America’s Next Top Model: Where Are They Now?

RNO: In reality, do you think being on the show hurt or helped your chances of starting a career in modeling? Do you think it set you up better as just being known as a TV personality?

Tatiana: I think in certain ways the show really hurt my chances of becoming a high fashion model because the show is in no way high fashion. It did help a little bit with the campaign I just landed only because in other countries besides Europe, the show is pretty big.

RNO: Is there anywhere in the near future people can expect to see you?

Tatiana: Everywhere, if what I am planning goes right – wish me luck!

RNO:Sounds good to me! Thanks, Tatiana!

Another girl who returned as a guest star on Cycle 8 was Cycle 4’s Michelle. Remember, Michelle was the girl with the “flesh eating bacteria” that wasn’t flesh eating at all and was a simple case of impetigo? That still cracks me up. Michelle was wrestler who was unsure about her sexuality at the time. Let’s see what she has to say, shall we?

RealityNewsOnline: Since appearing on the show, what have you been doing in the modeling industry? What about in the entertainment industry as a whole?

Michelle: I just signed with Next Model Management. I've been on a couple shows since ANTM, and I've done a lot of appearances. I've been doing a lot of photo shoots and million other little things too!

RNO: The skills that you learned on the show -- do you find yourself using them in the "real world" or is it a lot different?

Michelle: I learned to have more faith in myself, to be more confident, and to love myself. Without ANTM, I don't think I would have learned all of that and I wouldn't be where I am today.

RNO: Are you still in contact with anyone from the show, contestants or judges?

Michelle: No, not really. I see some of the girls every once in a while but we don't hang out.

RNO: Is there any kind of advice you would give to girls who want to apply for the show, or hoping to start a modeling career?

Michelle: If you want to get into the modeling business, start with what you have and where you are. Acting classes are great because they get you out of your shell and you learn different emotions.

RNO: In reality, do you think being on the show hurt or helped your chances of starting a career in modeling? Do you think it set you up better as just being known as a TV personality?

Michelle: I know that it helped! I do a lot of club appearances and photo shoots just because I was on the show. I work as a model and a TV personality.

RNO: Is there anywhere in the near future people can expect to see you?

Michelle: I was just on ANTM as a special guest this Cycle!

RNO: I’m glad things are going well for you, Michelle! Thanks again!

Even though I wasn’t able to get a hold of the winner of Cycle 4, Naima, I was able to find some information about her concerning what she has been up to career-wise these days and since the show wrapped. Here is what Wikipedia had to say:

Naima and Cycle 3's Ann Markley were Trophy Girls at the 2005 Primetime Emmy Awards.

She has made multiple appearances as a guest on The Tyra Banks Show. She has appeared on the second season premiere of Veronica Mars, "Normal Is the Watchword".

Mora also served as a judge at the Miss Teen USA Pageant in 2005.

In 2006, she wrapped up filming on an independent film called Sarbanes-Oxley, and has made an appearance in a music video for TV on the Radio’s “Wolf Like Me.

Naima has modeled for CoverGirl, Elle Magazine, Fuego Magazine, US Weekly Magazine, IN Touch Magazine, Star Magazine, Teen People Magazine, Split Clothing, Jazz Album Samsung. She also modeled with her sister Ife for iTunes.

Naima's runway shows include Christopher Deane Spring 2006 Collection, Gharani Strok Fall 2005, Carlos Miele Fashion Show, Walmart and ELLEgirl Presents Dare To Be You Spring 2006, and Fashion Comedy Style 2005 (Charity Event).

I think it’s safe to say that some of the most diverse, fun girls came out of Cycle 5. I did a little digging, and I was able to hunt down and talk with a few of them!

One girl who viewers will never forget is Cassandra. Cassandra was the first girl to ever leave the show on her own accord, when she refused to let the stylists cut her hair any shorter than it already was. Cassandra is always referenced on the show whenever it’s time for makeovers, and I doubt it will ever be let go. What has Cassandra been up to, you ask? Let’s see!

RNO: Since appearing on the show, what have you been doing in the modeling industry? What about in the entertainment industry as a whole?

Cassandra: I have been doing a lot of print work, as well as some promo and runway. I’ve also been doing a lot of hosting.

RNO: The skills that you learned on the show -- do you find yourself using them in the "real world" or is it a lot different?

