edu LIBRARY

I have been modeling for over 10 years. When I write this, it seems odd somehow, the numbers at once too large and too small to describe the infinities of my experience. Longevity: in the fashion world, it’s a rare occurrence. There are but a few names that have withstood more than a single season. Models like Heidi Klum, Kate Moss, and Coco Rocha are few and far between–and I am certainly no supermodel. Still, modeling is my lifestyle. Day in and day out I am booking gigs, traveling and (more often than most fashion models) modeling. For many new models, this sounds like a dream, but you can do it, too! All it takes is passion, confidence that comes with self-care, and community. Oh, and a little bit of pixie dust!

Floofie 2014

Model: Floofie; Photographer: Todd Mizomi

Passion is not something you can depend on. It’s as fickle as a cat, but it is essential to maintain if you want to enjoy your life as a full-time traveling model. Boredom can mean lackluster images, grueling days, having to take a break or even retire. Since modeling as a lifestyle requires so much time (8-hour travel days), effort (workout routines, haggling rates, networking) and so many potential disappointments (rejections, cancellations), keeping your passion alive should be a priority. Try coming up with concepts you want to shoot and proposing them to photographers whose work you aspire to and who have great attitudes and energy. Always aim high, attend castings for clients that excite you, learn new makeup and hair tricks, and above all, if you are doing this because you love it, seek out others who inspire you. Truly collaborate. I spent almost two years doing solely TFP and enjoyed (almost) every moment of it. Nowadays, I look forward to creative, collaborative shoots the most. Find what you love about modeling and chase it.

Floofie 2006

Model: Floofie; Photographer: Carl Evans 

Well, sometimes things get in the way. We lose sight of our goals, get down on ourselves and tumble into a pit of despair, thinking: “Woe is me, I don’t have 500k Instagram followers! I gained 3 lbs! My last trip was a bust! Is it my fault? Do I suck?”

It’s never easy. but whatever plagues you, you can rest assured that a) you’re not alone and b) this too shall pass, and probably isn’t as big of a deal as you think it is. Take a deep breath, take a walk, and take some time for self-care. My go-to trick for beating the blues is threefold: meditation/yoga, cardio (Zumba) and fresh air. Maintaining a strong sense of identity and self-worth are crucial to this career, so make sure you take me time to strengthen, rebuild, and center.

Floofie 2007

Model: Floofie; Photographer: Kevin Russ; Hair Stylist: Julie Ruckman; Makeup Artist: Blush Premier Makeup  

When I began modeling I created an identity, “Floofie,” which is me and not me at the same time. Floofie is always upbeat and confident – Bettie Page meets Femme Fatale. I didn’t plan this, but my forged identity became my armor against all the negativity I encounter while modeling. I have slowly become more like Floofie over the years, and meanwhile learned more about what it means to me. Longevity is intrinsically linked to a strong sense of self. If you have a good idea of who you are and you value yourself, confidence will follow. And with that confidence comes the will to keep at it.

Floofie 2010

Model: Floofie; Photographer: Brandon Witzel; Hair Stylist: Lindsay Garcia; Makeup Artist: Claudine Ebel

The full-time modeling lifestyle can be overwhelming and all-encompassing, so it’s important to maintain hobbies and friendships outside of modeling. Models can often feel disconnected from their homes, families, friends, and the comfort of routine. I have found community to be my saving grace in times of loneliness and homesickness. Remember that across the world there are many others like you, traveling models just trying to make their way in the world doing something they love. Make it a point to meet up and connect with your fellow models and photographers in each city you visit. That way, every time you go back you will have a wonderful pool of friends and cohorts with whom to spend downtime and share experiences (they maybe will even give you a safe and comfortable place to rest your head on tour). As safety is key in this often unpredictable personal-interaction based work environment, community becomes that much more essential. If we can warn our fellow models about sketchy and potentially unsafe situations, we are doing everyone a favor. Places like Model Mayhem, Facebook groups, and Meetup groups provide a forum for open communication among members of our community. Use them! That being said, nothing beats face-to-face interaction for sharing our often very similar experiences.

Floofie 2013

Model: Floofie; Photographer: Steven A Thompson; Clothing Designer: Mademoiselle Ilo

Passion keeps us fresh and invigorated. Self-awareness and self-care keep us grounded and confident. Community cements longevity. If you can hang onto these three essential concepts as a traveling model, I believe you can achieve a lasting career that is also fulfilling. Go out and get it!