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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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