"America's Next Top Model" cycle 22 contestant Nyle DiMarco is the first ever deaf contestant of The CW reality show created by Tyra Banks. He is not new to the small screen as he previously appeared in an episode of the TV series "Switched At Birth."
In a recent interview with Washingtonian, DiMarco was asked about strategy for "ANTM" cycle 22. He replied, "My strategy is to work with the judges and the photographers and to really prove to them that I am here because I want to win and that I am America's next top model."
"I did not want to just be here because I'm deaf," DiMarco added emphasizing that he is more than just a deaf person.
If he wins "ANTM" cycle 22, DiMarco wants to not only pursue modeling as a career but also to go back to school and earn his masters in administration or marketing. He hopes to eventually have his own product or brand.
Having been modeling since 2014, DiMarco described his modeling experience before "ANTM" cycle 22 borderline amateur. He said he was new and he was shooting with deaf photographer Tate Tullier, who trained him and taught him some moves he can do to look appealing.
According to DiMarco, sometimes hearing photographers would question his ability, but then they would be "proven wrong and even impressed." He made it clear that there are no difficulties being deaf in his profession as a model.
Through American Sign Language, DiMarco said in another interview with Frederick News Post that his expressions give him the skills to read photographers and be able to know if they are satisfied or not.