Getting booked as a male model can be incredibly challenging. After all, it’s a very competitive space, and there are so many people going up for the same jobs. However, there are some things that some male models do that can further reduce their ability to book the best gigs. The good news is you can read about the most common ones below, as well as in most cases what you can do to avoid them and increase your chances of getting the book. Keep reading to find out more.
They already have their guy
This has to be one of the most irritating and frustrating things that can happen to male models. You show up all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and smash your casting, only to realise that they had decided on someone who got seen before you.
Frustrating as it is there’s not too much you can do about this, as the client will continue with the casting anyway. The only action you can take is to always do your best to arrive towards the beginning of a casting session rather than the end. Then you will have a better chance of being seen before those in charge make up their mind on who they want to go with.
Your physical look is wrong
This is a common thing for all kinds of models to hear when they attend a casting. Again it can be super frustrating, but there is nothing you can do about this one. If the casting team is looking for someone else then it’s not like you can transform yourself into another whole person.
The way to deal with this one is to just take it on the chin, and let it build character. Also just because the client has rejected you for this job, doesn’t mean that they won’t want you for another one in the future, so be sure to stay polite and calm when you are there.
Your hair is the wrong length
Unless you are willing to let them restyle your hair (which some models are and some are not) you could end up losing out on a job for this reason. It is about finding what you are comfortable with and what your boundaries are here because it’s not good booking the job, and then being bereft the whole time because you’ve had to cut your lovely locks off.
You are not dressed right
Many people think that what you are wearing at a casting doesn’t matter, especially for male models because it’s the body and face the client will be looking at right? Well, yes and no. They will, of course, pay the most attention to your face and body, but the way you dress and present yourself will matter too. This is because as someone working in the industry,y you will be expected to have an interest in fashion, be able to present yourself in the best light. Indeed, even the guys with the best physical fit for the job may risk losing out if they don’t present the right package at casting.
The solution here is to educate yourself about fashion, and the types of clothes that are in fashion that suit your body type. Happily, this couldn’t be easier to do as there are plenty of great quality online magazines like Men’s Flair that can provide you with invaluable advice about men’s style and fashion. Additionally, following a few male fashion and modelling Youtubers certainly won’t hurt, and paying attention to what the other candidates at castings are wearing should give you a good insight into what is expected as well.
Your skincare is bad
Everyone gets a breakout now and then, but part of the job of a male model is to keep their skin looking clean and fresh at all times. After all, while they can cover up spots and blemishes with makeup and photo manipulation it’s more work for others on the shoot to do!
The solution to this problem is to minimise breakouts by embracing a regular and consistent skincare routine. That means you do every step, even when you get in late, or a bit drunk or if you haven’t got a casting call the next day. It’s the consistency that will pay off in terms of the residence you need to book jobs.
You have poor quality digitals
Another reason that you might not be booking jobs as a male model is that the digitals your agency sends to potential employers aren’t good enough. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do about this to ensure the photos that are your first impression on any modelling gig capture you in your very best light.
The first is to make sure that you are wearing the right type of clothing and look. A natural look is always preferable for digital because it shows what you can look like in the types of clothes and shots that clients look for the most. Additionally, be sure to choose standard-fit clothing rather than super baggy or super tight for the same reason.
The photographer you choose will also make a massive difference. (And whatever you do, never rely on digitals that you have shot yourself. Just because you have a digital camera does not make you Mario Testino.) You’ll want to find a good photographer who not only has all the right equipment including lighting, but also with whom you have a good rapport. It’s this rapport and their skill at putting you at ease that will pay off in the quality of the photos they take.
You’re just not model material
Oof, I’m not saying it’s easy to hear, but some people, even great-looking people are just not cut out to model, and that’s OK. It’s much better to find out sooner than later that modelling isn’t your job because then you can put all that time and effort into finding that one thing that you are perfectly suited for and that will make you supremely fulfilled.
Remember we all have different strengths in this life, and just because modelling may not be one of yours does not mean you can’t be happy and fulfilled by following another career path.
