Surviving Criticism

During your modeling career, there will be many times when someone criticizes you. Some of those people may give criticism just to hurt you. Others will give the good kind of criticism, constructive criticism. Listen closely to this kind as it can only help you.

What seems to be mean-spirited words, may actually be wise words coming from someone who's been through the ups and downs of the modeling world and only wants to help you in not falling through the same pitfalls as they did.

Take an objective look at what each person is saying to you and sort out the useful from the chaff. If the person is known for being a helpful person to others, you can probably be sure their only motive is to help you too. Don't dismiss their words prematurely just because you are a little hurt by what they've told you. Let their words settle and ask yourself if what they're saying rings true.

A model has to deal with criticism all the time. People will tell you you're too fat, too skinny, too tall, too short, too intense, too relaxed, and so on. Everyone will have an opinion and most will love to share their opinion with you whether you want them to or not, and whether it's helpful or not. That's the business. Just accept this fact now and get ready to deal with it.

The key is to figure out who's trying to help you and who's just having a bad day and wants to take it out on you. When you find established professionals that seem to offer good advice and want to take you under their wing, let them play the part of the mentor.

Always remember that models will always have to endure criticism. Just keep your chin up and don't let a few choice words hurt you.