Realities of this industry ( good for aspiring models to read )

Those of you who read my blog will notice a dramatic change of tone and attitude in this particular posting. Fear not, I will be back to normal but there are few things that need to be said. After reading this, you might even feel empathy. Here it goes

Few days ago, I posted a casting call for a fairly prestigious fashion show. The message says to call the number listed in the message for more information. Why? Because the person who's responsible for the show wants to be contacted via phone. There is nothing in the text that says e-mail ME or call ME, it simply lists the number and very brief, very precise request to call the number listed. You would be surprised that there are actually people out there who failed logic and common sense 101, because to this day, I receive at least one e-mail per day, usually with some crappy cell phone photo of the senders ear or something. Few rules in this industry apply. Here they are and feel free to comment with more.

1. Follow instructions. Casting agents are busy and they receive hundreds of submissions for every job posted. If the posting says to call the number listed, call the number listed, if it says to use the e-mail, then do so. Not following simple requests that are stated in the posting will most likely get you blacklisted, forever in my case.

2. If you aspire to be a model, get some pictures done professionally. In the worst case scenario, have someone take a picture of you. A headshot and full length body shot, on plain background, and with a plain pose will do if you are just starting out. If you feel the need to place one hand on your hip and turn you ass to the camera for the full body shot, you just showed that you have no fricken clue. I don't want to see your ass, I don't want to see your body. What I want to see is your figure. This is a good seguei into my next point

3. Modeling is not an equal opportunity world. You will be picked based on your physical characteristics. The client might be asking for a black female who's slender, or they might be asking for a Caucasian female who's slender. Too bad, if you're not what they're asking for, you won't make the cut, regardless of what the balance is on the set. Your weight is also important. If you butt picks up a chair when you stand up, you are most likely a plus size model. When you audition and someone tells you that they are looking for slender women and that you are a plus size, take it as that. Nobody is offending you, you simply are not what the client needs when it comes to body proportions. Just because in your own little world you think that you're skinny, to an agent, you are what they see you as. That's all there is to it.

4. Modeling is glamorous once the shoot is done and the pictures are retouched. While actually on the job, it is hard work. You are told what to do, you have no choice ove your hair and makeup, you are simply a canvas for what the art director wants. You might be hungry for an extended amount of time, you might be posing in a swimsuit in a freezing cold, you might be exposed to hazardous condition unlike those you might be used to. Bottom line, it is work, not a party. If you commit to a job, go through with it. If you accept the rate, be happy with it and stop bitching that you're getting too much or too little. Nobody forced you to take it.

5. If you consider yourself to be a diva, quit. There are hundred other models waiting to take your job. Learn to be humble or it might be the last job you ever do. Why? Because this is a small knit community and the word gets out really fast. Nobody on the set is better then anyone else, they are really good and chosen for the particular job but never irreplaceable. Remember that.

I think this pretty much sums it up. Anything I missed?