newbies and hobbyists. It’s safe to assume that you wouldn’t be online as a model if you weren’t at least a little passionate about modeling, right? If you really feel a need to express this, take some time to think about why you’re so passionate about modeling. What does it mean to you?
Don’t just stop at your first answer – dig deep, and offer potential clients a glimpse of what motivates and drives you. Without the right wording or a deep enough reason anything of this nature will end up feeling empty, so unless you really have a compelling reason that you’re passionate about modeling consider removing it altogether.
2. “I’m very open minded/willing to try anything!”
This phrase tends to be interpreted as code for “I do adult (explicit) content”. When I hear from models that they keep getting offers of that nature and don’t know what to do about it, I often find some variation of this in their bio text. It tends to be a given that models are willing to try concepts not yet in their profile, so it’s not really necessary to express that willingness. However, if you really want to communicate that message, try to add a bit more detail – if what you really mean is that you’ll shoot outdoors, roll in mud, or climb trees for a photoshoot, say that!
3. “People keep telling me I should model.”
This phrase is overused and cliché to the point of not meaning anything, and it’s another clear mark of a newbie. Often it sounds as if the model isn’t actually invested in modeling and is just trying it because they think they should – or because they think it’s easy money. It also indicates that a model might have unrealistic expectations of what modeling actually entails.
You can just leave this one out of your bio altogether. If you’re actually just in this to try it out that’s fine, but it doesn’t need to be specified. And if you are serious about modeling, the feedback of your friends and family won’t help convince photographers that you’re right for their project.
4. “I’m short, but I photograph tall!”
5. “I’m not skinny but I know I can model anyway.”
These two and others like them draw attention to whatever you perceive as a weakness in a negative way. Also, they feel apologetic, and you don’t ever need to apologize for your body. The great thing about freelance modeling is that it allows opportunity for every body type. Don’t assume you know what a potential client is looking for – if you leave it for your stats and portfolio to convey and let photographers make up their own minds, you may find that what you think is your biggest weakness is what makes them excited about working with you.
If you do need to share necessary info about your appearance, such as scars, you can do so using neutral language. Conventional beauty norms may still sometimes be barriers, but they don’t hold as much sway in the freelance world and you shouldn’t give them any space in your bio. That said, if you’re 5’2″ and convinced you’re going to take the runway by storm I’m rooting you on, but adding that to your bio is also not recommended.
6. “I don’t shoot nudes, I have morals.”
7. “No nudes, stop asking.”
This type of language can come across as more aggressive than intended. Additionally, language like the first (a real example from my bio when I first started modeling – oops!) passes judgment on others who do shoot nudes, which is not recommended: photographers who shoot nudes but want to hire you for a clothed concept may pass because of this type of wording. Instead, just use neutral language to state your boundaries calmly but firmly. It can be as simple as this: “I do not consider assignments requiring nudity, including implied work.” And don’t use your bio to lash out at disrespectful individuals, no matter how fed up you are, or you risk being seen as a diva.
8. “I require an escort for my safety.”
This type of wording immediately puts potential clients off by implying that you expect to be unsafe while working with them. If you have done your research and have decided to still require an escort for the time being, state that in neutral language, preferably also acknowledging that you understand it’s controversial:“I prefer to have an escort accompany me to shoots. I understand that may cause issues for some photographers and am happy to provide references for my friend from other photographers I’ve worked with.”
Please note that bringing an escort does not guarantee your safety and that photographers have many legitimate reasons to not allow them on set. To learn more about this topic and additional methods to keep yourself safe, check out my video on YouTube.
9. “I want to try these concepts: (followed by a list).”
Having a long list of concepts you want to try blocks up your bio, making it look too long to read, and emphasizes concept over photo quality. From my own experience, having done this in my bio at one point, it’s much easier to decline a potential trade offer from someone whose work won’t benefit your portfolio if they didn’t initially message you offering to shoot something you’ve listed in your bio as a desired concept.
Instead, you can just use language that indicates you’re open to trade but selective, then discuss concepts once you’ve decided to work with someone. Also, remember that if you’re actively looking to shoot a concept it’s always better to find photographers you want to work with than wait for them to come to you.
Model: Eleanor Rose; Photographer: T H Taylor
This is not a comprehensive list of every phrase that could detract from your bio text, but by making the modifications recommended here you should find your experience booking shoots a little bit easier.
That said, I have enough to say on the topic of bio text that I literally wrote the book on it! “Your Work Doesn’t Speak For Itself: A Freelance Models Guide to Booking More Paid Gigs, Faster” was created to teach you exactly how to update and improve your bio text – without spending a lot of time rewriting it completely!
