We can all agree that tattoos aren’t really the most desirable feature to have when pursuing a modeling career. Many modeling agencies and designers like to point out that having tattoos can make it pretty difficult for models to succeed and actually land jobs.
That is why, even nowadays, we don’t see many models with tattoos, or even if they do have tattoos, the design is rather minimal or well hidden. Sure, some of the world’s top models show off their tattoos with pride, but seemingly only when they reach a certain level of fame and recognition.
Once the designers want to work with you, you can have as many tattoos as you want and they’ll be probably considered a trendy accessory. But, what about men and women looking to start a modeling career? Can they show off their tattoos with pride, or is ink a big no-no?
Well, these, and many other questions we’ll tackle in the following paragraphs. So, make sure to keep on scrolling for a deeper insight into the hypocritical world of tattoos and modeling.
Can You Be a Model With Tattoos?
Why Are Tattoos So Dreaded In The Fashion Industry?
Tattoos have always been seen as a sign of rebelliousness, and their connotation certainly varies and changes from culture to culture. In the contemporary fashion industry, tattoos are much more accepted, we have to be fair and point that out.
Just a few decades ago, models weren’t allowed to really have tattoos; well, they were allowed, but if they wanted to have a successful career, they would avoid getting inked. This especially applied to high fashion, even nowadays. But, famous models are more open about having tattoos, truth to be told. However, even so, models are still facing criticism in regards to body ink.
So, why are tattoos so dreaded in the fashion industry?
First of all, tattoos are distracting. Tattooed models distract from the advertised clothing and the luxurious message brands are selling.
Second of all, we need to understand that models are ‘tools’ used to sell a luxurious, stylish, sophisticated way of life. Even if we’re talking about more relaxed, urban brands, the message is always the same; only certain, sophisticated clientele has access to our luxurious, impeccable, trendy products, not regular people. Tattoos are considered to be a feature of the ‘regular, common’ people, not the sophisticated, rich clientele fashion brands cater to.
High-end brands want the representation of themselves to be completely impeccable for the public. Such an image will make rich people spend their money, and common, regular people strive towards being able to afford such a lifestyle. Having tattooed models promoting such a lifestyle seems to contradict the message of the high-end brands, hence the small number of tattooed models showing off their tattoos on the runways or in the magazines.
Famous Tattooed Models – What About Their Tattoos?
Now, having said all that (in the previous paragraphs), we cannot simply ignore the fact that some of the world’s most famous models paved their own ways despite body ink. Let’s take a look at Cara Delavigne for example; she has over 30 tattoos on her body and has even confessed to being a tattoo addict.
Kate Moss also has a few visible tattoos, on her back and forearm. Ruby Rose is covered in tattoos, from head to toe, and she is one of the best-known models in the world. So, how did these models manage to create such successful careers despite the body ink?
Well, in the fashion industry, the higher you climb the model ladder, the more you’re allowed to be yourself. At the beginning of their careers, many of these famous models didn’t have tattoos, and they didn’t get their first ink until they’ve reached significant public recognition.
On the other hand, some models become famous for being unapologetically themselves; high-end brands recognize that certain things trigger a great response from the general public and see it as an opportunity to engage in the ‘thing’ and bring even greater attention to the brand and their products. This could be one way to look at things.
Top models like Kendal Jenner or Bella Hadid had plenty of shortcuts in their careers, which were also guaranteed that’s to the fame of their families. Who wouldn’t hire the sister of Kim Kardashian or Gigi Hadid? They could have been covered in tattoos and piercings and high-end brands would still embrace them because of the impact of their names and public presence. Some models simply enjoy certain advantages despite tattoos.
So, Can You Be a Model With Tattoos?
Technically, yes, you can be a model despite body art and ink. In practice, however, you might have a hard time landing jobs, especially those high-end gigs, and especially if your tattoo(s) is in a highly visible place. You might also have a hard time landing jobs if you have large, colored tattoos with questionable or provoking designs.
The size, type, design, and placement of a tattoo can simply make or break your modeling career. These factors are extremely important and play a big role in the fashion world and in determining your chances of making it in the industry.
