There are many misconceptions that spread about modeling and agency work. Let’s find out more about the modeling business.
Scouters look for any face on the street regardless of whether the person they choose is attractive.
Some common comments go along the lines of, “I can’t believe the Scouter is getting close to such an ugly person, they must desperately want to get more models.”
A common misconception about modeling is that you have to be pretty, with flawless skin, a perfect jaw, and flat abs. That is one of the more false claims that serves as a psychological barrier for many potential role models to join this field. Not all clients and projects require pretty faces, and many actually need business-looking models, which can range from different sizes, ethnicities, and general body characteristics. Size is not a concern either, as there are many plus size models in demand today. Someone has to market the largest size clothing and a product that will appeal to people in that category, and the larger size is definitely becoming more relevant in today’s modeling fields.
If a credible modeling agency is sending a scouter out onto the streets to recruit new models, it is also sending someone to be the face to represent the agency in the process; He is not going to do it blindly. These scouters are taught a lot of training and knowledge of the modeling and fashion industry before they are sent out on the streets. They know the different types of looks the agency wants that can attract a client before they come up to you and make you an offer. Of course, you also have a role to play in determining the credibility of the agency through proper online research.
Everyone is so busy, who has time to model? It’s too much work.
Modeling does not require a commitment on the scale of a full-time job nor is you obligated to get involved in a job that doesn’t fit your schedule. You can easily fit into your schedule if you consider that on average you will receive one job offer a week with some project commitments going even three hours or so. Of course, there are longer projects that can take a few days of filming to complete depending on your needs. However, the best part is that you can pick up and drop off the projects that don’t suit you. In other words, you have complete flexibility in your work. A word of caution though, if you’re just starting out in modeling, don’t be too picky and focus on building your portfolio and reputation as a model first.
Today there are so many comments and reviews everywhere, how can I tell the difference between good and bad agencies?
This can pose a great concern, especially in the internet age where a lot of false rumors circulate and the truth tends to get buried in the comment section. It can be difficult to tell the truth from the lies, and the true nature of the modeling work and process is usually only known once you are enrolled in it. A good way is to read reviews from reputable sources and websites, and not wholesale believing what you read on forums and blogs that are not regulated for satisfaction. Google and Facebook reviews are one of those ways spam and imposter comments are not posted or removed, and only honest comments are considered.
Another good way is to know the models involved in the agency. Are there a good number of models? Are there models that look similar to yours? Are you struggling and worrying about having a well configured website? Any modeling agency has a need for a good website because it is often the first access platform for clients and models. An illegitimate or bad agency can be detected more often by poor maintenance of your website.
Modeling is not for me, or I was born as a model or not. There is no middle ground.
Fake! Whether you know this or not, modeling takes a lot of work, patience, and confidence. Someone with the looks of Gisele Bundchen or Adriana Lima, but without their confidence, can never get very far as a model and is not someone who can go through a regular casting. No matter how you look, your personality, your style of dress, and how you express your energy, this confidence means so much more. This impresses clients and provides you with the best job opportunities.
The biggest misconception of all may be that modeling agencies are not essential and that they just want to scam you. If you are flipping through your daily newspaper or flipping through your regular online catalog to buy, or any other advertisement or billboard, it is not about random people or that company or brand of that advertisement. In short, they are models, probably coming from modeling agencies, and they are chosen by clients from many other potential models.