Tyra Banks once said that there isn't a high demand for male models in the modeling industry and that it's almost impossible for male models to be successful in such an industry. But Ford Model's latest soigné, Sean Davis, has proven that there are exceptions to almost every rule. Davis is no stranger to the world of fashion. He began his quest for modeling with Wilhelmina and Ford Modeling Agency at the tender age of three. Now 21, Sean is back with the drive and determination to take the fashion industry by storm. Fresh off ad campaigns for Diesel and Dolce & Gabbana, Sean is well on his way to the top of the male modeling industry. Spaceship's own Steven Pryor recently sat down with the fresh-faced model to discuss his skyrocketing modeling career.

Spaceship Entertainment : So how did you do get started in the modeling industry?

Sean Davis: I got started when I was three. I was signed to Ford and Wilhelmina [Modeling Agency].

SE : What was your first modeling job?

Sean : My first modeling job was for FAO Schwartz when I was 3.

SE : So, as you got older, why did you become drawn to modeling? Was it for the money? Or was it simply something you did for fun? A hobby?

Sean : I would say it was a hobby. I've always enjoyed fashion as well as modeling. I also do photography myself. It definitely wasn't for the money because the money isn't that great until you're like a TOP model like Will Chalker or Cristiano Bosso or something...like a Josh Ward.

SE : I see. Now there are various types of modeling. You have everything from runway to print to commercial and etcetera. Can you explain those various types of modeling and how they work for those who may not know?

Sean : Ok. Commercial: your everyday wear. Relatable to the general public. Print is just ads. You have editorial which is when you wear the expensive clothes and its high fashion. And runway is just the fashion shows.

SE : Ok, that makes sense. So which work do you primarily do?

Sean : "Upper" commercial; Diesel, Red Monkey.

SE : So do you only do print or do you do the others as well?

Sean : I did runway this past Olympus Fashion Week. Lacoste, Kenneth Cole, and Diesel.

SE : How was that?

Sean : Easy (laughs). Fashion week is really for the women. There aren't that many men's designers.

SE : Do you have a preference when it comes to print or runway? And if so, why?

Sean : Print! You get to be more of yourself. Runway is a stylized general walk, trying different things.

SE : For runway shows, such as Olympus Fashion Week, that have so many outfit changes, is it difficult backstage getting into the next outfit with all the chaos and other people trying to change?

Sean : All the shows I'm in, it's normally organized with your rack of clothes and your Polaroid and an assistant to help you change. You get about a minute to change and then it's back in the line.

SE : Do you get to have a rehearsal before the show?

Sean : Normally, a day before the actual show, there is a practice.

SE : What would you say is your least favorite aspect of modeling for you?

Sean : The ugly side, the critiques.

SE : Well I imagine that's the least favorite aspect of any type of career but especially in the modeling career when the primary focus is always on what you look like.

Sean: Definitely.

SE: I wanted to ask you, too, that since it's often said that there isn't a high demand for male models and that because of this, it's difficult for them to become as successful as their female counterparts in this industry, whether or not you agree with such a statement.

Sean : Well, I would say that depends on your drive. If you try hard enough for anything, it will work for you. It is kinda true though. Many male models are used as props for the females.

SE : How difficult is it for people of color to be successful in the modeling industry?

Sean : It's difficult just being a black model period in this industry. As with any other job there are some people that just don't want to hire people of color. It's also especially difficult because black people are built differently than whites and many people try to make you feel guilty about something you can't control rather than embracing it. Also, as a model of color, they want you to either be really light, almost white or extremely dark. There's no middle ground for what we call "yellow." That's why you never really see a lot of Latino models. You have your exceptions, but in general, you don't see a lot and that's why. It's crazy!

SE : Can you share a time when experienced racism as a model?

Sean : I did a casting for Abercrombie & Fitch. I believe it was for their gift cards or something. I wasn't hired because they told me I didn't have the "look" they were going for. Of course, I was the only black guy there. In fact, Gerren Taylor, a black female model was the only black model hired for that campaign.

