Rejection is one of the most difficult parts of Modelling. However, it’s important to remember that it’s not personal. It’s just their perspective.
Perspective is a beautiful thing but it can be hard to find when you’re drowning in what feels like an ocean of ‘no’s. In this article we’ll explore tips for Coping with Rejection in Modelling.
1. Don’t get disheartened.
Having your heart set on a particular project and then being told no could be devastating, but it’s important to remember that rejection is a part of the process. Take a step back, allow yourself time to process the feedback and consider what you’re going to learn from it. Then, once you’re ready to move forward again, put your full steam ahead. There will be another opportunity, maybe not as big or as perfect but it’ll still be a step closer to your goal.
Even supermodels have been rejected, so don’t worry if it feels like you’re not getting anywhere. If you keep on trying and stay positive, eventually the ‘no’s’ will turn into ‘yes’.
It’s also a good idea to surround yourself with people who support you, especially when you feel disheartened. Having a close circle of friends who understand what you’re going through will help you to remain strong and focus on the next opportunity that comes your way.
If a photographer or videographer gives you negative feedback, don’t argue with them. This will only make the situation worse and it won’t do any favours for your career. Instead, listen to their advice and try and incorporate it into your work.
The last thing you want to do is leave the door open for further rejection by acting negatively towards a client. For example, if you are told that your hair or make-up isn’t up to scratch, don’t reply in an angry tone or threaten to blacklist them. It’s just not professional and it will only damage your reputation as a model.
If you have other interests outside of modelling, then focusing on those will help to distract you from the disappointment of not landing a particular job. It’s also a good idea to spend time on other aspects of your life that you enjoy so that when you do get a job, it will be all the more satisfying. I recently worked with a model who has vitiligo, so it’s not just models that have to deal with rejection.
2. Don’t let it get to you.
Rejection can have a very negative effect on your mental health, especially for fashion models who are constantly being judged and evaluated based on their appearance. This can lead to a lack of self-esteem and confidence, as well as feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. Additionally, fashion models are often away from their families and friends for long periods of time, which can add to the stress and anxiety they already experience. This can also be exacerbated by the pressure to maintain a specific body type, which can often lead to eating disorders and other mental health problems.
When you receive rejection, it’s important to remember that it is not personal and it does not mean that you are bad at what you do. Instead, try to take it as a learning opportunity and use it as a way to improve your performance. For example, if you were rejected for a booking because you were not the right fit for the client, consider what you could have done differently in the future to make yourself more desirable for this particular job.
In addition, it is important to keep in mind that modelling is a competitive industry. For every model who is successfully booked for a job, there are probably 10 other models who were not. It’s not uncommon for clients to request several different models when looking for a specific look or type, so it’s important to remember that rejection is largely just a numbers game.
If you’re able to turn rejection into a positive, it can help keep you motivated and encourage you to continue working hard to achieve your modelling goals. For example, if you were rejected because of your hair or makeup, try to focus on what you can do to make yourself more appealing in the future.
Also, if you were rejected because of a scheduling issue or another reason that is out of your control, try to turn it into a positive by thanking the casting director for her consideration and letting her know you would be available for future bookings. This shows that you are a professional and that you appreciate the feedback that she has given you.
3. Don’t give up.
It can be a real downer to find out that you weren’t chosen for the gig you were hoping for or had your heart set on. But the thing to remember is that it’s not your fault, and that if you keep going out there and trying to get gigs, eventually one of them will be a yes.
Modelling is a tough game, and it can take a lot of work to land a booking. If you find yourself focusing too much on the rejections and not enough on the positives, it can be difficult to stay motivated. That’s why it’s important to try and find a few ways to turn the negative into a positive.
For example, if you were rejected for a booking but the casting director said they would keep you in mind for future projects, that’s a really nice thing to hear! If you want to take it a step further, consider sending a thank you note afterwards. This shows that you are polite and gracious, which can only make you look better!
Similarly, if a client gives you feedback or direction, be sure to listen carefully and take it on board. However, it is crucial to not be defensive or argue with them – even if you don’t agree! Productive feedback can be incredibly useful in the long run if you use it to improve your modelling skills.
Finally, don’t give up on modelling altogether if you don’t land a gig immediately. There is always another opportunity just around the corner, and you never know if that gig might be even bigger or better than the last one.
It’s also important to remember that every model gets rejected at some point. In fact, many of the most successful models today have been rejected in their early career. So don’t let a few rejections derail your dreams – just focus on making yourself a more competitive model and the no’s will soon turn into yes! Good luck!
4. Remember that it’s a numbers game.
Modelling can be a very competitive industry, and it takes a certain grit to get through the rejection that comes with it. But it is important to remember that not every rejection is personal, and it is often just a numbers game. For every model who gets rejected by an agency, there are probably 1000 other models trying hard to make the industry work for them as well.
So the next time you receive a no, remember that it is not necessarily a reflection on your talents or abilities, and just be patient – over time, those no’s will turn into more and more yes’s. And don’t forget to stay positive and be thankful for the opportunities that you do get!
It’s also worth remembering that many of the world’s most successful scientists faced plenty of rejection before achieving their breakthroughs, so don’t feel like you are alone on your journey. You are more than enough! Embrace your unique qualities and what makes you special, because they are what the industry needs. You just need to find the right clients to show them what you have to offer!