Now, the best would be to have smaller, delicate, minimal tattoos in areas that aren’t so eye-focused. For example, the ankle, forearm, lower back, inner thigh, feet, and similar areas are perfect for delicate tattoos that won’t be an issue during specific editions and photoshoots for brands and magazines. These tattoos can also be easily covered with a full-coverage concealer, so even if a brand has an issue with your tattoo you can easily ‘get rid of it ‘for the day.
Moreover, bear in mind that having a tattoo, or multiple tattoos, can limit your working opportunities to only specific brands. You’ll surely have a hard time landing high-end jobs, but you might be able to work for more youth-oriented, urban, contemporary brands that focus on street-style fashion, for example.
But, if your goal is to work for renowned, high-end brands, it is best to keep tattoos hidden and minimal. Just ask yourself; can you imagine the customer and user of a brand having tattoos? If your answer is yes, then you as a model could also advertise the brand even with tattoos. If the answer is no, then you probably won’t land the job.
What About Photoshop? Can’t Photoshop Erase Your Tattoos on Images?
Yes, in fact, almost all the fashion brands have their models’ photos and videos retouched in Photoshop. It is a quick and available way of improving the final products and getting the models to look their best. So, it would be safe to assume that your tattoos could also be fixed in post-production, right?
Well, it depends. If we’re talking about one or two really small tattoos, then yes, the post-production would probably erase the tattoos and make them invisible in the final image or video. Of course, this applies so long the tattoos don’t interfere with the advertised clothing. However, if we’re talking about bigger tattoos, placed in areas difficult to Photoshop, or they interfere with the actual advertised clothing, then Photoshop won’t really help and it even might create more issues.
So, Photoshop isn’t really the most reliable solution. Some brands might go out of their own way and struggle with covering the tattoos, but the majority will simply rather hire a tattoo-free model and do as little retouching as possible in the post-production.
So, What Are Your Options?
Before auditioning or applying for a modeling gig, make sure, to be honest with yourself about your tattoos. This will allow you to create a clear picture of your expectations and the jobs you could actually land. Make sure to ask yourself the following questions;
What brand am I trying to work for? Is it a high-end brand or a street-style, urban, contemporary, youth-oriented brand?
What will I be potentially modeling? Will I be covered with clothes or will I model bikinis and more revealing items?
Are my tattoo large and visible or delicate and hidden?
Are my tattoos potentially offensive or placed in visible or areas modeling agencies and brands might find questionable?
Are the brands I’m trying to work for conservative or cool and edgy?
By answering these questions honestly, you will get a clear idea about what kind of jobs you should pursue as a tattooed model? Considering the size, placement, and design of your tattoos, your job options will vary, that is for sure. But, by knowing which jobs you might be able to land, you might also increase your success rate and better career development.
Also Read: Jobs That Allow Tattoos: Where Can You Work and Show Off Your Ink?
Final Thoughts
Being a model with tattoos might be a challenge on its own. The modeling and fashion industry is ruthless, and unfortunately, models get replaced quite easily. This makes one’s career options limited as a tattooed model, considering that brands rather hire tattoo-free models. However, this shouldn’t discourage you from pursuing a modeling career. You just need to be realistic about your options and the kinds of obs you have a high chance of landing.
Also Read:How To Hide My Tattoo: 7 Clever Ways To Cover the Ink
Let the inked-up rejoice: Models can have tattoos—but with the caveat that while tattoos are becoming more acceptable (and even desirable) for some modeling jobs, others, such as many designer house catwalk gigs, prohibit models from having visible tattoos.
Most agencies and companies prefer their models to have no body art because they require a blank canvas to showcase their clothing collections on. A tattoo is like a permanent accessory that can never be removed and that may even be considered out of fashion.
Fashion companies hire tattoo models for shoots to demonstrate how their clothes and accessories look on people with tattooed skin or to market a certain clothing style. Tattoo models are often seen as alternative models, but their duties and responsibilities are largely the same as traditional models.
Unsurprisingly, your hands have to be very attractive in order to become a hand model. This means that they need to be free of imperfections, such as scars, moles, and so on. Tattoos on your hands are a definite no-no. Your skin must be clean and smooth, so a lack of wrinkles or markings is preferred.
Now, there are now many jobs that allow tattoos and piercings. Whether you're interested in creative careers, such as music or fashion, or service-oriented jobs, such as bartending or customer service roles, there are plenty of opportunities for those with tattoos and piercings.
