Interest in the modeling industry has recently witnessed an explosion. More women than ever want to become models, be adored by millions of men around the world, go anywhere and do anything with VIP status, and get paid to do it all! But the truth is, most will go nowhere fast. New ‘studios’, ‘modeling and talent agencies’, and related businesses are popping up at an unprecedented rate thanks in part to the media and to an even larger part: digital cameras.
The media effect
The most obvious reason for the modeling explosion is, not surprisingly, the media. There is increasingly more manipulation of images in all forms, from static pictures on billboards and in magazines to digitized visuals in movies to internet graphics.
The Victoria’s Secret catalogue has been incredibly popular among women, not to mention men who love the free playboy-esque pictures. Recently having been shown as a primetime TV special just adds to the image flood. And the general public is there to absorb it, artificial skin, ‘t and a’, and all.
A little psychology
The effects of people wanting to be the people they have grown up idolizing grows daily. Studies in social psychology have shown that when people are not sure about making decisions on their own, they look to outside sources. That’s exactly what’s happening in the modeling industry.
…If Madonna had written “Material Girl” in 2003, her lyrics would have been changed to “because I am a digitized girl”…
During adolescence, a formative period in development, individuals ‘try on’ new personalities to see what suits them. It’s in this period of vulnerability where young women are ‘shopping around’ for a new look and appearance. Well, nowadays they don’t have to look hard since they are constantly bombarded with what the media wants them to think is THE way to be.
Digitize it
Aside from the media’s influence, there’s the more practical factor: accessibility. There is a digital revolution currently underway. The digital camera has become so affordable and easy to use that people are buying them like crazy. In fact, just about anyone can take amateur pictures of themselves, put them online, and claim to be a model.
Ok, I wouldn’t take away from the true professionals. The true professional photographer has taken courses in it, knows about important issues such as lighting and how to get rid of shadows, and most importantly has an eye for ideas on what angles and settings the models will look their best.
But! That doesn’t stop people from taking literally thousands of pictures with a digital camera which is essentially free since no film is required, and putting the best few on an internet site. Even if the few pictures don’t look that great, modifications can easily be done in graphic design programs which have also become very user-friendly.
The digital camera revolution has also caught the attention of photographers. It’s cheap to buy equipment and easy to build a small website that can be used to convince people that they are legit.
If Madonna had written “Material Girl” in 2003, her lyrics would have been changed to “because I am a digitized girl”. That just reflects the reality in which we now live.
Sketch
With this digital revolution comes more opportunity for those with sketchy morals to con people into any number of acts of malice. Since so many ‘talent agencies’ and ‘photography studios’ are opening daily, models can easily be conned into thinking they are going to hit it big.
This is not to say that many or most are not legitimate, but with all good things (assuming you think promoting the human body to sell products and services is a good thing), there are always people out to abuse the system.
What they don’t tell you
All things considered. There is something that aspiring models have to understand: The professional modeling industry has not grown nearly as much as the amateur industry. There are not more positions available just because so many people are trying to get into the industry. This just makes it more competitive. There’s a much larger supply of models, and demand has barely changed.
Most model-wannabes are not going anywhere. Fast. Few of the models out there have the look or body that is truly in demand. Sure you can get breast implants, work out 3 times a day, be photographed by 13 photographers, and have your own website. But you won’t get gigs just for that fact.
Many models are just everyday gorgeous women who are approached by the paying, inside-the-industry professionals just because of their beauty. That makes the fact that many aspiring models pay thousands of dollars to create a portfolio sadly amusing. Truly beautiful and model-worthy women have the professionals running after THEM as opposed to working extremely hard on trying to go to the industry.
On the other hand, to get noticed models need to put some effort into it. Sometimes a few pictures of the right look and a website is all it takes. Other times it may be that chance encounter with an industry insider.
What do you want?
So the real question models must ask is what do they want? Set realistic goals. Most models won’t be getting anywhere near supermodel status. Instead, they should decide on relatively small modeling gigs. If a runway modeling career is of interest, then seek out fashion shows. Models who just want to be a local celebrity, might want to focus on smaller/lesser known magazine covers. If international recognition and creating a buzz is the intent then focus on the internet… like modeling for Citynet Magazine!
Anyone can create a website these days. For a relatively small fee (usually a mere few hundred $$), models can put a website onto the internet that makes them appear as though they have the position of being a supermodel. You won’t necessarily be instantly recognized everywhere you go but hey, maybe it’s better that way!
Do the right thing
The media has combined with the digital camera revolution to become an incredibly influential force. Be watchful of the images of the future.
RSS