As a freelance model we all have busy seasons when we wish we could clone ourselves to be at every casting, gig and/or event. While other times we sit and wait and wait and wait. We all go through our highs and lows. Some lows can last months and those usually feel like years. With over 13 years of experience I am here to tell you that "dry spells" are normal and part of the journey (I promise).
You are probably thinking
Is modeling for me?
Will I ever get another gig?
Is it my hair/look/size?
Do I need new pictures/new agent?
Should I move on?
And the truth is 8 out of 10 times it's not any of the above. Sometimes we need to wait patiently in the line of life. Here are a few tips to pass the time and maintain a positive outlook.
1) Don't Compare Yourself:
We all have a unique path to success don't allow your mind to second guess your greatness by comparing yourself to others that are moving along quicker and further then you. This is not a race. Believe in your inner magic and keep on going.
2) Self-Improvement:
While you wait use this time to take better care of your hair, skin and health. Trust me you will BOOK again so make sure you are ready to knock’em dead.
3) Practice Your Craft:
During the off-season football players workout. They do drills and go to practice camp so they can be ready to play. Guess what? Modeling is a sport and you can sign up to various modeling boot camps to keep yourself in “tip-top” shape.
4) Prepare:
Prepare for the rush by fixing your portfolio, taking new pictures, printing out new pictures, try to recreate your business cards or comp cards.
5) Tidy Up Your Online Presence: Update your website or create a new one. Clean out your Facebook and Instagram account. Take a day to update your bio. Is there anything that potential clients might misunderstand or find objectionable? Weed this stuff out and simplify your accounts.
5) Inventory:
Check your model bag inventory. Make sure you have all you need for your next gig. Send out positive vibes by packing your model bag and putting it in the side, you will be BOOKED again so why not be ready?
6) Don’t Slack Off:
Continue submitting for work, emailing potential and past clients, attending networking events and posting on social media. Stay consistent.
7) Pray:
Praying helps me cope with everything. Don't allow negative thoughts to take over, here are some amazing passage that can rejuvenate your spirits.
“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines out steps.” - Proverbs 16.9
“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” - Hebrews 11:1
“Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” - Hebrews 10:36
"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.” - Galatians 6:9
Again you will be BOOKED again and when you do you will be ready, motivated and grateful.
How do you cope with freelance dry spells?