SE : Has anyone ever flat out told you that you did not get a job because of your color?

Sean : No. Never. I'd be in jail by now (laughs). But for my shoot for Dolce & Gabbana, they wanted me to tan beforehand.

SE : Do you feel that race is the most prominent issue facing models of color?

Sean : I think physical appearance is more of an issue than race. People are always yelling, "You're fat!" Those words are used too loosely in this business.

SE : Now as far as gender goes, do you feel that men are objectified as much as women in modeling?

Sean : No, because men aren't really out there like that. If male models were as big as women, then it would be a different story.

SE : So you do agree that women are in some sense objectified?

Sean : Yes, and they are getting paid well for it too! (laughs). I know like during Milan Fashion Week, you'd be surprised how much nudity you see. And if you're in a D&G show, prepare to get NEKKID! And yes, I've done nudity before (laughs).

SE : Who in the fashion industry would you say is your role model?

Sean : Will Lemay. And Boris Kodjoe too. He's nice. I got the chance to meet him one day at Ford. Anyone but Tyson Beckford. Someone give him a job application!

SE : Now you actually got a chance to work with Will Lemay. Please tell us about that experience.

Sean : Will Lemay actually taught me how to walk. I was at a Sean John casting and he was teaching the models various walks. For lines like Sean John and Ecko, it's a walk they call the "stomp." It's just an ill, hood, everyday-in-the-bodega type of walk. Then there's that Dior, boring, "Oh, I'm gonna fall over" look.

SE : What would you say was your most favorite photo shoot?

Sean : The Diesel ad that's out right now. They spent hours putting on camouflage makeup and it was cold but it was a lot of fun!

SE : And your least favorite photo shoot?

Sean : A test shoot I did in a cold porcelain bathtub.

SE : So you are with how many agencies?

Sean : Four.

SE : Oh! Excuse me (laughs). So which four agencies are you with and what market does each agency cover?

Sean : It's best to have markets in New York, London, Copenhagen, Paris, Hong Kong, and South Africa. Milan and Tokyo are big markets as well. As for my agencies, Ford covers New York, IMG Models and Models1 covers London, and Bananas Mambo is out of France but really it covers all of Europe.

SE : So you can be signed to more than one agency at a time?

Sean : Yeah you can if they are from different markets and your home agency gives you permission. Because if your name gets out there, then that's more work for them. More work equals a bigger percentage.

SE : I see. So what was your dream-come-true shoot?

Sean : Dolce & Gabbana. They don't have many black models in their ads. I saw Channing Tatum in one and I was like, "Wow!"

SE : A lot of the ladies are going to want to know if you are single. What is you're response to that?

Sean : I'm VERY single. I guess you could say I was dumped a few months ago.

SE : What do you look for in a girl?

Sean : Just someone who is cool...someone I can be friends with first.

SE : So what's currently on your I-Pod?

Sean : I love Cee-Lo! I have them play Gnarls Barkley at all my shoots.

SE : Great choice! I love Cee-Lo as well. And when you're not modeling, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Sean : STUDY! And SLEEP! (laughs)

SE : (laughs). I can sympathize. Any upcoming work you have that you can share with us?

Sean : Catch a Fire Men's Line, Dior, Gillette, H&M, and Navier.

SE : Navier? So you know Lee, Randall, and Charles?

Sean : I know his cousin Brian so he's hooking that up.

SE : That's cool. So where do you see yourself career-wise in the next 5 years?

Sean : I'll be finished by then. I mean the money is good for now but nothing to live off of though. Ford takes 20 percent but then when I do international for Models1, it's only 10 percent. And Bananas Mambo takes 15 percent.

SE: Now do you have any last words or advice for people interested in breaking into the industry?

Sean : Definitely never give up and keep sight of your goals. One day it will happen for you!

SE : Well Sean, it's been a pleasure speaking with you. Thank you for your time and continued success.

Sean: Thank you.