So You Want to be a Model?
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You’ve probably heard of America’s Next Top Model if you’re not living under an unfashionable rock. Debuting in 2003, it’s still cycling and as of now doesn’t show any signs of stopping, continuing to wage us with more interesting characters, wacky pic shoots and crazy drama. Modeling casting calls for America’s Next Top Model are probably the most publicized and diverse thanks to supermodel Tyra Banks. You’ve got the girl from a small town, girl from the wrong side of the tracks, the university scholar, and the girl you’d never guess could be a model until she gets a mythologic makeover, not to mention all sorts of ethnicities, one-of-a-kind looks and atypical body proportions. But ironically being a reality television show, ANTM probably isn’t the most accurate portrayal of what modeling casting calls are really like.
Occasionally, Tyra does address the issues of real-life modeling casting calls, telling us to beware. Legitimate modeling casting calls will never ask you to lay down money or to pose nude. So it’s probably safer to stick to ANTM, though some question whether ANTM really produces top models. It’s probably clean to state that it can boost careers, but it seems unlikely that any of the contestants will attain supermodel status. After all, can there really be a new supermodel born each television season, not to mention also in the over 30 other countries in which ANTM has spawned international versions?
Modeling casting calls aren’t a ticket to superstardom. High fashion modeling will probably be harder to get into than modeling whose main purpose is just to be provocative. Modeling casting calls can’t ensure that you’re going to make a lot of money either. It seems that way because we always hear about famous and glamorous supermodels in the media, but these are really just a few cases and not representative of the modeling population.
Making it huge in the industry isn’t impossible. It’s just that there’s a lot to think about and be realistic about. ANTM often presents a modeling version of the American dream—keep trying and eventually someone will state yes. But not everyone can be a model, and just trying isn’t enough. Modeling is based on appearance and ANTM picks contestants who have a certain look. The modeling life is also something to think about. Models have to get up early, travel around a lot and grappling rejection on a regular basis. It’s not a lasting career, since your looks will only last for so long, and looks in fashion are constantly changing. So it’s worth it to take some time and think about a decision that while potentially short-lived, can change your life.
