The Unsigned Model and the Ugly Truth

A lot of models hate me. Let me rephrase that: a lot of wannabe models hate me. Why? Because I tend to tell the truth a little too honest for their liking. I tend to shoot down their dreams (when I don’t mean to). I tend to “keep it real” when they don’t want realness, they want their egos stroked in a business that most often smiles in their face and then laugh at them over coffee.

Then what happens is I would write a blog trying to educate models on the business aspect of things and wow, some of the hateful replies that I would get because clearly I struck a nerve.

Here are a couple I’ve received on the blog: “How Much Is One Look?” https://dallasjlogan.com/blog/how-much-for-1-look/

At first I was offended, but upon closer inspection these two “models” are out of Allentown, PA (my guess they were friends who were furious with me for even SPEAKING about the 1 look dilemma – but knowing secretly deep down inside they would’ve easily traveled to New York for a photo shoot if I presented it to them). I am quite sure they aren’t gracing any legitimate magazines or making any real money as working models, but I digress.

The reason for this blog is that I get hit up CONSTANTLY by model hopefuls seeking my help and wanting feedback on them, their work, etc. and more often than not when I take the plunge to tell them the truth, I am met with anger and hostility. I only tell them the point of view that I work from. I only explain to them how things are as it pertains to the industry that I am familiar with.

When it comes to models of color, there is a different standard. You have to work 3 times as hard to get less than ½ the jobs of your white counterparts. It is the nature of the business (they won’t tell you, but guess what? I will). When I explain to a model why a particular height is industry standard, I get hit with what I like to call the “Kate Moss Syndrome” (short models love to bring her up as the paradigm as to why they are going to make it in the business). When I try to tell overweight girls what plus sized models REALLY are they get offended. I didn’t create these standards and I know it is a noble thing to think that you will possibly be “the one” to break that mold, I am sorry to tell you, it normally doesn’t happen that way. Impossible? No. Improbable? Yes.

I try to coach models on how to maneuver the industry, understanding the right photograph can make or break you, how Social Media can be your best friend and your worse enemy, how to invest in their careers, how to take care of themselves, etc. etc. etc. The list is endless, but all they tend to hear is “you are not a model.” It’s more than just being tall and skinny to make it in this industry.

The true reason for this blog is for the model that has this insatiable desire to want to be signed to an agency. They think once they’ve signed that illustrious contract, a window of opportunity will open forth and they will be ushered into the secret model world that separates them from the “Us” and “Them” crowd. A signed model has to work just as hard. A signed model has to do the castings, the go sees, the auditions just like everyone else. They still apply for job after job and STILL get turned down. They still have to kiss the bookers’ asses if they want to be sent out, they still have to pay in order to be presented on the website and have their compcards printed and their portfolios printed. If anything, the work now gets even HARDER.

A lot of model hopefuls also don’t like to do their homework. They don’t do the necessary research it takes in order to make it in this business. They only know of the “blue chip” agencies. They don’t check to see if they are the right fit for a particular company and they don’t take the time to do their due diligence.

One recently signed model was so hyped to be signed that I don’t think she did her homework. She made sure to let me know that yes she is now signed now “I told you that it was going to happen.” I congratulated her and proceeded to look up the company.

I wasn’t surprised. Most of the roster consisted of model hopefuls that wouldn’t have a chance in any of the industry standard agencies anyway. Too tall, too short, not the right photos to showcase them (most of the images were poor and amateur). Then I noticed another thing. There was no legitimate work photos up there. No magazine work. No campaign work. No advertising work. Just a website with models and substandard photos.  That in and of itself should be a red flag.  Before signing on the dotted line, the first question you should ask is “what work have you gotten your other models” but guess what? She’s signed.