Why Model Cameron Russell Says 'Modeling Isn't A Career Path, It's Like Winning Powerball'

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Model Cameron Russell

Ted Talk

"Models are the most physically insecure women on the planet," reveals model Cameron Russell in a new Ted Talk.

Although Cameron Russell has been a model for brands such as Victoria's Secret and Chanel for the past 10 years, she says the profession is not all it's cracked up to be and it's definitely not for everyone.

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"The real way I became a model is I won a genetic lottery and I became the recipient of a legacy," she says in a recent TEDxMidAtlantic Talk. "Saying you want to be a model when you grow up is akin to saying you want to win the Powerball when you grow up. It's awesome and it's out of your control and it's not a career path."

Russell went on to display numerous photos of herself, explaining the contradictions between what people think when they see the images and then the reality.


"These pictures are not pictures of me, they're constructions," says Russell. "They're constructions by professionals hairstylists, make up artists, photographers stylists and all of their assistants and pre-production and post-production and they build this. That's not me."

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Model Cameron Russell

TED Talk

The first time Cameron Russell wore a bikini was for a modeling job.

Russell went on to explain that she was sexualized for modeling jobs as a teenager before she even had a boyfriend. She says the first time she ever wore a bikini was for a shoot between real life soccer matches.

Russell says that while, yes, the perks of being a model such as traveling and working with creative people are great, that's only half of the equation.

The other half isn't as shiny, as Russell reveals she's filled with insecurities.

"If you are ever wondering 'if I have thinner thighs and shinier hair will I be happier?' you just need to meet a group of models because they have the thinnest thighs and the shiniest hair and the coolest clothes and they're the most physically insecure women on the planet."

Watch Russell's complete talk below:

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