How much do tattoo models get paid? According to ZipRecruiter, the average yearly salary for a tattoo model is approximately $80,000, with most salaries ranging from $31,000 to $94,000.
Generally speaking, tattoos are acceptable at most places, even in the job positions that are mentioned above. Nevertheless, it's super-important for them to remain well-hidden so that they wouldn't affect or compromise the work ethics at that certain job position.
Modeling agencies do search for talent within Instagram. Posting a mixture of professional and personal lifestyle photos, engaging with brands, fashion and modeling industry accounts with large followings are good ways to gain attention.
For hashtags to work, modelling agencies have to be able to view and peruse your account. It is important your Instagram account is set to public, not private for this to happen. Because your profile would be able to be seen by anyone and everyone, it is important to see the platform as a professional space.
One of the most popular questions asked on the Internet by aspiring models is whether or not they can model with visible stretch marks and scars. And it's great news for those of you who are wondering – because the answer is yes!
The Model Coaches recommend keeping things in perspective by remembering that acne does not have to hold you back from your dreams and that even though it might be bothering you today, it might not be a hurdle forever. Keep in mind as well that the acne has no effect on the genetic gifts that make you model material.
IMG is about as prestigious as it gets, but the company still hires tattoo models. IMG Models allows their models to have tattoos and works with tattoo-specific art.
How much does a Professional Model make? The average salary for a professional model in the United States is $236,556. Professional model salaries typically range between $89,000 and $624,000 a year. The average hourly rate for professional models is $113.73 per hour.
The standard height requirement for a female fashion model is 5 feet and 9 inches to 6 feet. For men, the required height is 5 feet and 11 inches to 6 feet and 3 inches. You might have heard of top fashion models Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Karlie Kloss.
If you're thinking of becoming an actor but you have a tattoo, you might be wondering, “Can actors have tattoos?” Yes, actors can have tattoos, but having tattoos can make them more suitable for some roles than for others. Some roles might ask for no visible tattoos, while others might actually ask for visible tattoos!
Tattoos are generally accepted in the workplace as long as they're not offensive, unprofessional or distracting. In fact, nearly 3 out of 4 employers say they don't mind hiring tattooed workers.
Generally, hospitals expect doctors to cover over any tattoos while they're at work for hygiene purposes. Tattoos above the neckline or beyond the wrist are generally not permitted as most patients wouldn't want their surgeon's hands or face covered in ink!
Getting a tattoo isn't going to hurt your modelling career in any way. Sure, you might not get as many gigs right from the start. However, if you keep a similar approach to standard modelling, you can still make it.
That's right. Red Sun Cigarettes, a cigarette company based out of Clarence, New York is paying people to have their bold black, red and yellow sun logo (above) tattooed on their body. The incentive? Well, there are a few.
There are no federal laws making it illegal for an employer to refuse to hire, refuse to promote, or even fire someone based on the fact that person has tattoos (with a few exceptions as noted below.) Having tattoos is not a protected classification under federal law.
Statistics about tattoos in the workplace revealed: 76% of employees feel tattoos and piercings hurt job interview chances. 73% of people say they would hire staff that had visible tattoos. 6% of tattooed people say they wouldn't hire someone with visible ink.
Most career and image counselors recommend that you cover up your tattoos if you can. Even if the person you're interviewing with turns out to be fine with ink, you can still distract yourself from the conversation by stressing over whether or not your tats are visible.
Many modeling agencies and cosmetic brands look for a symmetrical face with even features. Because shots are extreme close-ups, so casting agents will be on the lookout for detailed face features like eyes, lips, eyebrows, cheekbones, and jawlines. Many successful models do not have these qualities.
The typical age is 16-21. Models can be younger than this, but many agencies will require models to be at least 16. Likewise, models can be older but agencies and clients tend to like their models looking younger and more youthful.
Many beauty shots are extreme close-ups, so casting agents will be on the lookout for good lips, eyes, brows, cheekbones and jawlines. Successful beauty models do not have to have all these qualities, but having at least one good stand-out feature will definitely help agents to notice a model.
Photos need to be brightly lit so agents can see you as clearly as possible. Don't take photos in the dark – even if you think the picture looks better, it will not help your application. Natural daylight is best, or strong indoor lighting. Make sure the background in your photos is as simple as possible.
