Model Tip #7: Your Integrity IS Your Business

Over the last several years since winning America’s Next Top Model, I have had the pleasure and fortune to work professionally as a well-known model. I have worked with many people and clients all over the world. I have also learned many things and had to spend months at a time alone while traveling.

Me shot by Jewel Estephanos, a wonderful photographer! And a person of integrity.

In truth, I love modeling and it has been an amazing career for me. Above all else there is one piece of advice that I really would like to share with you in this installment of my Model Tips. It is the most important piece of advice I can offer.

Keeping Your Integrity

Being a model is becoming part of an entire idea to form a beautiful image. A lot of times, it means becoming part of a work of art. I love fashion and each aspect of the process of photo shoots or runway shows encompasses a specific work of art.

Producing a photo shoot or fashion show requires specific elements. It requires a designer, a photographer, a makeup artist, a stylist, and often times a creative director and a model. I respect the amount of work each of these artists puts in to the given job to complete a genuine work of art and expression!

A lot of times, a model will be asked to do very daring and challenging things that can pull someone out of their comfort zone. Sometimes a model will be asked to pose for a “summer” shoot in the middle of winter and visa verse. A model will be asked to pose with an animal they feel uncomfortable with. Or sometimes a model may be asked to risk her life and safety in a dangerous position to get the shot.

Once, I was on location in Grand Cayman and was asked to pose of a photo on top of razor sharp volcanic rock. Myself being the outgoing person I am, I went for it! One unsteady foot at a time, I paced my way out to the middle of the rocks and got an amazing photo for the shoot!

Behind the scenes on set shooting for Crown Atelier in Grand Cayman.

I like to challenge myself and perform to my best ability. It makes me proud and it shows the client I am working for that I am willing to go to great lengths to help carry out their vision. This will always read well to the client and often times, you’ll get a call back because they want to work with you again!

Yet there is a place where the line must be drawn.

If I have ever felt uncomfortable, I mentioned it right away. On that same shoot in Grand Cayman the photographer also asked me to stand on a plank of wood eight feet off the ground that was completely unsecured. I tried, but once I felt just how unsecure the plank was, I had to bow out of my earnest effort.

Often times a model will be asked to bare parts of her body that aren’t always the most public in day-to-day life. I take into account a lot of things when asked to do this. First, how do I feel about it? I am not embarrassed of showing my body, if it is in an artistic and well represented way.

I also take into account, who the photographer is. Can I trust him or her with these images of my nudity after the shoot is over? Who else is on set? Do I feel comfortable posing certain ways with the rest of the crew watching? How will the shoot look once completed? Is it for a high fashion piece of art work, or is it for someone’s portfolio.

In the end, the choice is always up to you. Keep your integrity close to you as it will help to define who you are to others and will help to define your career to the world.

I have also had clients who were terribly mean to me. While on the job, I have decided to always keep professional and do what I was hired to do. I have spoken my mind and defended myself always in a polite and kind manner, regardless of the circumstance. After the job, I always report to my agency or management about the difficulties I may have had on set and allow them to duke it out with the client.

All in all, always keep your integrity. Your integrity is who you are as a person and will speak volumes in the success of your modeling career.

For more advice on pursuing your career as a model in the fashion industry and other great tips, please consider purchasing my book MODEL BEHAVIOR!

 

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