Becoming a model may seem glamorous and easy from the outside, but the modeling industry is known for being highly competitive and demanding. Whether you’re a newcomer trying to break into the fashion world or someone thinking about transitioning into modeling later in life, there are plenty of challenges and obstacles you will face.
In this blog, we’ll explore whether becoming a model is truly hard, the difficulties involved, and how aspiring models can navigate the ups and downs of this exciting but often tough career.
1. The Highly Competitive Nature of Modeling
One of the biggest challenges in modeling is the intense competition. The fashion, commercial, and runway modeling industries are packed with aspiring talent, and the reality is that only a small percentage of models ever land high-paying gigs or secure a long-lasting career.
Why It’s Competitive
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Global Reach: The internet and social media have made it easier than ever for people to become aware of the modeling world, but it has also opened up a global pool of aspiring models.
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Constant Demand for New Faces: Brands are always looking for fresh faces for campaigns and photoshoots, meaning the competition for a single job can be fierce.
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Limited Job Openings: While there are numerous modeling opportunities, the most coveted positions—such as runway shows for top designers or editorial spreads in major fashion magazines—are few and far between.
How to Overcome This
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Build Your Portfolio: Focus on building a professional portfolio that showcases your versatility. This is your calling card, so investing in high-quality photoshoots with top photographers can help you stand out.
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Social Media Presence: Create and maintain a strong online presence. Platforms like Instagram are essential for aspiring models to gain exposure and attract the attention of casting directors and agencies.
2. The Pressure to Meet Industry Standards
The modeling industry has rigorous standards when it comes to physical appearance, especially in fashion and runway modeling. While there are exceptions and more inclusive opportunities emerging, many models are still expected to conform to traditional standards of height, weight, and body type.
Physical Standards in Modeling
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Height: For high-fashion modeling, the standard height requirement is typically around 5’9” to 6’0” for women and 6’0” or taller for men. This can be discouraging for individuals who are shorter or outside these norms.
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Body Type: While the industry has started embracing more body diversity, many high fashion jobs still seek slender body types, which can make it hard for aspiring models who don’t fit this mold to break through.
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Facial Features: Certain looks or features may be preferred, such as symmetrical features or specific face shapes, which adds another layer of competition in terms of aesthetics.
How to Overcome This
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Diversify Your Modeling Type: If you don’t fit the traditional “high-fashion” model mold, consider exploring other fields like commercial modeling, plus-size modeling, or fitness modeling, where there’s a growing demand for diverse looks.
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Embrace Your Unique Look: Sometimes, what sets you apart is your uniqueness. Some of the most successful models, like Ashley Graham (plus-size) or Karlie Kloss (athletic build), found success by embracing their individuality and breaking traditional molds.
3. Dealing with Rejection
Rejection is part of the journey in the modeling industry. Whether it’s being turned down after an audition, not getting selected for a photoshoot, or being told you’re not the right fit for a campaign, dealing with rejection can be emotionally difficult, especially when you’re starting out.
Why Rejection Happens
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Too Many Models, Too Few Jobs: As mentioned earlier, the number of aspiring models vastly outnumbers the available positions.
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Subjective Nature: Many casting directors and designers have very specific visions for a project, which means the decision to hire a model can be based on personal preferences or creative direction rather than talent alone.
How to Overcome This
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Stay Resilient: Learning to handle rejection is crucial. Instead of taking it personally, focus on the opportunity to improve and try again. Every “no” can lead you closer to a “yes”.
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Build Confidence: Stay positive and remember that confidence is key in this industry. The more confident you are, the more you’ll be able to bounce back from setbacks and continue striving toward your goals.
4. Unpredictable and Irregular Work Hours
Modeling is not your typical 9-to-5 job. Many models find themselves working irregular hours, including late nights, weekends, and early mornings, especially for photoshoots or runway shows. The nature of the work can often be unpredictable, which makes it difficult to maintain a work-life balance.
Why the Hours Are Irregular
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Time Zone Changes: International shoots or campaigns may require travel to different parts of the world, which often means long travel days and jetlag.
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Last-Minute Bookings: Many models work on a freelance basis, which means that casting calls or bookings can come with little notice, resulting in sudden schedule changes.
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Photoshoot Delays: Photoshoots can run over time, and long waiting periods during shoots can make work hours unpredictable.
How to Overcome This
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Time Management: Plan your time efficiently to balance modeling gigs with personal life. Use a calendar to keep track of bookings, auditions, and commitments.
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Self-Care: Given the physically demanding nature of the work, taking time for self-care is essential. Ensure you prioritize rest, exercise, and nutrition to maintain energy levels.
5. The Financial Instability of Freelance Modeling
Many models start their careers on a freelance basis, which means income can be unstable—especially when you’re just starting out. While top models can earn millions, newer models may have to work a variety of side jobs to support themselves.
Why It’s Financially Unstable
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Unpredictable Workload: Gigs can be few and far between, and it might take time to build a consistent income stream.
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Commission-Based Pay: In some cases, models work on commission or percentage-based pay, which means they only earn once a job is completed or after a deal is secured.
How to Overcome This
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Diversify Your Income: Work with different types of clients—commercial, fitness, and e-commerce—to get consistent bookings.
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Save Money: Budget your income wisely and set aside savings for months with fewer gigs.
Conclusion
So, is it hard to become a model? The short answer is yes. The modeling industry is competitive, physically demanding, and often full of uncertainties. However, with determination, resilience, and a well-thought-out plan, it is possible to break through the challenges and have a successful career.
If you’re thinking about pursuing modeling and want guidance on how to navigate these challenges, Thelyvora can connect you with top agencies, casting professionals, and career resources to help you along the way.
For more information, feel free to email us at info@thelyvora.com