What Are the Physical Fitness Modeling Requirements? Eating clean, working out daily, and having an athletic build are all key fitness model requirements for landing consistent fitness model jobs. Most fitness modeling agencies look for body types that are lean and fit, with defined muscle tone.
According to a facial-exercise expert (because that's a real thing) who spoke with Byrdie, some models enhance their gorgeous visages by working out their jaw, lip, and cheek muscles. The post outlines three of these techniques, which, if done correctly, claim to help you look as chiseled and contoured as Karlie Kloss.
"A lot of people think models wear makeup all the time but, as a matter of fact, when you go to the castings or jobs, they ask you to have absolutely no makeup on. Plus, there's a huge team of very talented people behind all those pretty pictures making us look like this."
It's really a wonder they ever get to sleep! So, to answer the question can models do their own makeup for shoots? Absolutely! Models generally need to master the art of hair and makeup in order to get started on the casting circuit initially.
Hair must be well-kept and neatly trimmed with no roots showing. Messy beards are also out – instead, try to keep facial hair neat so casting directors can still see the shape of your face. Underwear models may need to think about shaving their chests and pubic hair for certain jobs.
This answer will depend on the type of show and the conditions and needs of the designer. However, some models look for people who don't have tattoos or piercings at the time of casting. For example, models who dream of winning a Miss Universe pageant should not enter a contest with tattoos or piercings.
Most ideally would like just your ears to be pierced. If you have your belly pierced or you have numerous ear piercings, an agent may tell you to take them out while out on shoots or going for auditions. If you don't mind the possibility of your piercings closing up, this shouldn't be a problem.
Of course, and don't be hesitant! There's modeling agencies that accept models with tattoos and piercings. Tattoo and piercing models are seen on the runway, in magazines, and acting on television, and almost booking the same modeling jobs as everyone else.
Along with her meow tat, Kendall also has a few finger tattoos, including a white dot on her index finger, which she got alongside her friend Joe Termini, again tattooed by Jon Boy.
The short answer is Yes - with special heavy concealer like Dermablend (expensive $60/ a few ounces in usd), or other makup that conceals anything controversial, or unwanted. These models must supply their own coverup or have special arrangments, like temporary tattoo sheet that can cover up, foundation, or powder.
Height is typically between 5'9″-6″, bust is between 32″-36″, waist is between 22″-26″, and hips should be between 33″-35″. Of course most woman don't meet these standards and that is why fashion models generally get paid the most and work the most.
Models with acne don't exactly seem to be the most popular faces on our screens and the catwalk, but it's amazing what a makeup artist and Photoshop can actually do. Whilst it's of course true to say that models with spots aren't the norm, they do very much exist.
Did you know when you are signed with a modelling agency you can no longer cut and colour your hair as you please? If you want a change, then you need to discuss it with your booker. Hair style – colour and cut, is one of the attributes taken into consideration when models are booked for jobs.
One of her most famous tattoos is the crescent moon on her neck. Grande got this tattoo before anyone knew about her third studio album, which was originally meant to be called "Moonlight." The album, now called "Dangerous Woman," still contains a track with that name.
Many of Rihanna's tats come from her close collaboration and friendship with celebrity tattoo artist Keith Scott "Bang Bang" McCurdy, who first inked the Fenty founder when she was just 18 years old and has been behind some of her most iconic tattoos yet.
They want you to have your legs and armpits shaved because you're going to be trying on tons of clothes. At the end of the day you're being hired as a mannequin, and mannequins are typically hairless. Female body hair is still too radical for most brands to endorse.
What a lot don't know is that it can make or break a modelling career! An inside tip to our followers: for editorial fashion photo shoots makeup artists do not use foundation on models' skin, EVER! Models need to have clean and flawless skin on their face and even body, if they want to get work.
If your child is ready to be a model, don't let their dental arrangement be the hindrance. Your child can still model in braces because passion is greater than a straight smile.
Acrylics are strongly discouraged, however if you must, keep them to a nude colour or a clean French manicure. These are polished but subtle, as they will not be distracting at the casting. Steer clear from nail designs and bling on your nails… as those are distracting from your natural package while at a go-see.
The height requirements are 5.9 and above for female models and between 5'11" to 6'2" for male models. The fashion industry is very strict and has high, and sometimes unreasonable standards.
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