If you want a free step-by-step guide to writing highly effective bio text your potential clients will read and enjoy, you can download it for free at www.empoweredmuses.com/ebook
Eleanor Rose
Eleanor Rose is a freelance model, mentor and coach based in Southern California. As founder of Empowered Muses she helps freelance nude models who are tired of getting all the wrong gigs attract plenty of great clients. Find more resources at www.empoweredmuses.com
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May 18, 2017 at 2:26 pm, Sam Taylor said:
It’s disheartening to see how many people either didn’t completely read, or didn’t understand this article, but still felt like they should comment. Smh
May 17, 2017 at 10:44 pm, Kala said:
#2 is actually the definition of Muse
Funny you name your company muse and miss what its about completely.
May 17, 2017 at 10:17 pm, Kala said:
#2 is what a lot of us look for and it tells us right off the bat that she’s not one of the drama queens that plague these sites where they want to be models but they’re actually ultra conservative mormon chaste benevolent virgins of virtue and unblemished light of holiness who aren’t allowed to show too much skin, some but not too much, nnone of this and none of that, except for this, but only if her 5 bffs are watching, and only does this or that. She’s not “that type” of girl, her insecure boyfriend doesn’t approve, her parents will not allow it, her church is going to shun her, she’s not a cheap skank like other models, she has pride and respects herself unlike the other models.. Her daddy and mommy have to be present to give approving or disapproving looks and glares, etc etc. Its like why the fk are you even here, free photos? Piss off.
#2 sells me on the girl instantly.
May 17, 2017 at 7:52 pm, Kala said:
#8 is code for “we’re casing your place to see what we can steal from your studio”
May 17, 2017 at 7:51 pm, Kala said:
Your number 2 is bullshyt and sounds like you’re a bit bitter. Maybe take a hint from your #7.
May 21, 2017 at 12:37 pm, Eleanor R said:
I’m honestly baffled as to how you came to that conclusion. I’m all for models being open minded, I’m just saying that they’re better off phrasing it differently.
In years of working with other models, I can almost guarantee that if a model is frustrated over repeatedly receiving offers of work that is past their boundaries they’ll have that phrase or similar in their bio. And removing it, along with a few other changes, results in an immediate drop on those messages.
August 04, 2017 at 8:46 am, Kala said:
Open minded is what most people prefer in any artistic community. We don’t need religious nuts judging people for their lifestyle or telling them their art is immoral or naughty. Anyone not willing to be an open minded muse should rather just include the text “I’m a mormon, hope you are ok with sleeves and Turtlenecks, nothing beyond the magic full-body underwear line please, I’m being way holier than you, perv”. Their unwanted messages will drop off completely, never to bother them again. I believe that’s called a Win win
August 05, 2017 at 1:33 pm, Eleanor R said:
Kala, I am a full time nude model and shoot erotic and fetish work. I’m not judging anyone. But there are models here who are happy shooting fashion and bikini work but don’t want to shoot artistic nudes or implied work. There are models who only want to shoot art nudes, or who are happy shooting art nudes and fetish but don’t want offers of erotic work, or any of a million variations thereof. There are a models who are happy to shoot art, erotica, and fetish work but still don’t want to get messages soliciting work against MM’s rules – porn, or straight up sex without a camera involved. All of this is legitimate. It is completely ok and necessity for models to have boundaries.
I’m not saying that porn is bad. I’m not even saying prostitution is bad – I personally think both should be fully legalized and destigmatized. But it’s entirely fair for models on this site to not want to be solicited for that type of work – especially because it’s clearly a violation of MM’s rules.
And the sad truth is that the term ‘open minded’ tends to be code, on this site, for ‘open to adult work and sex’, and thus trends to lead to models getting spammed with offers of work they very much don’t want.
As I said above, I encourage models to be open minded. But I also want to help them enforce their boundaries, whatever they may be, because no matter what a model is or isn’t willing to do, it’s valid and should be respected.
May 17, 2017 at 7:01 pm, Hugh McCullough said:
I disagree with the following: #1- Yes, it IS overused, but so is “Hello” (works for me). #8- That just tells me the model is concerned about her safety . . . and today, she sure as Hell should be! I don’t mind a bit if she brings the FBI (they just can’t sit in on the shoot). #9- Provided it isn’t ridiculously long. I believe in ‘Reason’- and I always appreciate the help.
Also, in #5, the words, “you don’t ever need to apologize for your body” maybe true; however, if you weighed 350 pounds and wanted to do “Pin-Up” modeling, I think an apology for your ignorance IS in order.
May 21, 2017 at 12:54 pm, Eleanor R said:
Actually, I think an apology for your body shaming is in order here. Some of my favorite art nude and pinup models have been in the 200-300 range, and their art only benefits from it.
Any model, with any body type, can choose which genres they wish to pursue. They may not make a living if they choose one that isn’t the best fit (though there are exceptions you every rule) but not all models want to make a living from modeling.
There is far more ignorance and harm in statements like yours than in a 350 pound model shooting pinup.
