There are a few misconceptions flying around about models. So I thought I’d set the record a little straight. Here are a few myths (stereotypes) about models that aren’t exactly true…
1. All Models have an eating disorder
Believe it or not, not all models live on sticks of celery and two grapes a day. Models do actually eat and most eat really well with the exception of a takeaway or a tub of ben & jerrys…It’s their job to look the way they do, so they have to eat to fuel their bodies and keep the nutrients flowing for that flawless skin.
2. Model’s don’t exercise
Like I said, it’s their job to look the way they do. They exercise to be fit and to be healthy. The trend of the ultra-skinny model is definitely on its way out. Take a look at the victoria secret models. They’ve got abs of steel like no other.
3. Models get paid millions
Unless you’re a super model, no. Most models don’t get paid that much at all. After the agency takes their percentage and flights and accommodation are paid for. There isn’t much left. And if you’re only starting out, chances are you’re doing the gigs for free, purely for exposure and building a portfolio. The average amount a model makes a year is only £13,000.
4. All models have attitude and are stuck up
Models may have an attitude but they are not stuck up. Having an attitude is all part of the model look when working with the camera. Most are really lovely and sweet, and very professional. In their line of work it isn’t the best move for them to be rude, in most cases it’ll tarnish their rep.
5. Models get heaps of free stuff
Sadly no. Despite getting to wear all the extravagant and expensive clothes and accessories on the shoot. They don’t get to take them home. If you’re a super model maybe you might get to take home a few things every once in a while but that’s probably it. And if you are, it’s usually on loan – you’re pretty much expected to post to social media and promote it.
6. You have to be young and tall to model
Models can be any age. A common misconception is that you need to be young in order to model, there are so many different types of modelling, if you have the right look, there are plenty of opportunities out there for the more mature lady.
Even though it seems to be the status quo for all models to be over 5’10, it’s not necessarily a pre-requisite. Take these models; Anja Konstantinova – 163cm, Bambi Northwood-Blyth – 173cm, Miranda Kerr – 175cm and Cara Delevigne – 173cm, none of which are the typical height and they’re freaking super models. Even Kate Moss, she’s not even close to some of the other girls modelling.
7. All models are dumb
Umm no they’re not. Most models are actually quite savvy business people. Cheyenne Tozzi has her own lingerie line, Karlie Kloss is back at school, Elle Mcpherson has her own lingerie line and skin care range, Mirander Kerr has her own skin care range, Sasha Pavivori studied art at the St Petesburg Art Institute and Lily Cole was accepted into Kings College Cambridge.
8. Models get to holiday for free
Definitely not. Most have to pay for their travel expenses; they might get a little pocket money but mostly they have to fork out the money. Unless they’re booked directly, which is really only a flight and accommodation paid for. It might seem as if they get to holiday at these amazing locations (lets face it they do enjoy some down time) but they’re there to work and literally fly in for the shoot and fly out once it’s done.
9. All models have amazing hair and flawless skin
The amount of product they have on their faces, shoot after shoot is definitely not healthy for the skin. Models are like everyone else; they have breakouts too. Combined with the amount shit that goes into their hair, dying it, teasing it etc – not good. There have been models that have had to cut their hair just to get it back looking healthy.
Besides lot more work goes into re-touching images than most people realise. Some models can be completely altered in pictures from the way they normally look. There are many tricks used to create that flawless look.
10. Being a model is easy
I’m sorry, but have you seen some of the shoots? There is often a lot more going on behind a photo shoot than the finished picture presents. Just watch an episode of America’s Next Top Model and you’ll see that shoots are not always as glamorous as they appear. Think girls in bikinis in winter and that’s only one example. Have you seen some of those awkward poses? They look so difficult and some of the shoes they have to wear – freaking huge!
11. Models have shoots every day
Again, sadly not true. Most people believe models just have photoshoots every day. Models might go to castings, meetings and fittings every day but not shoots. They have to book the gigs first. Models might only have one shoot this week and wait another two for the next. There can often be periods of time with nothing but castings before work starts coming in xxx