Public Forums > Modelling > Modeling Takes Dedication

Nothing disappoints me more than an aspiring model that isn't willing to do what it takes to pursue a modeling career--rather they expect people to do it all for them. I consult with models and aspiring models all the time but it's the ones that appear lazy or unmotivated that really get to me, yet they insist that this is something they really want to do.

I replied to a girl's post on craigslist...she stated that she really wanted to be a model and was looking for someone to help her get into the industry. I emailed her and told her that first off, craigslist was a surefire way to get scammed or come across a shady operation and that she should stick to online modeling communities to get legit networking opportunities. I also gave her the names of legit and reputable agencies in her area and advised that she look up the info on their websites to find out what pictures they want, etc. I also told her that at 4'11" and almost 18 years of age, she would not be a model but should pursue acting instead. You would think that would be enough to get her started and on her way. The very next day I saw her same post on craigslist--posted three different times throughout the day, no less! This really put me in a bad mood because it's like, I took the time to let her know exactly what she needed to do and that modeling wouldn't be something that would come to her and she still insists on posting in the hopes that someone will "discover" her.

If you really want to model and get a foothold in the industry, then you have to be motivated and willing to put forth the effort to get yourself noticed. While there are people out there that can help you, in the end it is up to you and the actions you take that will get results. If you think you can post online about your desire to be a model and think other people will do the rest of the work for you and then become successful, then you have no business even attempting to be in the modeling industry.

Hey Dania

Well well well people do go forward for things the completely wrong way!!!!!! Like using Craigslist.  I'm not surprised at all that she didn't listen to you though - she is obviously young and naieve and may have to learn the hard way.

In the UK we have Gumtree, which is like Craigslist. Plenty of modelling job there....if you want to enter glamour modelling and soft core porn!  Yep - they prey on the younger girls and students too (a friend of mine is a student and went along to a casting for a very innocent looking ad and it was for 'adult' work), knowing they tend to need the cash!

Models do - as you say - need to put themselves out there but in a positive way, and use reputable sources.  If no agency will take you on then you have to accept the fact that you just may not cut it. End of. It's not a profession that has to do anyone favours, like a lot of the 'dream' professions.

I've heard of Gumtree before but never really knew what it was--thanks for clarifying that for me! Yes, it does get annoying having to see so many posts from naive and young models and there are even some on there that claim to be "professional" and have all kinds of experience...there was even one or two that labeled themselves "international" models and still make the same mistakes newbies make, which leads me to wonder how much they are exaggerating their abilities. Maybe they figure if the slap that type of a label on themselves then they will get more serious people replying to their posts, which I'm sure doesn't happen.

I just hate seeing people put themselves in positions where they can be scammed or taken advantage of. I have managed to get some sense through 2-3 people on craigslist but sadly I don't have the time nor the energy to knock sense into all of them. I can only hope they exercise better judgment and common sense when replying to the people that respond to their posts.

I'm sure your friend was pretty shocked when the casting she attended turned out to be adult oriented. Ugh, I hate false advertisements for modeling jobs! They should expel adult and glamour gigs from places like Gumtree and craigslist and just have their own separate casting site (although I'm sure those do exist somewhere on the Internet). I just don't see any point in having adult oriented castings on sites where most of us are looking for clean, non-adult work. Because regardless of the rules, those kind of posts will still show up where they're not supposed to be.

Hi Dania

Yep - some people just won't be told - girls that are desperate to be in modelling will think you may be jealous and just trying to put them off or something!!  It's silly and it would be a shame to learn the hard way

That sounds really annoying. What can we do? We live in a male dominant society with sick people who do not understand modeling as a profession and a form of art. Try to be careful and don't let it get to you. I understand how upsetting that can be when you have wasted so much time on one person and to find that they only wanted sexual exploitation, but there's not much you can do about it, since it's the internet. Hopefully this will change in the future. And things like that can be avoided.

Yeah, I definitely agree, Ivy! Luckily, there have been more people that have heeded my advice than those that are just dumb about it so that makes things easier. I guess it's just the humanitarian in me that hates to see anyone succumb to pitfalls, especially when they can be so easily avoided. But life is too short to worry about everyone and those that are willing and positively motivated to help themselves are the ones that are worth investing time into anyways.

=)

i feel like this i am an aspiring model ive always wanted to be a model since very young i have had alot of trials and tribulations in my life i feel like for the first time in my life that i have a chance at a profession that i know i would definitely be dedicated to if u talked to people on craigslist and they dont wanna listen id be more than happy to take your advice and put it to very good use modeling is a profession that i know takes time dedication and a whole lot of effort i enjoy even gettin turned down why? i do some people say and i say because you cant win them all but i will find that one company that says hey we want you and then evrything kicks off from there until then ill still be putting forth effort till that day comes and ill hold a few tears for that one day but not of sorrow of happiness

Hi, Delilah, I really enjoyed your reply it is very inspirational and a positive take on the whole modeling thing. Many other aspiring models should really practice such views because even when the times get tough, there are always going to be other opportunities. One model's look may not look right for one client but it may be just what another client is looking for. As long as you keep strong and belief in yourself the way you do, you will be fine either way. =)