Wannabe Model?

Modelling is equal parts excitement and exhaustion mixed with determination and spiced with glamour. Don’t be fooled by the lacquered looks, and the air kisses. It is one tough gig. Try strutting to castings down cobbled streets to French wolf whistles whilst trying to balance a book, cards a street directory, flat shoes….and then appear carefree and composed. Modelling at a high level requires determination and many sacrifices. In many regards it is a game, and you have to learn how to play, to survive or better still succeed. Ultimately you have to make decisions about how much of yourself you are prepared to give. Some girls are fortunate and get a few lucky breaks and make it big quickly. Others have to do the hard yards.Yep, travel is fun, but it is sometimes tainted by long absences from friends and family. You need to be a strong, independent character that is happy in your own company. Try being dropped at a hotel in Japan at 10pm from the airport, not being able to speak or read Japanese and find food that you identify as edible. Talk about a culture shock. It makes for a steep learning curve; clambering up the ladder in four inch stilettos ain’t simple. Airport lounges become sterile and mundane and killing time becomes an art form.Don’t be disheartened there are many fabulous parts to this fascinating industry. The personalities you encounter are captivating and often inspiring. You will also learn so much about yourself and grow as a person. It also gives you a greater appreciation of fashion; every day you are embracing someone’s creative zeal and making it real. From student fashion shows to famous photographers their infatuation with fashion and their enthusiasm for the industry is infectious.The industry is notoriously erratic and can be fickle in its decision making process, expect scrutiny. Prepare for your hair to be cut, died, coloured, pulled, teased, extended and highlighted. Your body will be looked at closely, your skin inspected and your personality analysed. You start to feel like an object, measured, photographed, in some cases weighed and commented on as though you were not present. You have to numb this laboratory specimen experience and smile through the negatives.However it can be an exciting journey of self-discovery, but expect tears, tiredness and tantrums. The images the industry presents does not necessarily paint the true picture. However it is extremely exciting. There are so many landmarks. First agency, first casting, first job, first test, first show….the list never ends.Feel free to comment or ask any questions. I doubt I am the font of all knowledge, however if my experiences can facilitate someone to achieve their goals I’d be pleased to help if I can?■ BexBella