I often sit here as a photographer and a magazine publisher and wonder what happened to the lifestyle and the “TRUE MODEL” or “SUPER MODEL” I forget how we now have the ease of use and access to Model Mayhem where everyone and their dog thinks they are models. I will say this, you are NOT a real model unless you are signed by an agency and work every single day running to GO-SEE’s and searching for that break though gig, runway or commercial project with a publication.

Forgive me for saying this, as fantastic as Model Mayhem is, its kinda destroyed it for the industry, yes its a perfect place to put yourself out there for shoots and I have even used Model mayhem for a model search. But really, what is a model? What does it take to be a model and what would you really do to become an industry model working the industry the proper way? Here is a video clip of Janice Dickinson when she was in it for the win. Modeling is work girls/boys, you MUST know more than standing there and acting like you model.

I even say it like I believe it should be on my Model Mayhem page: Models: Please, Be aware that if you’re going to call yourself a “model” be prepared to pose yourself. Yes, Photographers will be there to adjust a few things, but don’t just sit there. You are NOT a puppet and I will NOT shoot you. This is why I know my craft, so know yours, take some time and watch some of these old videos, learn from the OLD SCHOOL modeling experts and Super Models. They worked in the industry at its hype of what Models were used for.

Watch this as Janice explains it a bit in 1980.

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