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MICHAEL TINTIUC INTERVIEWED FOR PONY RYDER.
Year 2010.
Michael you were discovered at the “White Trash For Cash” fashion show in Moscow.
Interesting title.Can you tell us more, so I don’t need to ask how did you end up in “White Trash For Cash”.
At that moment I was an 18 year old skater-punk that listened to Sex Pistols, The Exploited and just finished school. The last thing I wanted to do is to stay in Moldova. I started to study painting and fine arts in general, more seriously so that I would be accepted in the University.
The only reason I decided to go to Moscow is because it was the nearest well developed city. By the time I got accepted in the University I’ve completely changed my mind and point of view. I understood that I didn’t want to spend five years of my life in vain, as I truly believe that Universities in Post Soviet Countries won’t give you any kind of knowledge that would grant you successful job opportunities in future. That’s why I decided not to study, but still move to Moscow as I didn’t want to become a teenager without future.
I never considered myself a good looking guy, but my girlfriend insisted and helped me believe that I should start my career as a model. Unfortunately for about 6 months of castings I never got booked for any job ‘cause skinny, tall, long-haired guys were not the type of models Russian fashion industry wanted to see. But on one of those castings I got invited by another model for his friend’s label – White Trash for Cash, which was my first show and where I got discovered by my first agent.
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You are originally from Moldova. How is the fashion scene there?
If I would say that there is no fashion industry, I would say nothing…People are not interested in fashion, style, good music and art in general. What would cause interest and approval in cities like NY, Paris and London, here in Moldova makes most people laugh and scream as if their intellect is at an animal’s level. And it doesn’t depend on how young or wealthy they are. I really do not know any successful male models from Moldova, unfortunately, tell me if you know any.
How did you feel the first time abroad?
I was extremely happy, it was NY. I was not lost there, as the time spent in such a huge city as Moscow taught me lots of things about life in the Megapolis. Plus my English was quite good as I finished an American school back in Moldova, so I didn’t experience any troubles there!
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Were you ever asked to change something about yourself in your modeling career?
I guess that modeling is the same as acting, if you are ready and want to play somebody you have to understand that it’s your job and your success depends on the way you do your job. A lot of people wanted to cut my hair, which is obvious. But I and my agencies never wanted that as we all believe that I have to keep my style. Nevertheless if the length of my hair would become an obstacle for my career I would make a professional choice as this is all a part of modeling and acting.
Why do you think that Eastern European girls and boys have so much success in the modeling industry? Is it just the beauty, or are they more dedicated and hardworking?
In my opinion people that had more difficulties and obstacles in life are definitely more dedicated to their jobs and appreciate every chance they have.
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How can male models present themselves on casting in the best light? There is plenty of advice for girls, but never for boys.
The only rule that helps is be yourself.
A model’s book is very important and it is also important to show versatility in the portfolio. Do you think your book is “complete” and have you ever been told that you need more commercial photos in it, for example?
I don’t think that my book can be ever “complete” , even if I’d have tons of perfect pictures I would want to do more only because I enjoy it and I think that I can always do better. Plus models are just ordinary people that get older, change their hair style… The book has to change the same way the model does.
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You worked with Top Model Aline Weber. What is she like?
I enjoyed the shoot, it was really fun. Aline was very professional and nice, but we didn’t have time to know each other very well, so I cannot say what kind of person she is.
What was your favorite shoot till know?
I guess my favorite shoots are when the photographer, stylist and model want the same result, when they have the same idea of the picture. That’s why I prefer the shoots for LIRFONS, where I can choose the clothes and locations
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From all the shows you did.Which one did you like the most?
I really liked the shows I did for a Japanese designer – Julius. The music and the lights they use at the show are amazing. I admire people who can present their clothes in a very personal way, which tells what was the inspiration and the main idea of the collection.
As a runway model, you need to be slim but in perfect shape. Tell us something about your workout routine.
Well, I’ve never been working out.I’m skateboarding since 11 years old and I think that it is one of the best ways to stay fit :
You’re always outdoors and inhale fresh air.
It develops your whole body and makes it look natural!
It’s way more fun then working out in a gym, cause you skate with your friends always laughing and making pranks on each other.
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What type of sports do you do?
I really don’t like any kind of sports. I love skateboarding and surfing with all my heart and I consider them more then just a type of sport, they are a way of life and thinking.
I wonder, do you ever go to tanning salons. What do you think about this “tanning trend” ?
I tend to visit tanning salons every now and then, just to make my skin healthier. I have nothing against guys or girls who visit these salons regularly, I guess everyone can decide on their own how to look.
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Shaving?
I use electric razors.
Which perfume is your favorite?
Christian Dior: Fahrenheit
Your hair is amazing! How do you maintain it?
I don’t really like using a specific brand, I tend to always change my shampoos, but I choose stuff that has natural ingredients.
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I’m sure everyone wants to know.Are you taken at the moment?
SURE I am taken…forever!
Michael, do you like “clubbing”?
I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand “clubbing”.
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And what do you like?
I just like doing – what I like, you can always find time to do things that you love.
Some people like clubbing, excessive alcohol and drugs and say that this is what being young is all about, but there are adults that enjoy spending time the same way.
In my opinion youth is given for a reason, which is to find and understand what your interests are and who you’re going to be in future. People that want – are looking for a way and people who don’t are looking for a reason.
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Source : http://www.pony-ryder.com ( part I ) http://www.pony-ryder.com ( part II )