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Questions
WHAT
YOU'RE ASKING
 Can you model if you are not pretty?
"What
if you aren't very pretty but modeling has and always will be
your dream?" - T.C., Arizona
Answer
As with most
occupations, modeling had specific market niches. Not every
model can - or needs to - look like Cindy Crawford.
Depending
upon a young woman's physical characteristics, there are a number
of potential modeling markets. Tall, lanky models are ideally
suited to work on European runways. Models with athletically
sexy builds are well-suited for work as calendar/swimsuit/lingerie
models. Other modeling markets - although often smaller
- include plus-size models, ethnic models, and mature models.
An increasing number of companies now make an effort to include
physically challenged models in their catalogs to better reflect
the diversity of their potential customer base. Other catalog
companies, like L.L. Bean, have mainstream customer bases that
respond favorably to less glamorous models people can relate
to.
Some print advertising models succeed because their average features
allow them to realistically portray students, mothers, working
women, and the like. While breaking into modeling and finding
work in smaller modeling niches can be difficult, young women
who aspire to modeling careers should focus on specialized markets
in which their physical characteristics are an asset, not a liability.
As final points, consider the cases of Cindy Crawford and Lauren
Hutton. Crawford had initially been advised to have her
now-famous facial mole removed. Hutton, the gap-toothed
supermodel of the 1970s, had been told that she would need to
cap the large space between her front teeth to succeed in modeling.
Lauren refused and became a enormously successful, gap-toothed,
supermodel (although, for some magazine cover shoots she did
wear a temporary cap to conceal the space.).
The bottom line is, it can be difficult to distinguish between
those characteristics that can prevent a young model from developing
a successful career and those features that may set her apart
as the next Crawford or Hutton. Our advice is to consult
a qualified modeling agency for professional guidance on career
development - but also to look for ways in which your individuality
can be an asset.
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