You want to be a model?
The First Step is Figuring out Why!
So you want to be a model… The first step in being a model is figuring out why.
Just like anything in life, the path to becoming a model can be a beautiful rewarding adventure, or it can be a difficult frustrating mess.
If you want to be a model, the first thing you should do is get clear on why? Are you wanting to make a living and have a modeling career? Are you seeking the glamour and excitement of being seen and having your picture taken? Or do you see modeling as an opportunity to express your creative spirit and collaborate with photographers and artists to make beautiful images.
A lot of people decide to “be a model” without putting any thought into why. They might have a generic impression of what that means and fail to consider the countless different types of modeling paths that are available. Putting some thought into why you want to become a model will help guide you towards a positive experience. Too often aspiring models end up blindly chasing the dream of being a model. This can lead to being taken advantage of and having bad experiences.
On the other hand… if you get super clear on what you want and why you want it, you are much more likely to make good decisions and stay on a path that will lead you to your real goals. Instead of chasing a hundred opportunities to have your picture taken, you will be able to clearly define some short term and long term goals. It’s amazing how shaping a vision for what you really want can help you eliminate 90% of the wrong moves and focus on the 10% of choices and options that will actually be rewarding and get you where you want to go.
So if you want to know “how to become a model” be sure to ask yourself “why do I want to be a model?”, and “what kind of model do I want to be?”.
Discovering a truly honest answer to your questions might take more thought than you would expect. It seems pretty simple to say “I want to be a famous model”. If you keep asking yourself “why?”. You might discover that what you really want is social status and validation. No matter what your reasons are, knowing what really motivates you will help you see more clearly how to find what you are really looking for.
For example, If your answer is that you simply want to be creative and make great art, your path might be as simple as contacting artists and photographers who inspire you and offering to participate in their work. Many great creatives and enthusiastic hobbyists will gladly work with someone who is passionate about the process, even if they don’t have a lot of modeling experience.
If, however, you want to be famous and get attention, without having a clear set if goals, you can easily fall prey to unscrupulous people who might take and advantage of your desires and lack of clarity. Websites like Model Mayhem are full of both honest professionals and creepy liars. Always be careful.
The bottom line is this: if you want to be a model, give it some thought. Take some time to write in a journal about what you want and why. Do some research about modeling and look for examples of the type of modeling you want to do. Talk to people who have already accomplished what you hope to accomplish. Get insights into what’s really involved and pay attention to cautionary tales about what to be careful of.
Being a model can be a joyful creative experience, or it can be a nightmare. Only you can decide what type of model you want to be. Only you can decide why you really want to be a model, and only you can make that happen.
