The Famous Young Man from Garland, Texas: A lot has been said and written about him. From his much accomplished career as a model to his love of basketball and travelling. More importantly, there was a story that simply defined the degree by which Tyson shall be remembered as a person. It involves a family tragedy that resulted in a stronger, more matured person that he has been forced to become.
Tyson lost his father, Larry Ballou, in a tragic car accident, making him the head of his family at the early age of nine.
I was so young when he died. It made me grow up a little bit faster, being the oldest male around the house.
The eldest of 3 sons, Tyson hails from Garland in Texas. He wasoften remembered as a quiet kid who plays competitive basketball inCollege. Even with his height and body built, he had difficultiesdeciding what to do next after college. It seems destiny has somethingplanned for him.
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A Short History: Tyson's early modeling stints with Page Parkes: His career as a model started early when his mother, Nancy Ballou, accompanied the then teenager to Page Parkes for the summer. Until now, Mrs. Ballou still displays her son's work as a model, showing his photoshoots to close friends and relatives. In perspective, it was Page Parkes who first took notice of his potential to become a top male model, when Tyson was barely 15 and described as "extremely shy he could barely speak."
At page 214 in Dallas, Tyson was provided with a healthy amount of modeling to get him ready for the next important step- modeling in the Big Apple. His summer days were filled with shoots for JC Penny, Folley's and Fashion! Dallas.
Susan Kalleta of page214 recalls how she regards Tyson as "someone special". "We always knew he was going to be a star" she fondly recalls. In 1997, Tyson signed with the prestigious Ford Model agency in New York, as he pursues modeling full-time. However, he still commutes back and forth from Dallas. He performed as expected, making his presence felt, but still not enough to make a full impact. It seems there is still something missing in the puzzle.
His switch to IMG in late 1998 was the turning point. Kevin Apana, his booker, was very thrilled from the start, knowing fully well Tyson's potential to become the next most important star. With a fresh new look (closely shaved head, "military look"), Tyson became the most sought- after male model, season after season. It was a record quite difficult to set again.
Asked what particular point in his career did he considered "that defining point", Tyson mentioned standing in Manhattan and watching a bus roll by, with a giant ad for Fila shoes, there on the ad was his picture, "staring right back at me" he recalls. At that time he has to say no to invitations from no fewer than seven designers. That was when he appeared back-to-back for Jil Sander, Emporio Armani, Donna Karan and Hugo Boss.
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Setting the Standards: Tyson on the Runways and as Featured in Top Campaigns: On the runways, Tyson wowed every audience with his ability to stand out- not only because of his "gentle personality" and "amazing bone structure" but for his professionalism. He got this unique ability to project different looks for the many designers he was chosen to walk for. Appearing in almost all the major fashion campaigns since 1999, Tyson continues to prove himself as one who can withstand the test of time. Perhaps his record can only be compared to another top model, from Argentina Ivan de Pineda.
Both were represented by top agency, IMG in New york. Looking back, it seems Tyson is up for a new look. From the "military look" of late 1998 to the present "long sideburns", he goes from one level to the next.
Top Gun: Let the Record Speaks for Itself- Modeling, which is a risky business and a fickle one too, is reserved to those who have the guts to buck the trend and set their own. As always, IMG and Tyson Ballou is, once again, "testing the waters". To mention but a few of his top assignments, one simply cannot forget the highly-regarded Emporio Armani fragrance ad. This work was particularly memorable for the way his facial features were captured. Also notable is the much coveted cover shot with Kate Moss for L'Uomo Vogue. Another notable cover shot is for The Face. The first one allows us to see him together with another famous model, perhaps the most famous of them all- Kate Moss. The latter underscores his prominence as an accomplished male model.
The "bare yet subdued sensuality" he projects for another work, aptly captured by the masterful lens of Bruce Webber is another highlight. Of course, the series of Hugo Boss ads comes to mind. He also appeared for DKNY jeans and Levis. Not to be outdone, a number of top European designers also hired Tyson. Among them are Exte, Byblos and Valentino. Just like fellow male models before him, Tyson also dreams of becoming a millionaire. "Not as easy as a female model can do!" he smiles, acknowledging the fact that women earn 3 times as much as the men. But the future remains bright. Susan Kaleta emphasized "A man can be a model until he's 50 and make good money." That can't be said of female models.
I want to ride this out. It may not last long. You're often here and gone tomorrow, so I want to make it last a long time." Tyson said. Probably this is Tyson being a pragmatist. "It feels good though, to know that I've gotten a very good start.
he added.
In the world of male models, Tyson Ballou continues to set the standards, luckily for others like him, to follow and serve as a case study for success. Tyson is unique and there is no simple way to compare him with his fellow models. This uniqueness seems to be the key that allows him to enjoy his status as an accomplished male model and as someone who has find a job that he immensely enjoy. One "fashionista" commented: "He has kept his feet on the ground, remained humble through the years, even though, he had seen it all, done it all. When he was still commuting from NYC to Dallas, he had this "easy going" attitude that allows him to be both cool but on guard for something that might upset his work- as we all know that there are something in modeling everyone needs to be aware of. Until now, when he is the model everyone seems to look up to, he still has this "cool, collected" attitude about him."
