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Model Behavior

Before you chose a career as a model you probably heard a few stereotypical statements: models are high maintenance; they’re catty; they’ll stab you in the back; they’re stupid; they’re lazy; they’re vain. Well, I have unfortunate news. I’ve worked with models who have furthered these stereotypes and then some. In fact, if I can be brutally honest, more often than not I find at least one or two of these character flaws in the models I currently work with. What I hope is that you won’t be one of them. In writing this article I had serious reservations about how to explain the delicate subject of model behavior. The conclusion I came to is that in a cutthroat business such as ours, it really pays to be blunt. So let’s start with the cold, hard facts…


Model: Valerie Wyndham

Modeling is no piece of cake. The hours are long. Holding poses can be painful. People you work with can be rude and demanding. You can be mistreated, not given enough breaks, etc. But if you can find me another job that doesn’t have similar or worse drawbacks, then I will give you a million dollars. (Just kidding. Will you take a million Tic Tacs instead?)

What I hope this article will encourage you to do is take a step back and gain perspective. You are being paid (or will be eventually if you’re just starting out) to make beautiful art! This is why it irks me to no end that models have attitude. Not every shoot will be all smiles, believe me. But as with any job, you have to remain professional at all times. The client is always watching. Act accordingly. This means…no complaining. Ever.

This shouldn’t mean you should never speak up, though. It’s perfectly acceptable to politely ask for a break if you really need one to regroup or rest for 10 minutes. I always advise my model friends to come prepared to any job by bringing a bag containing a few simple things like…

  • Water and small snacks
  • Sweater or scarf in case it gets cold
  • Reading materials (there is often a lot of downtime on set)
  • Headphones/music
  • Business cards (to hand to potential clients, or the actual client after a shoot so they can stay in touch and keep you in mind for next time)

It’s so important to be self-sufficient during a long day on set. This way you only have yourself to answer to if you are hungry, thirsty, cold or bored. And when it comes to other models, I can only suggest you have an invisible guard up that is impenetrable by other models’ attitudes. Be very careful that the models you choose to socialize with on set are not doing anything you don’t want associated with your personal brand.


Model: Valerie Wyndham; Photographer: Kyle Schruder

I once worked with a few spokesmodels who insisted on taking long smoke breaks, complaining about everything and verbally bashing the client within earshot of the people who hired us. This was something I wanted nothing to do with, so I refused to take breaks with them. I did my job, kept quiet (but perky!) and did my very best to remove myself from the situation without seeming rude. Did the models give me attitude after this? Oh yes! But I left that job knowing I acted as professionally as I could. Whether the models “got in trouble” for their behavior was no concern of mine. In fact, what other models do really shouldn’t concern you, ever. Look out for yourself. Befriend the sweet girls (or guys) and encourage your fellow models to do their best.

This is also important at castings. While you don’t have to befriend everyone in the room, it will only elevate your mood to be friendly to others. Sometimes the tension is absolutely unnerving in a room full of models all vying for the same position. You have to find your happy place so that when it’s your turn to be seen, you are at your best. My “happy place” doesn’t consist of shutting myself off to those around me, listening to headphones with a scowl on my face. It means chatting (quietly) with the other girls and reminding myself that if I don’t get this job there is always another that I may be better suited for. This brings me to the root of the problem as to why most models act the way they do: insecurity and the fear of rejection.


Model: Valerie Wyndham; Photographer: Lee South

In the end, how you deal with rejection is your greatest weapon. There are so many reasons you may not be chosen at a casting, many of which may have nothing to do with you. You have no idea what the casting director really wants. It’s your job to just go in there, act agreeable and happy to be considered, do your best, and leave with a smile and a thank you. Voila! That’s it! Whatever happens afterward is up to you and how you personally handle it. If you aren’t chosen, simply shrug it off and move on. It will only be a disservice to you to be jealous of the model who was chosen, tear them down, and tell yourself you are the better choice. That is toxic negativity that will only slow down your career. It’s a mental block that hinders productivity. And you’re better than that!

Trust me, there are enough jobs to go around. Your time will come, and when it does…

  1. Be ready
  2. Be professional
  3. Be grateful

Valerie Wyndham

Valerie Wyndham is an American host/model/actress of English and Welsh descent. Valerie specializes in Fashion, Glamour/Pinup and Lingerie modeling with experience in Print, Tradeshow and Fitness modeling. She is currently a feature model for ‘MuscleMag’ and is a host for “Impact Wrestling” seen every Thursday night on Spike TV. Her website is valeriewyndham.net.

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One Response to “Model Behavior”

  1. April 22, 2015 at 1:51 pm, Jay Amari said:

    Thank you Valerie. I am an actor in film and TV and the rules apply equally there. It never helps anyone to complain about anything on any shoot, and as long as everybody agrees it all falls into place.
    You have a great portfolio. I look forward to your next post.

    Reply

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