There’s a lot more to modeling than meets the eye, and it takes a hell of a lot more than just a fit figure and shiny hair to make it in one of fashion’s most competitive fields. Welcome to Face Time. DFW Style Daily’s new series gets personal with top Dallas talent, beyond the runways and glossy editorials.  

  In recent Face Time features, we’ve chatted with Calvin Klein star Myles Crosby, dished on-set adventure with Laurie Bing, and relived with Carlotta Lennox the unparalleled experience of Yves Saint Laurent sketching his haute couture collection from her very form. Today, a newbie to the modeling world prepares to make a splash. Read on to meet Michael Thompson from Mansfield, a fresh face – and extreme water sports enthusiast - who’s going places.   Name: Michael Thompson Hometown: Mansfield, Texas Agency: Amores Model Management  

   DFW Style Daily: At what age did you begin modeling? Michael Thompson: “I started modeling at 16. I was discovered by a scout while practicing wakeboarding at the lake.”   In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception about models? “The biggest misconception about models is that we are all conceited and arrogant. We’re not. Most models are actually cool people, and I’m pretty outgoing.”  

  Are there any “deal breakers” for you when it comes to job requirements? “I’m pretty open to everything, so there aren’t any deal breakers for me.”   Would you ever consider cosmetic surgery? Why or why not? “I've never considered cosmetic surgery. I don't think would ever need it.”   Do you have a personal role model? “My role model is fellow model Francisco Lachowski from Brazil. He’s walked for so many top designers, including Gucci, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana, in addition to print work for brands and magazines. He’s at the top of his game, but he taught me that models aren't arrogant, and that we can have fun.”  

  Tell us something surprising about yourself. “My secret talent is that I can sing well. Not a lot of people know that! I also love extreme water sports, like wakeboarding, windsurfing, and long boarding.”   Finally, if you had a free afternoon or evening in Dallas, how would you spend it? “I live about a half an hour outside of the city, so if I drove in for the afternoon, I would hang out at the agency, and then grab lunch in Uptown. I would play it by ear. I really just like exploring, and I don’t need a plan to enjoy a free day.”   All images courtesy of Amores Model Management.