"We admire him for that." she added.
The Interview: We believed its best to start the interview with a few questions close at heart...
Jed: The Dallas Morning News reported that your Mom, Nancy, is very proud of your accomplishments, how would you describe her as a person?
Tyson: When I think of my Mom, words like sweet, strong, friendly and loving come to mind. She is the best and I am so blessed to grow up with a mother like that.
Jed: How about your younger brothers. We heard that one of your brothers is also into modeling; please tell us something about them?
Tyson: Right now, Noah is in LA finishing his Slam Ball season. Modeling has been on the back burner. Look for him this month on TNN when they start airing Slam Ball or go to SlamBall.com. My other brother Brandon is in between us and he is living in Dallas.
Jed: We wish to ask you something about your modeling. To begin with, how will you define success at this point in your career?
Tyson: By staying on top and continuing to do good work with good people to support myself.
Who would you consider the people who made you one of the most successful male models today?
Susan Kaleta and everyone at Page Parkes have always been behind me supporting me knowing that one day I would be successful. After I came to IMG Kevin Apana and the rest of the staff at the agency's men's board gave me the direction and shape that really launched my career to another (higher) level. Carl Templer, Joe McKenna, Fabien Baron, and Solve Sunsbo were also huge in getting me the recognition I have today by including me in their projects.
Jed: You have walked the runways for a number of seasons but still maintain that certain charisma, not found anyone else. What are some of your impressions of the runways, what's the feeling and what's the best things about doing it?
Tyson: Shows can be a lot of work but they do offer a change from the norm. A lot of time and effort goes into them, not by the models of course, so it can be exciting exhibiting a designer's new line in front of an audience.
Jed: For whom was your very first runway show for? What was it like?
It is hard to recall who gave me my first experience on the catwalk. I almost always get very anxious right before we start.
Jed: What's the feeling before and after the show?
Tyson Ballou: Before the show it is chaotic and after there is a big sigh of joy when everyone can relax.
Jed: You have modeled for almost all the major designers and have appeared in their campaign ads for a number of times, who was the first designer you modeled for and your very latest?
Tyson: I think the first recognizable campaign was for the Italian label Exte. The latest was Perry Ellis.
Jed: Among these campaigns, which would you consider the most memorable?
Tyson: Many come to mind but I would say 2000 Jill Sander was the beginning of a new level in my career. Also the pictures taken by Mario Sorrenti were awesome, especially that of Malgosia.
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Video clip: Tyson Ballou's interview by Swide - Dolce and Gabbana
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Jed: Did you ever think of doing acting and entering the movies? Is that a far-fetched thought or something you have contemplated sometimes?
Tyson: I have thought about it a bit, especially lately. It seems to be the only transitional job for a model since we really aren't qualified for anything.
Jed: Speaking of women, could you describe to us your ideal woman? What would be her qualities to make her attractive to you?
Tyson: She is funny, smart, stands at 5'll'' with gorgeous dark eyes and hair, a beautiful smile and she needs to be super affectionate. She is also warm, genuine and honest to everyone, including herself.
Jed: What would be some of the places you have visited that you want to visit again and maybe spend sometime in it longer? What are some of your favorite places in the world?
Tyson: The Maldives Islands has to be the most beautiful place I have ever seen. It is a string of over a thousand tiny islands in the Indian Ocean and I plan on making it back there someday.
Jed: Some of the things you look forward to, some of your plans for the future?
Tyson: I would love to have a wife and a few kiddies.
Jed: What would you say to someone who is just about to enter modeling, maybe like 15 or 16 old boys...what should they expect from modeling?
Tyson: I would say stay in school and get an education or try to do both if you can. Don't expect to make a lot of money. Most don't make the kind of money you think and if you do make it remember that this business changes fast so don't blow it away.
Jed: What tips could you give them?
Tyson: Be professional, polite and don't let people's opinions about your physical appearance be the image you have of yourself.
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A Gallery of Tyson Ballou's campaigns, editorials and magazine covers.
What we have here are just a sampling of the many modeling works Tyson did over the course of his career as a model. What models.com said in a previous article about the famous Page Parkes' discovery is so true:
There is a reason Tyson Ballou is the go to guy for Vogue. His ability to go from rakishly handsome partner in crime to a gold tooth enhanced, fringe wearing bad guy, only verifies why more than a decade later, he still remains one of the most requested models in the world. In this Vogue Italia/Steven Klein shoot with Amber Valletta, Tyson shows his dark side and Amber is powerless to resist. Even with the gold tooth and cowboy fringe Tyson radiates sexuality and power. [ read more ]
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Acknowledgement: ModelWatch wishes to thank the wonderful people at Page Parkes for this interview.
