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Modeling:
It's Not Always a Bed of Poses
by Sean Wright
I guess I was just one of those people who had to grow into her
body. I have always been tall. But as a girl I wore glasses and
had big beaver teeth. A childhood case of asthma restricted exercise,
so I was also a little chubby.
Then an amazing thing happened: I got contacts, was able to exercise,
and my smile became more stunning than awkward. This transformation
launched me into a world that is very strange -- modeling!
Everyone thinks modeling is so glamorous and easy. Wrong! Here
are some very interesting things I have learned in my six-and-a-half
years in the business...
Sean
Wright |
In
this industry, a size 8 is "big" for a female. I became very attentive
to my intake of fruits and vegetables, water, etc. But you cannot
go against Mother Nature; all the dieting in the world will not
change a woman's genetic predisposition. Models have just as many
incidences of cellulite, acne and dark circles under the eyes.
True, many are beautiful, but a photo retouch is what makes the
whole fantasy come true.
You have to have very thick skin if you want to make it in this
world. To model and act, you will have agencies and casting directors
say some very unflattering things about you; you will have to
grin and bear it, and move on to the next call. I have been told
I am "too fat. Some women your height are a size 2." Or, "We don't
need any more ethnic models. Thank you. There is the door." Rejection
is a common thing in a model's life. That is why the pay is so
high when we do work.
It is good to be a model in this day and age, because technology
makes communication so easy. Your agent needs to have a way to
keep in touch with you at all times, because some of the work
is so spontaneous. So if you call my house, my answering machine
will give you my work number, my cell phone number, and so on.
I also have to keep high heels and model stat cards in my car
at all times. I never know when I will be called to a "go-see"
on the spur of the moment. I also bought some "non-business" business
cards printed up with all of my numbers to makes things more convenient
for the clients who use me for their events.
Is the constant dieting, rejection and hassle worth it? I think
so. I have met many interesting people, and learned a great deal
about the entertainment fantasy -- uh, I mean industry. Being
a model has proven to me that the old saying really is true: True
beauty emanates from the soul.
And work is work.
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