As my understanding deepens about all the opportunity there is for work related to being an extra or "the face" for various products or procedures, I'm starting to feel some internal desire/pressure to get some cosmetic dental work done. It isn't covered by insurance so will come out of my own pocket and it ain't cheap. I had been foregoing this because it just didn't matter before. Even though I have one defective tooth that is somewhat noticeable, it never seemed to hinder any personal or professional progress.
Now that I am thinking of getting into print work, having my face/person on printed advertisement/announcements for pamphlets, magazines, posters, billboards, public service announcements, etc I'm thinking I need to improve my smile profile. The whole thing about getting into print work is an ABSOLUTE 180 degree turn for me as I've spent the better part of my life actively and forcefully avoiding anyone photographing me. But now, it seems like this great challenge for me. I really want to see how far I can take this.
I am also considering getting my teeth whitened, another MAJOR consideration that I do not take lightly. I abhor the idea of getting any chemical treatment done. I am a bit of a fanatic of not wanting to take any medication unless absolutely necessary and try to avoid any known toxins. I have a message into my dentist to see what my options are. Still not sure I will do that but it has come to the forefront where it was never a question before. I've kind of become obsessed now with looking at people's teeth in print work, TV, movies, and commercials. And true, not every one has perfect teeth. I'm just thinking that to get my foot in the door, first impressions are hugely important. On the other hand, I'm also thinking that if my face is what they want they can always photo shop my smile to make it more perfect. It's so weird to have these thoughts going through my head because I've always been so opposed to photoshopping and any artificial interventions that overemphasizes the importance/impression of perfect beauty--and yet, here I am.
While on the elliptical in the gym, I saw a special on what women Oscar candidates go through prior to their red carpet appearances and it is just outrageous what they put themselves through and the cost for all the treatments. And while I will never get to that level, I do think more about my weight, fitness, muscle tone, teeth, hair, etc. since engaging in this extra work. It's all new to me because I grew up a tomboy and an academic nerd (I was sandwiched between two brothers and was obsessed with getting straight As). "Girlie" concerns--clothes, hair, makeup, etc. just never were my thing.
I started dying my hair about 10 years ago for a while to make the best of a too short haircut which made me look way too maternal versus hip and to participate in an Amma fundraising effort. I won't lie, it also took off a good 10 to 15 years off my looks. I stopped for the last 6 years or so because my hair grows so fast that I couldn't keep up with the root exposure, it's expensive, and it was starting to damage my hair. Plus Bob really didn't like me dying my hair and absorbing all the chemicals that go along with that procedure. Since stopping, I have to say that I get a lot of compliments on my hair so I'm feeling okay about not dying it but even that has started to creep back into my consciousness.
I've also never gotten my eyebrows waxed or threaded or had any waxing or laser work done on my face or rest of my body. I don't think I'm going to get into any of that, but again, it's more present in my mind than ever before. I debate whether it's a vanity thing or an investment in my career. What price am I willing to pay to be successful? I can see how easy it is for things to get out of hand for some people with all the plastic surgery. I feel lucky that I'm coming into this very late in my life, having had a very successful and deeply meaningful career as a psychologist and this "new career" is just a bit of an after thought. I'm invested but still feeling pretty balanced about the whole thing--at least presently. I'm still me but I do look at others when on jobs and see the degree of advancement many of these women have in the ways of hair, make up and clothes. It's an interesting new metric for me to be thinking about. It doesn't make me feel bad about myself at all, I just find it interesting to be thinking about these things after never really thinking about them ever before. It's a bit of an intellectual exercise for me.
Now that I am thinking of getting into print work, having my face/person on printed advertisement/announcements for pamphlets, magazines, posters, billboards, public service announcements, etc I'm thinking I need to improve my smile profile. The whole thing about getting into print work is an ABSOLUTE 180 degree turn for me as I've spent the better part of my life actively and forcefully avoiding anyone photographing me. But now, it seems like this great challenge for me. I really want to see how far I can take this.
I am also considering getting my teeth whitened, another MAJOR consideration that I do not take lightly. I abhor the idea of getting any chemical treatment done. I am a bit of a fanatic of not wanting to take any medication unless absolutely necessary and try to avoid any known toxins. I have a message into my dentist to see what my options are. Still not sure I will do that but it has come to the forefront where it was never a question before. I've kind of become obsessed now with looking at people's teeth in print work, TV, movies, and commercials. And true, not every one has perfect teeth. I'm just thinking that to get my foot in the door, first impressions are hugely important. On the other hand, I'm also thinking that if my face is what they want they can always photo shop my smile to make it more perfect. It's so weird to have these thoughts going through my head because I've always been so opposed to photoshopping and any artificial interventions that overemphasizes the importance/impression of perfect beauty--and yet, here I am.
While on the elliptical in the gym, I saw a special on what women Oscar candidates go through prior to their red carpet appearances and it is just outrageous what they put themselves through and the cost for all the treatments. And while I will never get to that level, I do think more about my weight, fitness, muscle tone, teeth, hair, etc. since engaging in this extra work. It's all new to me because I grew up a tomboy and an academic nerd (I was sandwiched between two brothers and was obsessed with getting straight As). "Girlie" concerns--clothes, hair, makeup, etc. just never were my thing.
I started dying my hair about 10 years ago for a while to make the best of a too short haircut which made me look way too maternal versus hip and to participate in an Amma fundraising effort. I won't lie, it also took off a good 10 to 15 years off my looks. I stopped for the last 6 years or so because my hair grows so fast that I couldn't keep up with the root exposure, it's expensive, and it was starting to damage my hair. Plus Bob really didn't like me dying my hair and absorbing all the chemicals that go along with that procedure. Since stopping, I have to say that I get a lot of compliments on my hair so I'm feeling okay about not dying it but even that has started to creep back into my consciousness.
I've also never gotten my eyebrows waxed or threaded or had any waxing or laser work done on my face or rest of my body. I don't think I'm going to get into any of that, but again, it's more present in my mind than ever before. I debate whether it's a vanity thing or an investment in my career. What price am I willing to pay to be successful? I can see how easy it is for things to get out of hand for some people with all the plastic surgery. I feel lucky that I'm coming into this very late in my life, having had a very successful and deeply meaningful career as a psychologist and this "new career" is just a bit of an after thought. I'm invested but still feeling pretty balanced about the whole thing--at least presently. I'm still me but I do look at others when on jobs and see the degree of advancement many of these women have in the ways of hair, make up and clothes. It's an interesting new metric for me to be thinking about. It doesn't make me feel bad about myself at all, I just find it interesting to be thinking about these things after never really thinking about them ever before. It's a bit of an intellectual exercise for me.
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