The reality of modelling, according to models
We asked models and casting directors what the industry still gets wrong about the job.
By Jorinde Croese
Frederick Wiseman’s Model – now streaming on MUBI – was filmed in 1979, but much of what it captures about the profession still feels familiar now: the instability, the body scrutiny, the waiting, the performance, the strange disconnect between person and image. To sit alongside Claire Marie Healy’s essay on the film, we asked models and casting directors what people still misunderstand about modelling, what has changed since Model, and what hasn’t. Their answers show an industry that may look more diverse and self-aware than it did four decades ago, but is still shaped by insecurity, last-minute culture, rigid standards, and the constant demand to turn a person into a product.
“It’s easy to become detached from your own image.” – Georgia Moot
Georgia Moot, model
From your perspective, what’s one thing people outside the industry don’t fully understand about modelling?
That the body becomes a commodity and your ’success’ is directly tied to your physicality. I think when your face and body are so closely intertwined with your career, it can have a significant impact on your mental state. Other people’s perception is also something you have very little control over. It’s easy to become detached from your own image. Even the most mentally resilient people can struggle when their career and income are dependent on something as unstable as how they are perceived.
Model was filmed in 1979 – what has changed most in the industry since then, and what hasn’t changed much?
The parameters have broadened, not as much as they should have, but they’re definitely less rigid and more diverse than they were in the ‘80s. What’s changed most is the shift away from physicality. Now, with social media, there’s an endless stream of content. That said, I don’t think this consumption, especially when it pertains to accessibility, is necessarily negative. It gives consumers more agency and hopefully can help create a more democratic, less elitist industry. What hasn’t changed as much is the scrutiny of models’ appearances. In the film, feedback about models’ looks is very direct. Today people in the industry are usually less blunt, but the message remains – models are still encouraged to shape themselves to fit certain specifications. There’s still a dream to be sold.
Troy Fearn, casting director
From your perspective, what’s one thing people outside the industry don’t fully understand about modelling?
There’s a misconception that models are treated like objects and that there isn’t much duty of care. I can understand where that idea comes from but the reality is a lot less America’s Next Top Model than people might think. In my experience, both with my own clients and in my own practice, model welfare is a priority and something I’m always mindful of. At the end of the day we work in a heavily collaborative environment and when projects are approached with mutual respect and care, it creates a much more enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved.
Karlie Kloss, model
What skill do most people underestimate about being a model?
Probably discipline. People see the finished image or the few seconds on the runway, but they don’t always see how much movement awareness, preparation, and consistency it takes to do it well. Like an athlete, you have to really know your body and trust your instincts.
Denise Hu, casting director
Model was filmed in 1979 – what has changed most in the industry since then, and what hasn’t changed much?
I look at so many of these ‘80s shows from Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Vivienne Westwood, and so on. Judging from the runway, I think the movement and attitude on the stage was so much more vivid than nowadays, although we can see that certain shows are bringing that back.
Georgia Pratt Holiber, model
From your perspective, what’s one thing people outside the industry don’t fully understand about modelling?
Although wonderful and inspiring relationships can be formed through this work, the job itself is an isolated experience and can sometimes feel deeply lonely. From casting to traveling to perhaps working for long periods of time in a country where you don’t know the language, there is a lot of alone time.
Irene Ojo-Felix, casting director
What skill do people underestimate most about being a model?
There is an immeasurable quality of charisma that is needed for models to truly be considered personable. It’s a quality that isn’t a given, even if you’re the most extroverted personality. If you have it, charisma puts you in important rooms and work ethic takes you to the next level.
Model was filmed in 1979 – what has changed most in the industry since then, and what hasn’t changed much?
What hasn’t changed as much is the core of the work: the power of a striking image, the influence of casting directors and photographers, and the importance of charismatic presence that a model brings to the runway or in front of the camera.
Lindsey Wixson, model
What skill do people underestimate most about being a model?
Flexibility and adaptability. I often wonder why I’m still doing this job with late confirmations and last-minute plans having to be rearranged for the sake of other people’s disorganisation or lack of budget or procrastination.
From your perspective, what’s one thing people outside the industry don’t fully understand about modelling?
It has a consistent ebb and flow and nothing is ever a sure thing. All women’s sizes are still not inclusive and it’s all built around patriarchal norms that are perpetuated.
Model was filmed in 1979 – what has changed most in the industry since then, and what hasn’t changed much?
I would say my experience has been mixed with body positivity at the forefront. With some comments from an agent in my teens about watching what I eat. We are still expected to maintain unrealistic standards for our weight and even diet. I still get people asking me about my diet. I have a quick metabolism and active lifestyle that attributes to my weight and image.
Bibi Abdul Kadir, model
What skill do people underestimate most about being a model?
People skills. Reading the energy in the room, communicating with a team and learning to adapt quickly.
“Holding an uncomfortable pose isn’t painful for a few seconds but if you hold it for an hour, it is.” – Nassia Matsa
Nassia Matsa, model
What skill do people underestimate most about being a model?
How much physical pain is involved. Holding an uncomfortable pose isn’t painful for a few seconds but if you hold it for an hour, it is. Add to that uncomfortable shoes, clothes that restrict your movement, and 2-3 hours prior of people touching your face and pulling your hair. Modelling is fun but it’s quite painful.
From your perspective, what’s one thing people outside the industry don’t fully understand about modelling?
There is something that I don’t fully understand about modelling and that is how people not only like asking very intrusive and clumsy questions, but they feel entitled to do so. I’ve noticed every time that I redirect the intrusive question to the person who initially asked, they pretend without a fault that they can’t hear me.
Model was filmed in 1979 – what has changed most in the industry since then, and what hasn’t changed much?
