My modelling story 

As someone who has been doing modelling for the past seven years, in Europe and Asia, I can call myself an expert. I got inspired to write this, by a podcast I did recently. (Check my IG story to listen to it) I was asked, “What advice would you give to anyone who wants to get into this business and how to know if they are a good fit for it?”

A hard question, which is very complexed. I will share below, everything I wished I knew about modelling, which no one is telling you about, and some things I learned with my experience.

First things, first.

To avoid scams – Do your research! Let’s say you decided to start your modelling career today. By doing your research, I meant, check which are the best modelling agencies in your city/country and contact them.

The good agencies have open calls or they have an option to apply on their website and they require your measurements, height, and few VERY SIMPLE photos.

No selfies, no retouched photos, no heavy-make up. Back in the past, I asked my friend to do mine in her backyard, where the sunlight was great. Use the guidelines, the agencies give or just google “Models polaroids”. If you have been approved by them, you will get the call for face-to-face interaction.

*To become a model, there are many requirements. I am not the right person to tell you if you can be a model. Your parents are not the people who can tell you if you can be a model. Neither your friends can.

IS MODELLING FOR YOU?

This is the work of the modelling agents and only them. They have the right vision and can see beyond the imperfections. The universal requirements for girls are 1.72-1.80 cm for girls and starting from 1.82 cm for boys.

* Here, I talk about fashion modelling and NOT image/commercial/INSTAGRAM modelling*

Before going to the agencies, make sure, you are clear about where do you want to model. Do you want to stay in your country or you want to travel abroad? My main motivation for being a model were the travel opportunities, you can have access to. It’s a time-consuming profession. You can still do it part-time but you won’t get the full benefits of it, in my personal opinion.

If you decide to go, full-on, get ready to be uncomfortable. Travelling solo and living with other models isn’t for everyone. I know many girls which got confused about the glamour side of the profession and couldn’t stay more than a week in a foreign country. You are not on a vacation and you are growing up fast. Imagine that you end up nailing a 3 months modelling contract in Singapore. You don’t know anyone there. You don’t speak the language. You have no friends or family around the corner. It’s you versus the world. You can depend only on yourself. I don’t want to scare you, I think this is one of the most valuable lessons, you can ever learn. Being able to handle any situation, you are thrown in, gives you so much satisfaction and confidence at the end of the day. For my seven years of modelling, I had to overcome many obstacles and I also learnt many life lessons. I would never go back in time and choose the easy path because it’s not for me. If I didn’t go through all of it, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

Loneliness and missing out. This is the tough part. Always on-the-go, especially in a foreign country, it’s hard to juggle between your extremely dynamic life and keeping up with your friends. It’s not impossible, but it’s difficult. Sometimes, with more than 6 hours ahead, when my day is almost over, at home in Bulgaria it’s the only afternoon. In addition to this, sometimes a complicated situation comes up and you need to figure it out yourself. You can’t call your parents. It’s not even 10 am there. Indeed, modelling is one of the loneliest profession.

Let’s go ahead. You got the contract in Singapore. You are working for huge brands. Shooting campaigns and editorials for international magazines. Life is good. You are almost finishing the SG contract and your mother agency is proposing you, another 3 months contract to Hong Kong. Sounds like the dream life. You know from your friends, that Hong Kong is Disneyland for adults. And if no one told you that, I am telling you. But it’s December and Christmas is a few weeks away. The HK agency has worked for you now, not after the holidays. So what do you choose?

Let’s say, you don’t mind missing out the holidays with your family. The family understands. But what about all the friend’s birthdays, graduations and their weddings. Proms and weddings are the single most important days in someone’s life. You can’t redo them. I missed my friend’s Geili wedding in Greece (which is close to home) because I was working in Hong Kong. I did the math, even if I took off two weeks of holidays, it would be horrible for me. 18 hours flights, jet-lagged, everything in a rush. I have done that and it’s dreadful for you and people around you.

Everything in life is opportunity-cost. Simply, decide what you can compromise with it. 

Many young models, reach out for advice. A big one NEVER pays for shoots. An exception is if you choose the photographer and he/she is the best. I, personally, have never paid for any shoots. Your agency/booker must assist you with this. It’s their job, to help you gain experience and build your portfolio. If the agency chose a very well-known photographer and they tell you you need for paid for a test shoot, you can ask them to advance it for you.

If you don’t feel comfortable during a shoot. You can always ask questions to fully understand the whole vibe/idea. Usually, the agency would prepare you with the photographer style or just do your RESEARCH. Most of the modelling jobs have a storyline (mood board). And if you still don’t feel comfortable, you can always reach out to your agency for feedback.

Like any other job, you become good by practice. Until then, always ask questions and be curious. Know that you have rights and you are never alone in this. If you choose this profession, be respectful of people’s time, be organised, take the job seriously and always be kind. Treat people, as you want to be treated.

There are so many people, who underestimate the work. We are not living in silk sheets and getting our toes done. It’s far from reality. Modelling is great if you get the positives. Travel far. Learn new skillsets. Make lots of new friends. Work hard. Have fun and enjoy the journey.

If you ever thought about starting a modelling career, keep my bullet points in check. If you have more things you are worried about, feel free to get in touch with me