*Mainstream “modeling” is a term I created to express this emergence of people wanting to model in the fashion industry which has gained extreme popularity over the last several years.
When did society become so media-obsessed? All over TV, everyone is obsessed with fashion, fame, attention; being a part of this group has become such a normal occurrence.
For many years when I was around the ages of 12 to 16, I was approached countless times by modeling scouts, people who thought I should be a model. It flattered me but most of the time I just snubbed them away. Maybe I didn’t take them seriously, I was young and at the time life wasn’t like how it is today.
Then I started growing up and the attention died down. I started craving it, I needed it, I thought modeling was my calling. I began pursuing it, but the only ones I pursued turned out to be disappointments, false promises. But I still had hope, and for years I chased that illusion of the “promised land”. Even if it meant sacrificing time and dignity, I did it. But why? That is a question I didn’t ask myself in depth at the time but for the moment it made me feel better… temporary “happiness”.
I would spend hours trying to get gigs on my own, doing many fashion shows, shoots, hair shows, live modeling, anything that kept me busy and on the spotlight. Everyday I sat at the computer trying to find ways to become heavily involved. I scoured through websites like myspace, craigslist, and modelmayhem. It was amazing how many people out there needed me. And of course, most of the time, I wasn’t getting paid. I thought of it as my right of passage. I had to get experience right?? How else would I get the good jobs. I needed the exposure right? How else would I meet the connections?
But somehow I got lost in the midst of the excitement. It became a rush to do fashion shows and shoots and I loved having all of these pictures of myself. It’s quite sick when I think of it now. But it was the reality of it. And there were many more just like me. I did, however, make the progress I wanted. I eventually shot with an amazing group of people and had a small spread in a local magazine. I was so excited, I gave copies out to friends and family. I thought…this is only the beginning. And it was, but not the kind I was imagining.
When did modeling become so mainstream? Why are there so many girls out there who want to be models and call themselves “models”? Yes, of course, the attention and power. But whatever happened to doing something you really believe in? When did the media cross the line and attract so many fans?
I am so sick of listening to all these girls who say they are models or photographers or whatever. It is pathetic and frustrating for people who really have talent for it and are serious about it. I understand we need models to sell, but at what price… and also I would hate to see someone I know get into such a horrific industry. It’s somewhat of a dirty job if you will, someone’s gotta do it.