Leaving a small town, getting up and moving to a big city like Manhattan New York to attempt a dream in modeling and acting can be viewed as something only for the brave. Most should view it as a way to express yourself and live out your passion. However for a new model in a market such as Manhattan, or talented actor, will go through leaps and bounds to make their journey come true. What many talent lack, is common Knowledge, advice and the reality of becoming a model in one of the most difficult cities.

While every talents journey is different, here’s a compiled list of some realities that models and actors face while living out their dream in New York City.

Housing is superrrrrrrrrr expensive
Second only to San Francisco, which isn’t really a fair comparison considering how dense New York is, Manhattan is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States. If you are moving out here just to pursue acting or even modeling it is always best to look for options outside of the city. Manny up and coming communities in Queens and Brooklyn pose an affordable option for Talon moving out on their own. Roommates are also a favorite option which can cut the expense of living in half. While commonly known as the “model apartment“ agencies may allow their fresh face talent that have been signed from out of state, Or even overseas, a housing which is similar to a dorm with other models. Even though in the agency may cover the first couple months it is taken from a talents first gig so in reality, the model apartment with you share with many other models, can you come out to be the same if not more than how do you just live in a one bedroom on your own.

If you want to be taken seriously, especially as a model or actor, you need to have the correct materials when approaching a casting client.

There have been numerous times talent have been turned away without even having a portfolio when attending an open car. If you’re going to move out to New York City or if you’re trying to pursue the industry in general you need the correct and proper marketing. Invest in some good head shots if you want to expect any type of serious work as an actor or model.

Most people think that a modeling agency or a talent agent are the only options to find casting gigs. Many talented first assume that they can just go to offices or call agencies and set up appointments. It’s not that simple. To be taken seriously not only do you need the cracked marketing, but you also have to have prior experience that shows a client that you were actually trying to pursue this. If you were in a small town, it is best to look for local projects. Similarly, if you are just moving to New York, there are many options including latitude talent studios which helps connect models and actors with the tools and resources to start their journey in a competitive market.