Here’s The BIG Reason Why Most Models Don’t Make It

image via shutterstock / Phovoir

You may remember a certain Derek Zoolander being perplexed by the term, A Model Idiot. Funny right? Definitely! However, the harsh reality is that many fresh-faced models find it necessary to comply with this sad and totally unnecessary stereotype. Let me explain….

A few months ago I was working with another young girl on a Promotions job (yes, Promotions, yuck – but hey, it pays the rent!). Anyway, we were doing the usual exchange of what we actually do in the ‘real world’ and she told me of her quest to be a professional model. Granted, she had the killer body to go with the profession, but I couldn’t help but think that she was going around achieving her goals all the wrong way.

She went on to tell me that after school she attained a diploma in marketing so I naturally assumed that this girl had some sort of brain squished between her ears. However, as the night went on I couldn’t help but notice more and more phrases that can only be described as idiotic making their way out of her perfectly glossed lips. Coincidence? I think not! I have seen this phenomenon before and I find it utterly perplexing. Acting dumb, or whatever you want to refer to it as, is simply not a tool you should have in your professional tool kit.

In any kind of artistic industry, about 30% of the reason you’re hired is because you have a great personality/are easy to work with. I may be generalising here, but I can assure you that I speak the truth! Let me tell you, professionals don’t want to be working with Talent who are confused about which country Italy is in! You need to be smart about your business and coming across as a well-spoken young person is hugely important when going for castings, auditions or go-sees.

Educate yourself on world and industry events so you can strike up conversation about something that both parties are interested in. Do you research! Before going for a casting, google the company and see what else they’ve cast recently and see if you can work it into conversation. Not only will it make you stick out from the rest, it will make you seem more desirable. Trust me, the casting agents will notice that you’ve taken the time to research them and they will appreciate it.

I’m not saying you need to sit down and study the SMH every morning but knowing the basics can go a long way. Try it out next time you have a casting or go-see, I bet you’ll be amazed at the outcome!