Crater grad appears on 'Make Me a Supermodel'

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Above: Crater High School graduate Branden Rickman, 19, is the youngest of 16 contestants on the second season of “Make Me a Supermodel” on Bravo. Below: Rickman received professional training at Image Modeling Development in Medford.Bob Pennell

Branden Rickman doesn't mind that everything about his hair, clothes, mannerisms and walk will be criticized and perfected for the next 13 weeks — in front of millions of television viewers, no less.

It's all for a shot at $100,000 and a prestigious modeling contract as the youngest contestant on the second season of "Make Me a Supermodel," a Bravo reality show.

"It was either go on the show or go to college, and I chose the show," Rickman said.

The season began Wednesday and will air weekly at 10 p.m. on Bravo.

A Crater High School graduate, Rickman, 19, works at Pacific Sunwear and lives in Central Point with his mother, Diane Rickman.

Last year, Teresa Pollman, Rickman's agent and president of Image Modeling Development in Medford, took Rickman to the International Modeling and Talent Association convention in New York where he was interviewed for "Supermodel" along with thousands of other models. He was selected to be one of the 16 contestants.

Rickman said at first he didn't think he had a chance, but as he was walking out of the room he heard someone say, "He's perfect for the show."

Rickman said his eyes and his personality were his biggest selling points.

"It's more than good looks. It's personality," he said. "People want to wear clothes or whatever you're advertising from people with inner beauty."

Rickman spent the last two months in New York competing on the show. He said he was prohibited from revealing any details, but he described it as emotionally challenging.

"At first I had a little bit of worries about the show because I didn't want them to make me look bad," said Rickman.

Contestants were judged and eliminated based on their presentation in acting, walking and modeling. The winner will receive $100,000 and a contract with New York Model Management.

Rickman said he hoped the show would open some windows for him in the modeling world.

"You really have to be unique to make a career out of it," Rickman said.

Rickman's career began a few years ago when, while vacationing in Los Angeles with his mother, a scout encouraged him to try modeling. Last January, Rickman met with officials from IMD who began training him professionally in how to walk, work with photographers and market himself.

"He needed some development, confidence, posture and getting ready," Pollman said. "His look is in — chiseled, tall, thin, kinda more lanky and he's charming."

At the IMTA in New York, Pollman said there were between 1,500 and 2,500 contestants for a week selling themselves to more than 500 agencies and casting directors.

"Everybody and anybody who's important in the business is there," she said. "It was great exposure for him."

Rickman was the third runner-up male model of the year.

After filming of the show, Rickman did some modeling for Urban Minx.

The first season of "Make Me a Supermodel" was an inspiration to Rickman in his career. He said his mom used to say, "If you want to be a supermodel you'd better watch this show."

"Depending on the results, I hope that I can be a supermodel," he said.

Reach Southern Oregon intern Teresa Beskow at 776-4464 or at intern1@mailtribune.com.

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