XXL Magazine’s Bonsu Thompson needs little introduction. His name and influence within the industry has transformed dreams into careers, turned waitresses into household names, and evolved cameramen into celebrity photographers. Also known for his diverse talents, Bonsu has served as an editor-at-large (XXL Magazine), journalist, and artistic director just to name a few. I caught up with Bonsu in Atlanta at the famed BEAUTIFUL restaurant and got a chance to pick his brain on the state of the magazine industry, advice for models, and the next phase in the editorial game.

Andrew: I know you have thousands of applicants to be the next “it” girl in the industry, so what are some of the specific things that someone can do to stand out amidst the crowd?

Bonsu: More than anything be self-aware and honest with yourself. Once you do those two things, you can hone in on what makes you special; what you do that other people don’t. What are your skills and physical attributes? You take those special strengths and put ‘em to the forefront. In return you give yourself a chance to stand out no matter who’s around.

Andrew: What are your “deal breakers” in communicating with a possible or booked model?

Bonsu: Unwarranted arrogance. If I’m blessing you with the opportunity to begin your road to stardom don’t act like you’re already the star. Humility and honey catches the B (bee) ha!

Andrew: You have worked with a wide variety of photographers in your years as the General of Dreams, what is it that attracts you to a photographers work?

Bonsu: I’m drawn to like-minded people. Visionaries who see the world like many don’t. So the photographers that I dig are those who can show me something I’ve seen before but in a different light. Like the military brat from “American Beauty” who loved his video footage of the bag blowing in the wind.

Andrew: We talked about progression and the future of the industry a lot during our last meeting. What, in your eyes, is the future of the industry and how can models, photographers, and publications empower themselves to be a viable part of that future?

Bonsu: The key to being a viable part of the future will never change. Since there’s nothing new under the sun, you have to understand what’s been accomplished as well as how it was accomplished. You keep your eyes ahead and attention on what the people want/need then add your twist. That’s how you make history.

Andrew: Everyone wants to be successful and to be consistently so, so what key things MUST a model have and/or do to be long term successful in the industry? And do you feel that long-term success IS attainable in this industry?

Bonsu: I’ll answer that in reverse. Long-term success for a model is absolutely attainable. There are numerous examples. Toccara has flipped her modeling into being a notable TV personality with several reality TV stints. Melyssa Ford is climbing the Hollywood totem pole. If I’m not mistaken, she hasn’t done a music video in over five years. But models who attain longevity are a very small minority. Unless you’re Chanel Iman or Jessica White you cannot just want to model. The question that begs an answer is; why can’t more black models create a brand like Tyra?

Photography and Article by: Andrew Thomas Clifton

Clothing: Hat: Brooklyn Circus, Shades: Gucci, Tee: Local Strangler

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