May 21, 2017 at 6:03 pm, Hugh McCullough said:
I THINK AN APOLOGY TO ME IS IN ORDER FOR YOUR STUPIDITY AND INACCURACY.
First off, I wasn’t “Slamming” fat women. I just don’t like anyone that puts themselves in an “Addiction” state. I don’t care if they’re addicted to booze, dope, or FOOD! They’re making themselves a slave, voluntarily. And, in the case of any addiction, they are cutting their lives short! I really hate to see that.
NOW, WHO IS THE IGNORANT ONE? (OR DO YOU LIkE TO SEE PEOPLE DIE EARLY?)
May 21, 2017 at 7:11 pm, Eleanor R said:
I like to let people live their own lives and worry about their own health. People can be heavy AND healthy, and even if they aren’t healthy they can still be pinup models without their health being any of your business.
May 21, 2017 at 7:33 pm, Hugh McCullough said:
OK . . . Your choice . . . I guess I’m not as Insensitive as you.
My choice.
May 14, 2017 at 9:58 pm, Arnaud said:
Hi Eleanor, I agree with you. These 9 things you came up with will help models to improve their modeling status. I think the 9 things you listed are either no confident or no experience. However reading and taking your will help a lot of the modeling world. We are very alike; with career and personality. I think the modeling world is really for us. And I think if our personality; which is the right personality. we can succeed.
May 12, 2017 at 3:50 am, krasse said:
Regarding point 7: Well yeah I understand an aggressive tone is not nice. But when you have described in a polite way in your profile that you do not shoot nudes, and people still ask you, then you get kind of annoyed.. For me, it’s an insult when people ask me if I want to do nudes. I am thinking I apparently look cheap..
Regarding point 8: “This type of wording immediately puts potential clients off by implying that you expect to be unsafe while working with them”. Well, I kind of am? Is is a potential riskful situation.. However, I do not write it on my bio. I bring a friend along usually. But still, it’s pretty obvious when meeting someone for the first time alone it is connected with a risk. Esp when being a woman.
Regaring point 9 I see no issues in pointing out what you want to do. How are you going to find the correct people if you do not state what kind of shootings you want to do? I have found many alike photographers that way, by describing on my profile what I want to shoot.
May 17, 2017 at 11:24 pm, notasimpatientasyou said:
” I am thinking I apparently look cheap.” And there, exactly, is her point about making moral judgements. But id a photographer wants a clothed model who looks down on other models, YOU’RE his/her gal!
May 17, 2017 at 11:28 pm, notasimpatientasyou said:
Wow, AND you immediately assume it will be unsafe. So,summing up: judgmental/thinks she’s morally superior, too lazy to vet photographer or do any research, automatically assumes the worst…oh, and apparently has difficulty READING (she didn’t say don’t say what you want to shoot – in fact there’s a whole sidebar where you can select the categories you shoot – she said don’t list a bunch of concepts in your bio, and she gave her reasons; you may disagree but at least take the time to read what she said).
May 21, 2017 at 12:47 pm, Eleanor R said:
Thanks for the comments! Let me clarify a few things.
Point 7: It’s fine to be annoyed by someone ignoring your stated boundaries. Vent to a friend, or even social media, but it’s best to keep your bio professional.
Point 8: I would encourage you to watch the video linked in this point, where I explain more effective ways of ensuring your safety. I also gave alternative wording you could use instead – even if you do prefer an escort, you don’t need to use language that insults the people you’re working with.
Point 9: You can include a sentence or two about what genres you enjoy shooting without including a lengthy list of detailed concepts. Also, if you’re looking to trade I recommend finding the right photographers by using the browse feature and contacting them yourself.
May 10, 2017 at 8:41 pm, Timothy Jenkins said:
For me being an artist and using women to work with, I find it hard to find someone because they do not understand what I am doing. I am a director as well so I am a hands on kind of photographer. Feet placed here, head tilted there and so on. Like still life but in photographic form. I take photos as a reference to draw from. Just like the old pinup artist Vargas and Elvgren, they used photos to draw from.
May 09, 2017 at 5:52 pm, James Madison said:
Disagree with #9. Concepts can spur the imagination of what sort of other concepts might work. It is also something I like looking through. “I like that #23 concept you have. We can certainly attempt that while you are in studio.” The model has just added a reason to book her for a longer period. Yes, there is a risk some would wish to trade the model’s concept for one of their own. Negotiation is the answer.
It need not be a text listing, but it can be a list of other MM images to generate concepts. Models can, and always are, creative beings, and they are not mannequins. I want the model’s input to the shoot.
May 10, 2017 at 10:53 pm, Eleanor R said:
James, I certainly advocate for models having collaborative input during both shoots and the shoot planning process. That just doesn’t require a list of concepts in someone’s bio.
As you said, a list is a great way to compile concepts, and I’ll often send images from my inspiration list when planning a shoot, either to suggest a concept or ensure I understood one properly. 🙂