Jay Manuel – America’s Next Top Model

By starrymag | January 7, 2014

Jay Manuel, Makeup Artist

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL, airs Wednesdays at 8 PM ET/PT on UPN

Q) Why should fans tune into this season’s show?

 

A) I know this is going to sound cliché to say it’s the new season and it’s bigger and better, but you know what, it really is the truth! Every season, we sit down as a group and think of how we can improve on last season and every aspect of the show and I am so excited about people watching season four because we had the opportunity again to take it to the next level. There are so many favorite moments that I have from this next season that I am really so excited for people to watch it.

 

Q) How did you get involved in the program originally?

 

A) I have been working with Tyra since about 1997, just as her makeup artist. Aside from working together and being professional, we became friends. Then, on the side, what we started doing was just for fun we just started doing photo shoots where I would art direct them and do everything. It turned out the photos we were doing were actually more interesting then what we were doing at work. So, then when Tyra came up with the idea for the show, she called me early in the morning and said she had come up with this idea and exactly where she was standing in her house. It was so funny because she was so excited about it. I thought it was a really great idea. So, of course, she started pitching the idea for the show and once it was picked up she asked me to be involved in it and I said of course I would! The first season was a little tough because we had to prove ourselves and everyone was trying to figure out how this was going to work. I, actually, did a lot of jobs behind the scenes, as well as everyone’s makeup on all of the shoots. It was kind of crazy. During this season, when we did the nude shoot in Paris, that it was the first shoot I had art directed on camera and I had a lot of fun with it. Tyra said to me that is where I fit and that I had a lot of fun with it. So, next season I came on board as the Art Director for the show. It was a lot of fun!

 

Q) What do you look for in a perspective contestant?

 

A) During the casting episode, when we’re meeting contestants for the show, what I’m looking for first is when the girl walks in the room is if the girl has that sort of “it factor.” We usually interview the girl for about half an hour to thirty-five minutes and I really try and see if the girl has passion or drive to be in the industry. The fashion industry is a lot of work and you have to want to live, breath and eat fashion to be in this industry, to be a part of it. So, I sort of look for someone who has that little something that is bubbling beneath the surface because as we know, with models, the prettiest girl isn’t always a super model. You can see a gorgeous women on the street, but if you put her in front of a camera or whatever she can’t really to perform. Often it is the girl who is quirky or has some sort of odd feature about her. We’re usually looking for someone like that.

 

Q) You have worked with so many amazing individuals. Who would you most like to work with in the future and why?

 

A) Someone whom I have never worked with, but I love her style (I don’t know if she needs a makeover, but I just love her energy and her style) is Scarlett Johansson. I’ve only had the opportunity to meet her once. I just think she is so stunning. The way she looked at the Golden Globes this year was just incredible. She sort of embodies that “old Hollywood” and carries it off so effortlessly. I would just love to a photo shoot with her and do something very creative.

 

Q) How do you feel about Sports Illustrated creating a similar show?

 

A) Actually, I really don’t have an opinion on it. I think that the people that watched it enjoyed it. I think that’s great.  I, personally, did not watch the series so I don’t really feel I could comment on it. I heard there were a lot of similarities, but I didn’t get a chance to see it.

 

Q) Is there a makeup tip that you have for women with little to no time in the morning?

 

A) I think one of the most underused product that women have in their bag and that tends to fall into the bottom of their bag is a bronzer. I think women feel that bronzers should only be used in summer time and just kind of put it all over the face. I totally disagree because I think bronzers are so versatile. You can use it as eye shadow, you can bring dimension to your face by using it kind of as a blusher and along your forehead (as opposed to all across your face). It is something that, even if you had only a few minutes, you could put the bronzer all over your eyelids, your cheeks and throw on lip gloss and mascara and you’ll look kind of done and fresh.  I think that is a real quick tip for running out or even if you are in the subway.

 

Q) What has been the highlight of your long lasting career?

 

A) I feel that with all the different people that I have had the opportunity to work with has been the highlight. I don’t feel I just have one. Just having the opportunity to work with people like Tyra and all these other celebrities has taught me a lot and I think that the exciting part is working with those people and now getting the opportunity to pass on all this knowledge to these young models. That is really just what excites me.

 

Q) Do you have a favorite moment from filming any of the previous seasons?

 

A) I think in season 2, when the very first shoot the girls had in Milan was when we shot in the Arena de Verona, it was a very exciting shoot because I think it was the first time that we saw the sort of young girls sort of transform into super models. They were wearing John Galliano couture and it was very exciting because the scale of shooting in the arena was just incredible and I think that was definitely one of my favorite moments.

 

Q) What advice do you have for future contestants who wish to try out?

 

A) When you fill out your application and send your tape in to UPN, I say be yourself and give us the real you. Do not try and be “what you think a model should be.” A lot of young girls try and be this sort of quiet and fierce model and they don’t realize that a lot of these super models (yes you see that sort of attitude on the runway), but I think what makes them special is when they are on set and they are working these photo shoots, a lot of these interesting photos that we create come from these girls with dynamic personalities that are willing to try anything. So, when you send in your video tape, show us everything that you’ve got!

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of your career and of the show?

 

A) First, I want to say thanks for watching the show. Obviously, without the fans there would be no show, so that’s first and foremost. Keep watching! We’re going to try and take it to the next level each season. You can log into the UPN site and see the teasers and what is coming up and there is always a lot of behind the scenes footage that doesn’t make the show that is on the website. For those fans, definitely check that out. I do get a lot of letters about makeup tips and what have you, and you can log on to my website and I have a lot of step-by-steps on different makeup styles and what have you.