There is one scene in the beginning of the documentary where models are pretending that they are in a fashion shoot protesting and demanding more women in the industry. Then it zooms out and you can see men telling them what to do. Speaks for itself.
“If your look is not ‘in’, you will not work.” – Imani Randolph
Imani Randolph, model
What skill do people underestimate most about being a model?
A great model is able to express a vision without having any fondness for it. There are days on set when you feel your absolute worst – sometimes it’s related to insecurities, but oftentimes you hate the hair, make-up, look, etc, that’s been selected for you. The ability to perform beyond that should not be minimised.
From your perspective, what’s one thing people outside the industry don’t fully understand about modelling?
In modelling, hard work and talent can be totally irrelevant. You can study the industry and the history of it, practice, know your angles, visit your agency every week, bring your best to every casting and that guarantees nothing. If your look is not ‘in’, you will not work. Simultaneous to that, someone who knows nothing can be plucked from obscurity and launched to their peak.
Sydney Acker, model
From your perspective, what’s one thing people outside the industry don’t fully understand about modelling?
How much time and sacrifice it takes to build a successful modelling career. Not having full control as many other careers, everyone’s journey is very different.
Model was filmed in 1979 – what has changed most in the industry since then, and what hasn’t changed much?
I think the microaggressions are still very prominent in the industry, ignorance has always been present, and I believe in certain markets this still lives, unfortunately.
Lisa Dymph Megens, casting director
From your perspective, what’s one thing people outside the industry don’t fully understand about modelling?
People think, “Oh, I’ll get an agency and I’ll get booked all the time.” That can totally not be the case. It’s really hard to put your finger on why someone isn’t working or why someone is working a lot. It’s like a genetic lottery. You can’t really change the way you look besides working on your physique. So it’s very out of your control and I think some people don’t understand that, or wonder why they are not working and why someone else is. Fashion constantly changes aesthetics so one season they prefer a certain look over another.
Model was filmed in 1979 – what has changed most in the industry since then, and what hasn’t changed much?
What is really worrying at the moment is that the girls are really skinny again. So we are back to the ‘90s, basically. I find that really sad. It’s difficult for a casting director to push it, because when designers don’t change and make bigger samples, we can’t cast curvier girls.
Taira, model
What skill do people underestimate most about being a model?
Probably the emotional resilience it requires. Modelling demands a great deal of mental stamina. You face constant rejection, and most of the time it has very little to do with you as a person. Yet, it is difficult not to internalise it. What makes it harder is the absence of feedback. When things don’t work out, you rarely know why, which leaves room only for speculation and overthinking.
From your perspective, what’s one thing people outside the industry don’t fully understand about modelling?
There are a few things, but one that stands out to me the most is the industry’s “last-minute culture.” You often have very little visibility over your schedule. Sometimes you’re asked to fly to another country the next day, or even the same day. Models tend to be the final piece of a much larger production, so everything else is arranged first and the model is confirmed at the very last moment. As a result, your personal life often exists in a kind of ‘pending’ state. It can be difficult to plan ordinary things. Accepting a friend’s invitation or even scheduling a doctor’s appointment… There’s always the possibility that work will appear suddenly.
Model was filmed in 1979 – what has changed most in the industry since then, and what hasn’t changed much?
Although models are still essentially independent contractors (each of us operates as a small one-person business with quite limited safety nets), there’s now far greater awareness around equity and exploitation in the industry. In many countries, regulations have been introduced to protect models’ health and working conditions, at least in principle. And there are organisations advocating for models’ rights, which is a great positive change.
One difference that stood out in particular in the film is the nature of runway presentation. Back in the day, it seems models were often expected to bring personality to the walk, adding their own character to the runway through smiling, interacting etc. Today the runway tends to be far more controlled and directed. Models walk in a uniform way, often with a severe neutral expression. I feel that fashion shows themselves have also changed in purpose. They used to be industry events aimed at buyers, press, and clients primarily. Today they often function as cultural spectacles, attended by celebrities and amplified globally through media and social platforms.
“ The work no longer ends when the shoot ends.” – Naomi Shimada
Naomi Shimada, model
What skill do people underestimate most about being a model?
I think the skill people most underestimate is how relational the job is. Every day you arrive into a new environment, often with completely different people, and you have to quickly find a way to connect. Being photographed is not passive! It’s a dance between you and the photographer, and you are constantly learning how to move with different partners, different energies, different expectations.
There’s also a strong performance aspect that people don’t always see. Not just in front of the camera, but in how you hold a space, how you interact with everyone around you. For me, a big part of the work was talking to people, reading the room, sensing the dynamics, and helping create an atmosphere where something could actually happen.
Model was filmed in 1979 – what has changed most in the industry since then, and what hasn’t changed much?
I don’t really consider myself part of the industry anymore, but from my perspective one of the biggest shifts since 1979 is the expectation of visibility beyond the job itself. Before the internet, modelling was much more contained – you would go to set, do the work, and then return to your private life. There was more separation between who you were and what you did.
Now there’s an assumption that being a model also means having a public profile, building a personal brand, and being visible all the time. The work no longer ends when the shoot ends, it extends into how you present yourself online and how you are continuously perceived. I also think the definition of what it means to be ‘good’ at modelling has changed. It’s no longer just about what happens in front of the camera, but how well you can maintain your own visibility, how you document your life, how you participate in your own image-making outside of the job. Models who are strong at that often have more opportunities now.
'Fashion constantly changes aesthetics so one season they prefer a certain look over another'
I think this is one of the more understated facts in the industry -- a career can be derailed by one's look being 'out'. modeling is and will remain one of the more 'right place/right time' industries, where advantages and disadvantages can appear and reappear seemingly almost daily