Undercover Models Use Instagram to Expose the Worst Parts of Being a Fashion Model

There’s a new Instagram account that’s using humor to reveal the lesser known struggles of a career in the modeling industry. 

While the general public is only exposed to the glamorous fashion shows and beautiful models who strut down runways, for the models themselves, it’s a profession defined by the struggle to find work, survive, and meet the often impossible standards of beauty in the industry.

Modeling summarized into one pic #modelprobs #shitmodelmgmt

A photo posted by Shit Model Management (@shitmodelmgmt) on Apr 7, 2016 at 6:45pm PDT

Two young women who claim to be working models but remain anonymous to protect their careers started the Shit Model Management Instagram account. After only one month, the account already has over 42,000 followers, many of whom are also models.

No one has to know that you cried at the Dior casting #dontaskdonttell #modelprobs #shitmodelmgmt

A photo posted by Shit Model Management (@shitmodelmgmt) on Apr 9, 2016 at 8:16am PDT

As part of CNN Money’s five-part investigative series “Runway Injustice”, the founders of the account explained:

“There are a lot of issues that are swept under the rug in the industry. We just think that it’s time to start bringing up the things that don’t feel right.”

No one has to know that you cried at the Dior casting #dontaskdonttell #modelprobs #shitmodelmgmt

A photo posted by Shit Model Management (@shitmodelmgmt) on Apr 9, 2016 at 8:16am PDT

They also added that despite the struggles or injustices of the profession, the good parts mostly outweigh the bad.

help me I’m poor.

A photo posted by Shit Model Management (@shitmodelmgmt) on Apr 20, 2016 at 5:41am PDT

The posts document the hectic lifestyle of landing gigs, living in jail-like conditions in model apartments, exorbitant agency fees, and the stresses of trying to be relevant and successful in a highly competitive and superficial industry.

Me: I hate modeling Me: *books a job* Me: I love modeling so grateful for this opportunity God bless

A photo posted by Shit Model Management (@shitmodelmgmt) on Apr 23, 2016 at 11:52am PDT

I tried on three dresses, they said that I was exactly what they were looking for, and we had an hour long conversation about the meaning of life…….. So why do I see another girl doing the job on their Instagram #betrayal

A photo posted by Shit Model Management (@shitmodelmgmt) on May 4, 2016 at 1:56pm PDT

It’s always the people that you aren’t even close friends with # # #rude #notanswering

A photo posted by Shit Model Management (@shitmodelmgmt) on May 10, 2016 at 6:31am PDT

Im bald now it’s fine #snatched #ihavelike3strandsofhair #modelprobs #shitmodelmgmt

A photo posted by Shit Model Management (@shitmodelmgmt) on Apr 15, 2016 at 6:00pm PDT

Every model will never forget so many years ago when they walked into their first model apartment…. Then ran out to the nearest coffee shop and called their mom crying #modelprobs #shitmodelmgmt

A photo posted by Shit Model Management (@shitmodelmgmt) on Apr 7, 2016 at 8:13pm PDT

Agent: Don’t be afraid to tell me if you have questions and concerns! Me: lists my questions and concerns Agent: WHAT are you doing don’t question the proCeSs

A photo posted by Shit Model Management (@shitmodelmgmt) on May 11, 2016 at 6:47am PDT

“I’M GETTING FIRED I’M GETTING IN TROUBLE SOMETHING TERRIBLE IS ON THE HORIZON” *calls agency* “We just wanted to check in and tell you how proud we are of you!” #oh #thanks #closecall

A photo posted by Shit Model Management (@shitmodelmgmt) on May 9, 2016 at 10:09am PDT

Agent: you booked the editorial for VOGUE!! Me: ARE YOU SERIOUS?? IM GONNA BE A STAR!!!!! I’M RICH!!!! WHATS THE PAY?!! Agent: .. Me: .. Agent: ..honey you’re lucky if they even give you a piece of bread on set #voguetales #breadiscurrencyinitaly

A photo posted by Shit Model Management (@shitmodelmgmt) on May 4, 2016 at 8:03pm PDT

people, things need to change.

A photo posted by Shit Model Management (@shitmodelmgmt) on Apr 16, 2016 at 5:12pm PDT

Not even exaggerating, this has happened three times!!!! #modelprobs #shitmodelmgmt

A photo posted by Shit Model Management (@shitmodelmgmt) on Apr 17, 2016 at 1:58pm PDT

SORRY FOR BEING BORN I’LL TRY AND CHANGE MY BONE STRUCTURE IN THE WOMB NEXT TIME. *goes on a juice cleanse* *if you a model throw your measuring tapes in the air* #truthtime I understand that agents tell girls to get their measurements down in order to get shows/work and because they want the best career possible for their models, but can we admit that it’s stupid that some models lose life-changing jobs over one inch. can we just admit that. and I just need to know, how hard is it for designers to make clothes literally one size bigger in order to include a more diverse cast of models. like why is that so freaking hard. because their sample size excuse is getting old. okay bye. #ismellBS #modelprobs

A photo posted by Shit Model Management (@shitmodelmgmt) on Apr 22, 2016 at 8:47am PDT

when your choices are 1. Ask your agency for an advance and pay insane interest or 2. Survive on carrots and the food you steal from ecomm sets.

A photo posted by Shit Model Management (@shitmodelmgmt) on Apr 25, 2016 at 3:44am PDT