Does published work in a magazine matter anymore?
A variant of this question is posted daily on social media, blogs, and industry news sites. The quality of the responses range a wide gamut. It is often difficult to identify the qualifications of those who are answering. It is like asking a complete stranger which cereal your newborn will love in three years. They can take a shot in the dark and might even get it right. But does it really matter?
Does magazine publication to me?
I often pursue publication. My work can be found on corporate websites, book covers, and product catalogs. I have contributed to blogs, websites, and newspaper articles. At least a third of my magazine publications were physical copies on a news rack. The rest are digital magazines and magazine-like websites where I have landed features and covers. I consider myself a relative lightweight in this arena, but I do have some experience.
Does magazine publication matter to models?
It depends on your goals. If you want to be discovered, it only matters if the right people are looking at your work. The average vanity magazine is just that: vanity. The biggest payout is positive vibes and an ego boost. I don’t really see a problem with them, but they will likely not get you noticed.
The most important piece of the puzzle is the value to your portfolio. You must control the quality of work others see. That means avoiding magazines, photographers, and genres that do not mesh with your desired portfolio. Do not submit images to magazines whose work is not up to your standards. Avoid photographers who are not going to do you justice. Stop shooting genres that are not in line with what you want to do just to get a trade session with a decent photographer.
Every image shared on social media or in the pages of a magazine will define who you are as a model. You must curate the “master collection” of your work. Be selective. Make it shine.
Look at the magazines you are considering. Are you up to the task? Can the photographer deliver the images necessary to make it happen? Is that title going to represent your personal brand well?
If the answer to those three questions is yes, then go for it. Otherwise, it isn’t worth your time and effort.
I would love to hear about your experiences with publication. What has been your biggest success? Care to share a horror story? Comment below!
