Model Ti’kanna Bing Talks Inspirations, Authenticity, and Modeling as Art

Keyi sits down with New York-based model Ti’kanna Bing to discuss fashion, inspiration, and the power of representation in the industry.

How did you begin modeling? What was it about it that appealed to you, and how has your experience been thus far?

I got my start in modeling by thinking of interesting outfits and makeup to wear and asking a friend who happened to be a photographer to take some shots of me in his studio, and that continued for months. Modeling appealed to me because I felt like I was bringing these looks to life.

It’s not just about the clothing or the makeup, it’s about how I bring it all together and express myself through the lens of the camera. It’s art.

My experience in modeling has had ups and downs just like anything in life, but overall it has improved my confidence and self worth. I’m constantly growing as a model, learning new things, and improving my craft.

Have you always naturally been confident in front of a camera, or what has helped you get there? When was the first time you felt powerful in front of a camera?

Yes, when I was 10 I actually auditioned to be a child actor so I loved being in front of the camera. The first time I felt powerful in front of a camera was when I was modeling a custom piece for a talented designer and I felt as though it was so unique & fit me perfectly, this experience also made me feel so powerful because of the feedback from the photographer. I was told I was natural and that he didn’t need to give me much instruction at all.

While modeling, what is a quality that you intend to convey? Does this remain consistent throughout all of your work, or does it change depending on the job?

I feel as though I convey authenticity, being who I am. It’s important to me to not only grow as a model but to also stay grounded and remember where I came from and who I am as a person.

I bring me to every shoot, I always find a way to fuse myself with the vision for any job.

Fashion can be channeled in ways that help us get what we want, where we want, or become who we aspire to be. In what ways do you use the power of fashion to your advantage in life?

I use fashion not only to truly express myself, but also to attract other like minded people that value similar things as I do.

What is something you hope people take away from your work?

Through my work I like to represent multiple things like poise, joy, humor– and I want to make people feel those things when they see it.

What inspires you to stay passionate about modeling and fashion?

Inclusivity is a big reason I am passionate about modeling because I didn’t see a lot of models that looked like me growing up, I want young people to see themselves in me and think “wow if she can do it, I can as well”.

I want everyone else to see my work and resonate with it even if they aren’t the same color as me, don’t have the same hair texture as me, or even speak the same language as me.

What is your favorite job you’ve had so far? Was it because of the experience, the clothes, location, how you felt, or something else?

My favorite job was a beauty job with Danessa Myricks Beauty not only because I love the brand and Danessa herself, but because I have a love for makeup and that was my first beauty job. It was magical working on the ads for her newest product and witnessing how makeup ads come together.

Can you tell us about your dream job?

It might sound cliche but my dream is to be on the cover of Vogue. I used to always look at Vogue magazines when I was young. But one of my dreams is coming true now being interviewed & published for the first time ever!