2 min readfrom Modeling

I had to move back to my hometown and i need advice

Our take

Navigating a career in modeling can be challenging, especially when faced with unexpected setbacks like relocating to a hometown for health and financial reasons. It’s understandable to worry about the impact on your bookings and agency relationships. Your commitment to self-tapes and timely responses reflects your dedication, even from a distance. Fortunately, living near the coast presents opportunities for test shoots with swimwear brands.

The journey of a creative professional often intertwines with the complexities of personal circumstances, as evidenced by the recent plea from a commercial model navigating the challenges of returning to her hometown. After seven years in the modeling industry, she faces the daunting prospect of being physically distanced from her agency and potential casting opportunities. This situation raises pertinent questions not only about individual resilience but also about the industry's inherent structures that can either support or hinder talent.

Her story mirrors the experiences of many artists and professionals who grapple with the balance between health, livelihood, and career aspirations. Despite being signed with a reputable agency for eight months, the fear of being perceived as uncommitted looms large. The emotional toll of feeling sidelined, particularly after years of hard work and dedication, is palpable. It's a reminder that success in creative fields often hinges not just on talent, but also on accessibility and opportunity. The constraints of geography can be particularly pronounced in industries such as modeling, where physical presence at castings and shoots is paramount.

The model’s proactive approach—consistently submitting self-tapes and attending castings whenever possible—demonstrates a commitment to her craft that many can admire. Yet, she finds herself in a frustrating paradox: while her agency encourages her efforts, the limitations imposed by distance threaten to overshadow her dedication. This predicament not only speaks to her personal journey but also reflects broader industry trends where the pressure to be constantly available can lead to mental and emotional strain. For instance, I need advice and opinion on agencies discusses similar tensions faced by aspiring models and the role agencies play in navigating these complexities.

Additionally, her situation invites a critical examination of how the modeling industry can adapt to support talents who may find themselves in less-than-ideal circumstances. The emergence of digital castings and remote work options has the potential to democratize access, allowing talent from diverse locations to participate more fully. There are innovative platforms springing up that facilitate virtual auditions, making it easier for individuals to engage with agencies without the necessity of constant travel. However, the industry must collectively recognize and embrace these changes to foster an environment that nurtures talent rather than stifles it.

As she finds solace in the coastal beauty of her hometown, the opportunity to engage with swimwear brands may serve as a silver lining, allowing her to update her portfolio while remaining grounded in her community. This pivot may not only rejuvenate her creative spirit but also showcase how adaptability can lead to new opportunities even amid setbacks. The importance of building a robust portfolio through test shoots, as she mentions, underscores the necessity of resourcefulness in the face of adversity. This resonates with the experiences shared in articles like [first professional photoshoot, advice and critics?](/post/first-professional-photoshoot-advice-and-critics

Hi! I’ve been modeling for the past 7 years, i can’t say i’ve made it but i’ve done some good campaigns and runway shows. These last months have been rough on my health and economy so i had to move back, my agency is really good and i’ve been signed with them for 8 months, i haven’t booked anything yet, however i always do my self tapes (i’m a commercial model).

However i’m scared this will impact my chances of getting casted for ecomm or campaigns, my town is very far away and the only way to get to the city is through plane. I’ve already lost one callback because i couldn’t attend nor schedule a videocall with the client. I’m currently with this agency in hopes of going international someday, I’ve commented this with my agents and i think they understand because it was for health reasons but i’m so sad because i don’t want them to see me as uncommitted, i always send my self tapes (i’m a commercial model) and always attend castings and callbacks on time whenever i can but i feel this was a big setback for me.

Because throughout my career i’ve always been available for castings, callbacks, test shoots and jobs and now that i finally found an agency that treats me with respect and actually tries to book me and encourages me to keep going i’m not able to be in the city anymore. After going through years of disrespect and people not believing in my profile it sucks that i can only do self tapes at distance and update my portfolio through test shoots, the good thing is that i live near the coast and i can do a lot of tests for swimwear brands.

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#health and wellness#modeling portfolio#dynamic modeling#modeling#agency#commercial model#self tapes#campaigns#casting#callbacks#setback#ecomm#runway shows#portfolio#test shoots#swimwear brands#health reasons#international#travel#friends