Cassandra: Not really – The only tip that I actually apply is always be conscious of what your body is doing. A lot of times certain positions can look funny on camera. They don’t really give a lot of advice – more criticism.

RNO: Are you still in contact with anyone from the show, contestants or judges?

Cassandra: Not the judges, but I live with Kyle!

RNO: Is there any kind of advice you would give to girls who want to apply for the show, or hoping to start a modeling career?

Cassandra: You have to be at least 5’7”. A lot of girls have high hopes, but the truth is, it’s just not going to happen if you’re shorter than that. It’s just not going to happy – not to be harsh, but it’s the truth. I have enough trouble as it is at 5’8”!

RNO: In reality, do you think being on the show hurt or helped your chances of starting a career in modeling? Do you think it set you up better as just being known as a TV personality?

Cassandra: It doesn’t help at all with modeling. In fact, it does hurt because people don’t take you seriously. However, it has opened a lot of doors for me as far as hosting, etc.

RNO: Is there anywhere in the near future people can expect to see you?

Cassandra: CSI: Miami, Hannah Montana, a new CW Pilot, as well as on in-store posters (Nordstroms, Bloomies) for a new clothing line called Le Garcon. I also judged a reality show called The Next Ring Girl.

RNO: Wow, Cassandra… you have been busy! Thanks for keeping me posted!

Next up, we have Kim. Kim, as I’m sure you remember, was one of the most outgoing girls the show has ever had. The judges loved her look and confidence. What I loved about Kim was that even with her sexuality constantly being rubbed in her face by the judges, she never let it truly get to her. Here’s what Kim has to say:

RNO: Since appearing on the show, what have you been doing in the modeling industry? What about in the entertainment industry as a whole?

Kim: I have been signed with Elite Models for about a year, and have been doing a bunch of jobs with some really great clients. Otherwise, I have been spending time hosting for MTVU, and that has been good because it’s very important to me. I get to critique and debut videos, and bring them into regular rotation!

RNO: The skills that you learned on the show -- do you find yourself using them in the "real world" or is it a lot different?

Kim: I think the show is a good place to learn about yourself. You’re put in a pretty strange place with some pretty strange people. Obviously, the way you are shown is the way the producers and editors choose to show you. You’re put under extreme pressure and learn a lot of bad sides about yourself. In terms of modeling though, I think there are some things that I learned about strengths and weaknesses. There’s a huge learning curve though, and it takes some skill. First and foremost though, you have to realize it’s a reality show and more theatrical than real life.

RNO: Are you still in contact with anyone from the show, contestants or judges?

Kim: Yeah, I’m in contact with Bre still – we had dinner together the other night. We are friends, as much as everyone wants us to hate one another. I talk with Kyle every now and then too, but we haven’t spoken in a little.

RNO: Is there any kind of advice you would give to girls who want to apply for the show, or hoping to start a modeling career?

Kim: I’d say that the show is a fantastic platform to do more things. I do also believe that in the modeling world, agencies and designers want a face that doesn’t already have a personality behind it. When you are done on the show, it’s not like you are ready to be a model and take off into the world. You have to play your cards and see what happens!

RNO: In reality, do you think being on the show hurt or helped your chances of starting a career in modeling? Do you think it set you up better as just being known as a TV personality?

Kim: As time goes on, I do more shoots and get more exposure. I’m seen as a model, or in the MTV world, a VJ, but I do think there are times I’ve gone into a casting and they don’t want a girl from ANTM in their shoot because they don’t want a character. Antything that gives you exposure and a chance to share yourself is helpful, but not necessarily in modeling.

RNO: Out of curiosity, have you come across a situation yet in the “real world” where your sexuality has become a problem, especially in the modeling industry?

Kim: No, it has never been a problem. My experience so far is that my confidence and pride is seen as a strength, and actually helped me – people find it attractive and they are drawn to me because of it.

RNO: Do you think it is realistic for girls who are pursuing a modeling career for it to happen over night, or think that by being on the show that they won’t have to work as hard?

Kim: No, not at all. If you are on the show, you have to work just as hard, if not harder. You look at all the girls on the show over the years and about 10 to 15 have actually been signed, while only about five or six actually get work on a regular basis. It’s not a sure deal, and it’s that these girls think that being on the show is enough. They wait for the work to come to them and get lazy. The show is simply a platform, and you still have to learn the strokes and work though the real world.