So I got this modeling career guide thing from Mayara Lima floating around on Instagram last Tuesday, right? Was scrolling through my feed while chugging coffee. Had zero clue who Mayara Lima was honestly – just saw “modeling tips” and figured why not click? My shoots been feeling stale lately.
First thing she emphasizes? Portfolios ain’t supposed to be perfect. That hit me different. Always stressed about flawless shots till I realized agencies wanna see real movement, not just statues. Grabbed my dusty tripod next morning, set up near the bedroom window. Just natural light. Spent 3 hours doing weird angles I’d normally skip – like bending over tying shoes or laughing fake-laughs till my stomach hurt. Looked ridiculous but saved those raw shots anyway.
Another wild tip? Submit to same agencies monthly. I used to think one rejection meant never bother again. Dug up old emails from agencies that ghosted me before. Sent new stuff every Thursday for a month like clockwork – first my boring headshots, then those messy window shots, even tried video snippets. Got crickets weeks 1-3. Then bam! Week 4, two replies asking for availability. Almost deleted the chain-mail-looking one thinking it was spam.
Biggest mindset shift though? Her “rejection = redirect” rant. Was prepping for this swimwear audition last week. Practiced walk cycles in bathroom slippers till 2AM. Showed up, casting director took one glance: “Your vibe’s too earthy for beach glam.” Normally I’d spiral. This time? Remembered Mayara’s “redirect” crap and hustled to a boutique eco-brand casting across town. Landed the gig modeling hemp dresses. Photos came out with actual sunlight hitting my dusty sandals – exactly that “imperfect portfolio” magic Mayara kept yapping about.
Whole experience taught me modeling ain’t about waiting for perfect moments. It’s about looking stupid in your pajamas at noon, sending awkward emails repeatedly, and treating “no” like a subway transfer. Should’ve figured this out sooner, but hey – better late than never modeling.
