The Harsh Reality

Sometimes, even the models themselves can no longer recognize their faces or bodies as soon as the photographs come out. They are often digitally enhanced to the point that they could no longer recognize their own features. Imagine this: You’re not the perfect girl on the Ad, but you feel so insecure because there’s no way that you can be as perfect as her. But for the person who is in that Ad, she could be feeling twice as worse because she knows that her flaws were edited out.

What’s the worse way to pinpoint people’s flaws other than to Photoshop it out of their actual bodies in order to reach society’s standards?

The solution: Develop a thick skin.

You can’t let everything get to you. You have to choose your battles and you can’t always feel bad about every issue that arises.

Eating Isn’t Prohibited

It’s a myth that models just live off on celery stalks and grapes. There are no rules that prohibit you from eating. If you’re concerned about gaining weight or maintaining your weight, you can always stick to healthier options or try a vegan and low sugar diet. After all, there’s no way that you can strut and strike your pose perfectly if you’re starving, right?

The solution: Stick to a daily routine of eating healthy and always include exercise.

Paid or Not Be Paid

Sometimes, models aren’t paid for shoots. Other brands offer trades instead of monetary payment. They can either give you clothes, makeup, shoes, or anything under the sun.

Sometimes, you’ll even end up with nothing other than exposure. This is a very common scenario, especially for beginners.

The solution: Before you say yes to the project, make sure that the mode of payment, whether monetary or not, is clearly discussed between you, the agency, and brand that’s going to use you as a model. It’s a good way to manage your expectations so you don’t end up wasting your time or getting scammed. Make sure to weigh the pros and cons as well.

Not All Glitz & Glam

Photoshoots aren’t always as glamorous as you think. You can be working under the scorching sun for hours with uncomfortable clothing that coats your entire body and makes you sweat like a pig. Sometimes, your legs and hips are bound to hurt like hell because you’re told to hold that pose just for them to get that perfect shot. Sometimes, your best friend will be the floor because you have to lay down on it even if it smells like a dirty mop and someone else’s foot.

The solution: Always be ready and don’t expect to be treated like a princess. Be ready to get down and dirty if it comes to that!

Patience is a Virtue & Waiting as a Hobby

Modeling is usually a per-project basis. It’s not easy to get regular bookings unless you’re a supermodel with an extra busy schedule and an in-demand status.

You could be waiting days, weeks or even months before you could get another project after the last one. But hang in there, patience is a virtue.

The solution: Use your waiting time for something productive. Whether it’s practicing your runway walk or doing non-model-related things such as opening your new business, keep yourself busy. While you’re waiting for your next project, maybe it’s time to reach out to your followers on social media. Promote and market yourself in the industry. Get better leads that could lead to more projects in the future.