How to handle it: “I’m a model. It’s not hot and I can’t get free clothes.”

Welcome to the way I did it in the weekly Career Travel series.

This week we’ll work with the talented Kelly Moreira to look at the modeling industry from a modeling perspective (and next week from a casting agent).

Kelly signed a contract with Elite Model Management London and has been in the game for over 12 years.

Currently living in London, she is 30 years old and has studied abroad in the United States for the last 10 years, living and traveling in other parts of the world.

Kelly is honest about the realities of modeling, from impressive traveling heights to unattractive, lonely looks.

There are also many myths: modeling is a difficult task.

He says, “I think the biggest myth about modeling is getting free clothes for every shoot or show. I want to but it rarely happens.

After all, work is work, and Kelly is doing it well.

This is how he did it.

Hi Kelly, how did you start modeling?

I participated in the famous Elite Model Look Contest.

I have known about this modeling contest since I was a child and decided to give it a chance to participate when I was 17 years old.

At the time, they were doing their first showing at the mall.

They had a big event where hundreds of girls came to see them with their parents.

That year, they introduced an online application for the first time. It was great for me because I was very shy and didn’t know what I was doing.

Remember, you have to send your photo through Myspace, it will tell you how long ago it was.

Did this contest start your career?

We have reached the last 10 girls. It was a moment of self-confidence and emotion.

My mother was with me that day, so the best person was there to celebrate the good news.

After a week of intensive training, I learned all the basic skills to become a model. The process of walking on heels, posing and taking pictures. I also went on a TV show and got a lot of interviews. You really felt like you had a foothold in the industry.

Many people were invited to the final day, including French celebrities, celebrities and TV journalists. It was a great show.

That day I couldn’t win. I thought it was over, but I still gave it a try and did my best.

But a week later I got a call from Elite Model Management London and they said they wanted to sign me even if I couldn’t win the competition.

I was over the moon. I will never forget the day my modeling career began.

Two months later, I did my first Fashion Week and went to the biggest designer in Paris.

Is reality as attractive as it seems?

Do not misunderstand. Modeling is fascinating.

For example, a customer can use it in business class to fly on the spot and book a good hotel. Or invite them to a big event/party. But all of the above is really random.

The reality of modeling is far from a bright everyday party. Especially at the beginning of trying to give his name.

When I lived in New York, I remember sharing an apartment with other models and everyone was trying to put a name to it.

I couldn’t understand how long I waited as part of my job.

For example, during Fashion Week, it was not uncommon to wait hours for a meeting with a casting director who might book a show.

I think what people don’t understand is that this is a lonely job.

In most cases you are alone. Stay in a good spot as you roam around… you’re doing it alone, especially at first.

How do you handle check-in as part of your job?

Your image as the main tool in your work can be stressful, but I try not to put too much pressure on myself.

I work hard and always remember that at the end of the day it’s fashion, not the end of the world!

What is it like to be black in this world? Have you ever encountered a racist problem at work?

When I started modeling, I didn’t have the same level of progress or performance that we see today.

Therefore, as a black model, my agent had to plan my career accordingly from the start.

Previously, it was said that it would be difficult to work in France (where I was), and the agent advised me to move to New York since I have more opportunities to move to New York. That ‘s what I did. I moved to the United States at the age of 18.

In recent years, I have seen significant changes in the correct expression and inclusion and diversity of brands.

I still face challenges from time to time, like reaching out to creative teams who don’t know how to treat their hair or makeup products that suit their skin.

But people in my industry can feel like they are listening, learning and educating.

Is there something you want to know from the beginning?

When I started modeling, I was very naive about the business side of the industry.

I grew up as a model, you are your own brand, your own business, your own boss.

Investing wisely in yourself and raising money early is the key to longevity in your career.

How does social media affect your work today? Are casting agents getting this attention?

I am a model generation that started when Instagram did not exist. Even with the advent of social media, it took years to sign up.

I think Instagram is a great platform for models trying to create their own profile.

I know that clients and casting directors can book girls based on the number of followers.

However, there are still many brands that evaluate models based on their talent, experience, career, and work ethic.

To be honest, I try not to put too much pressure on myself to get more followers. Social media is only used as a tool to showcase your work and share what you like.

What is the best professional advice you have received?

The best advice I’ve ever given is what I’ve told myself from the beginning to the present.

What is your favorite job?

I travel a lot and meet many people with different backgrounds, different stories and different languages.

This really opened my heart to another level.

What do you like most about your job?

You may miss your family while traveling because you won’t be away for long.