Advice for editorial modeling: Should I focus on NYC, Paris, Milan, or another market if you were in my shoes?
Our take
The candidness of this Reddit post from u/Mr_mmm08 regarding their modeling journey is striking, resonating with a raw authenticity often absent from the curated world of fashion. Their recounting of hardship – a housing scam, homelessness, assault, and subsequent firing – paints a stark contrast to the idealized narratives frequently presented. It’s a vital reminder that pursuing a dream, particularly in a notoriously competitive field like modeling, rarely follows a linear or glamorous trajectory. The story subtly echoes the experiences shared in “When is it time to leave your agency?” When is it time to leave your agency?, where the frustration of unfulfilled potential within an agency is a common thread, and further illuminates the realities of navigating agency representation and its potential pitfalls. This account, however, takes that frustration a step further, demonstrating the need for resilience and self-reliance beyond simply assessing agency performance. It speaks to a deeper truth: the industry can be profoundly unpredictable, and personal fortitude is as crucial as talent and appearance.
What elevates this post beyond a simple tale of woe is the individual's ultimate determination. The journey is marked by profound loss and trauma, yet the narrative culminates not in defeat, but a renewed sense of purpose. The acknowledgement of scars – both visible and emotional – is particularly powerful. It dismantles the expectation of flawlessness that the industry often perpetuates, suggesting that vulnerability and resilience can, in fact, be a source of strength. It’s a perspective strikingly different from the aspirational narrative often associated with modeling, yet arguably more compelling. The comparison to their earlier, more naive post a year prior underscores the magnitude of their growth and the hard-earned wisdom gained through adversity. Similar perseverance is highlighted in “A reminder to keep going: My first Nike campaign from 3 years ago.” A reminder to keep going: My first Nike campaign from 3 years ago, where a look back at an early triumph serves as a motivational touchstone, but Mr_mmm08's story offers a more nuanced perspective, recognizing the value of setbacks as integral to the overall journey. The cautionary tale of "Caryn Models is not a legitimate agency" Caryn Models is not a legitimate agency further underscores the importance of discerning trustworthiness in the industry—a lesson learned the hard way by the author.
The significance of this narrative lies not in offering practical advice, but in providing validation and inspiration to those facing similar struggles. The modeling world, despite its veneer of glamour, is rife with exploitation, instability, and emotional challenges. Mr_mmm08’s story humanizes the experience, reminding aspiring models that setbacks are not necessarily failures, and that resilience is a far more valuable asset than a flawless portfolio. The willingness to return to familiar, yet perhaps less-than-ideal, work – bartending – demonstrates a groundedness and practicality often overlooked in the pursuit of a glamorous career. This isn't a story about achieving immediate success; it’s a story about rebuilding, redefining, and ultimately, reclaiming agency over one's own life and career. The emphasis on health – rebuilding both physical and mental well-being – is a crucial element, highlighting the importance of prioritizing self-care in a demanding and often exploitative industry.
Ultimately, Mr_mmm08's post is a testament to the enduring human spirit. Their journey is far from over, but their declaration of being “still curious, still ambitious, still willing to bet on myself” is a powerful message of hope and perseverance. As the industry continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on inclusivity and authenticity, stories like this one – raw, honest, and unvarnished – will become increasingly vital. The question is, will the industry truly embrace these narratives, or will they continue to prioritize the curated illusion of effortless success, overlooking the resilience and strength forged in the face of adversity?
| | Almost a year ago, I posted here after moving to New York for modeling. At the time, I had just finished a brutal round of antibiotics for H. pylori and was honestly running on hope more than anything else. I packed up my life into two suitcases and moved across the country trusting my gut and intuition. Truthfully, I never grew up thinking I was especially beautiful or that I looked like a model. Growing up, beauty often felt very Eurocentric, so I never really saw myself that way (still don’t at times 😅). Yet throughout my life, strangers and friends alike kept telling me I had a striking look. Atmospheric features. Unconventional beauty. What happened next wasn’t exactly the glamorous New York story I imagined. Shortly after arriving, I got caught up in a housing scam and lost my entire life savings. The story ended up getting a lot of attention because I fought hard to help all of the victims be heard. There ended up being 15+ of us. I spent time effectively homeless, bouncing between unstable situations while trying to keep my health together. My nervous system was shot. My stomach was a mess. Meanwhile, I was bartending in the West Village while trying to make things work. Eventually I reached a point where I looked around and thought: “what am I doing?” And I walked away. Eventually, I made the difficult decision to return to San Francisco and focus on rebuilding my health. Talk about humility. I swallowed my pride and went back to bartending at a place I’d worked during college. Then life threw another curveball. I was assaulted at work, had part of my hair ripped out, and somehow that story ended up getting attention too. And then I got fired. For a while, I stopped fighting and focused on healing. I’ve spent the last few months calming my nervous system, rebuilding my gut health, finding stable ground again, and learning how to breathe. Little by little, things improved. And now, almost a year later, I’m reading that original post. It’s bittersweet. Not because I failed. Not because modeling didn’t happen exactly the way I imagined. But because the version of me who wrote that post had absolutely no idea what was coming. Yet somehow, despite everything, I’m still here. Healthier. Wiser. A little more scarred. A lot more grateful. My life has always been trials and tribulations. In a strange way, that adversity is probably the reason I’m still standing. So this is simply me checking back in. Still standing. Still curious. Still ambitious. Still willing to bet on myself. And finally, ready to get back in the game. [link] [comments] |
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience