Is egotistical narcissism a prerequisite to being an outstanding model, or is modeling strictly about looks with no concern for personality?

[laurieluvsit]

Don't you have to love yourself a lot to really get to the top with a modeling career, so the models who love themselves the most would be best at it?

Am I missing anything? ... is there nothing to my theory?

A. No, that is silly, for modeling you just have to have what it takes in the looks department

B. Yes, you have to have a high degree of narcissism to be good at modeling without question

C. The three main requirements for top models are good looks, mannerisms (how you carry yourself, style) and a high degree of confidence, which people mistake for narcissism

D. OTHER, see my comments below, or just open the "Modeling" survey

[SuperManiac]

I actually dated a popular model here in Japan (it was kind of a fluke, and I think the only reason she took a liking to me is that I seemed to be the only one in the room not impressed by her looks as I'm not the charming type of guy who should be attracting models). But she did not resemble this model stereotype at all. She was warm and fun-loving and easy-going, smiling and laughing a lot, and she loved singing Karaoke. She wasn't the slightest bit judgmental either with a wide group of friends.

So at least I can say not all models are egotistical and stuck up. I at least have one case that defies such expectations. And she was quite good-looking, not a small-time model but rather popular here and somewhat of a celebrity (I met her in a VIP lounge at a fancy club). Our relationship actually ended because she had to go overseas to the Philippines after the summer ended for a photoshoot.

[SuperManiac]

I mean there's maybe some level of vanity required to motivate someone to be in great shape and stick to a nutritional plan. But vanity doesn't always have to be accompanied by insecurity or looking down upon others or anything. Maybe she was a little bit vain that way. I'm pretty sure she was aware of how popular and good-looking she was. But I wouldn't call it unhealthy or anything like that. She wasn't the judgmental type of person at all and quite kind to others expect guys who tried to pick her up out of the blue.

[SuperManiac]

[...] [except] guys who tried to pick her up out of the blue [she didn't really have that much patience for that, and again I think the only reason she found me interesting because I seemed to be one of the few ones who didn't even bother to try and just talked to her like an ordinary person].

[lightbulb27]

some people seem to come alive on camera, innately. those people can be on a camera. I don't associate it to narcissism, not sure what it is. some outgoing quality of wanting attention and being good at it... it feeds them.

[nerms123]

You only need looks and a high tolerance for the bs of the industry. You also need to be resilient from constant rejection and criticism of your looks. Models are generally not narcissistic. They are just jaded and tired.

[EriFrancis1994]

To an extent you have to be egotistical I think. When you feel self confident that exudes through you and translates to "smouldering" on stage/in photos.

[AngelLily]

There are actually many top models who in real life have self image/self love problems.

[VIVANT]

Just looks

The rest is manufactured.. models are groomed not born

[markscott]

I should think that true narcissism would get in the way of becoming a successful model. Not that it would keep someone from being a model, but it's like you would have to be a very good model, for people to put up with your crap, is you had narcissistic personality disorder.

[Oram52]

Particular type of looks and body type is the only thing that matters when it comes to becoming a model. What their personality maybe like is irrelevant. Models aren't treated well in the industry they're just commodities to sell or display things.

There is a reason models looks similar in some ways. Looks and body type is only thing of relevance.

[DanishSaint]

I don´t believe in generalizing anything so vague and simple, when it comes to people - we are far to different and complex for that!
However, I would say, that to be a successful model, you have to posses certain skills in the direction of egocentric, narcissistic and indifferent. Be able to always put yourself first, not caring too much if other people are repulsed by it or even gets hurt in the process.

[ashishr21]

You are indeed correct. Yes confidence is important but that kind of confidence can never come without narcissism. And as for looks, it's not really that important. I've had friends who look really ugly but were great at modelling.

[QuelloCheNonSa]

Obviously you have to have done kind of physical appeal, which can manifest in many different ways. But modeling seems like a rough gig based on The feeling of being rejected and constantly thinking you're not pretty enough or buff enough which I guess could foster a narcissistic personality eventhough it could just be a tortured soul tired of just hearing these types of things and feels like they need to dish it out sometimes too. But I don't know

[DWornock]

Fashion models are basically teens ages 14 to 19, 5'9" or taller, and about 108 lbs. By age 20, most have gained weight or their body shape changes, and that is not the market wants so they retire. Supermodels may have a longer career.

[Crazychickgold]

Id think they’d be very aware of the flaws they have. (If only few) lfrom constant critics

[MadBoy]

I won't say I'm an expert in the whole modelling industry, but I'm pretty sure they'll take anyone as long as you look good.

[Tom_E]

Lmao models are just like everyone else, often perfect examples of the dichotomy of humans; both narcissistic and insecure af

[UncleJessieRabbit]

I say the three: Looks, confidence, and ability.
Guess there are some models that are narcissistic but that's not the same as being evil.

[blondfrog]

Just win the gene lottery plus have some good connections.

[Valnac]

They look good and they know it. They probably are bitchy too.

[loveslongnails]

"Modeling" could possibly be one of the dumbest professions ever... selling a bullshit image.

[Rundown]

Models aren't JUST models

[SUMAIREBRAHIM]

It's all about perception really