TV's Make Me a Supermodel continues with season two on the Bravo network. Tyson Beckford returns to the show as a mentor to male competitors while Australian supermodel Nicole Trunfio is replacing Niki Taylor to mentor the females. Windy City Times caught up with these working models to get some advice on what it takes to be a supermodel.
Windy City Times: What advice do you have for someone that wants to be a supermodel?
Tyson Beckford: I would say to make sure you find a great photographer to shoot with and connect with. From that point on, get your walking shoes out. Walk and go see all the agencies.
WCT: What's the hardest part about being a mentor?
TB: I think the hardest part is when they don't get it.
Nicole Trunfio: And listen.
TB: Yeah, when they don't listen. I think it's so simple.
NT: We say the same things over and over and over.
TB: The hardest part is when they don't ask questions. We say, "Do you guys got it?" and they say, "Yeah yeah yeah." I think it's the nervousness of the camera crew that's around them and they rush and say they got it. Then when you see the finished product, they did not get what I was telling them.
It's important to ask questions because it's one of the most important things we are taught in acting and the modeling world. The more you know the better you will do.
WCT: America's Next Top Model is changing its height requirements. What is your opinion on that and on plus-size models?
TB: I don't really watch that other show too much. It's a great show, great entertainment, but I don't think they focus as much on the whole modeling world.
NT: In the reality of the modeling world it's about the perfect weight, the perfect height and the perfect look. It's not about breaking boundaries. A couple of people did it but we have to be role models and it's about looking good.
WCT: I just interviewed Chris recently. Any opinions on him?
TB: He needs to remember he is a male model. He has to be able to toughen up. Sometimes the photographers would ask him to toughen up. He could do the androgyny side good, but he can't play the tough side. To be a supermodel you have to be able to do everything that is asked of you.
WCT: Are you visiting Chicago anytime soon? You have tons of fans here!
NT: Yeah, maybe. I love Chicago. It's a great city.
Season two of Make Me a Supermodel premiered March 4; for more info, visit www.bravotv.com .
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