Last Updated on 12/1/2008

Published on 10/14/2008

By Clayton Stairs

cstairs@gtowntimes.com

Clark Gilmer, 20, a student from Pawleys Island who was recently eliminated from the CW's hit reality series "America's Next Top Model" (ANTM), is looking to the future.

Returning to the University of South Carolina, where she is majoring in fashion merchandising, Clark says being a contestant on ANTM was a very positive experience.

"I have taken away so much knowledge about modeling from being on the show, especially using angles and space," Clark said. "It was definitely challenging, but hopefully this exposure will bring future opportunities."

She is hoping to be offered a professional contract so she can pursue a career in modeling. In the meantime, she is enjoying the attention she receives from people who recognize her from ANTM.

"I thank everybody so much for all of the love and support," Clark said. "It is so humbling to be in the eye of the public in such a way. This is just the beginning, so hang in there."

Her parents, Rick and Karen Gilmer of Pawleys Island, and her brother, Ed, who recently earned his masters degree in real estate development, have been her biggest fans.

"It was so important for me to have them behind me, telling me, 'I love you.' and 'We're so proud of you.'" Clark said. "I couldn't ask for anything more."

Rick Gilmer, who is a Realtor with James W. Smith Real Estate in Litchfield, says even though his daughter didn't win the ANTM competition, she has already accomplished more than most models her age.

"This show airs in 126 countries and it gives Clark a lot of visibility in the modeling industry," Rick Gilmer said. "Some people say it is 'pretty good' that she was ninth out of 14, but there were about 400,000 girls who auditioned for the show, so actually she did a lot better than that."

Other girls

Clark says contrary to the perception of the audience, she and the other girls got along most of the time.

"It is a competitive environment, but at the same time I loved most of the girls," she said. "You want to be friends, but you have to be wary because everyone wants the same thing -- to win. You feel like you need to keep your guard up."

Becoming good friends with Lauren on the show seemed like a natural progression, but Clark says she was surprised she got along so well will Elina, who is her complete opposite.

"She wears all black, doesn't believe in gender roles and she is vegan, so she doesn't eat meat, eggs or dairy products," Clark said. "I like my filet, I wear sun dresses and my hair is blonde. I thought she'd write me off as a stupid blonde bimbo."

Not aware at first of a crush Elina had on her, Clark says it was sometimes a little awkward to be around her, but everyone soon made a big joke out of it. Clark says when she kissed Elina on a dare in one episode, it was completely out of character for her.

"I definitely experienced things I never experienced in Pawleys Island," Clark said.

Another aspect of the show which gave her a new appreciation for the differences in people was dealing with a cross dressing man who was one of the contestants.

"I didn't agree with it because that is foreign to me and I'm not used to being around that," Clark said, "but the show makes it look like I hate her and that wasn't the case."

She adds that she was very vocal on the show because she doesn't believe in editing herself.

"I learned that I voice my opinion quite loudly," Clark said. "All I was doing was saying what was on my mind and in my heart. Some other people felt the same way, but they wouldn't speak up."

Rick Gilmer says producers of the show told Clark at the beginning that girls who are coy and reserved will not go very far in the competition.

"They told her initially this is not the place for a passive person and she wouldn't be here long if she sat there with her hands in her lap," Rick Gilmer said.

However, in his opinion, he says some things were built up to improve the ratings for ANTM.

"I think that was realty television, where they actually enhance things to create action on the show," Rick Gilmer said. "I think there had to be something thrown out there to get them started on some of the conversations that were filmed."

When all is said and done, Clark says she will look back on this experience as an important step in her career. She urges anyone who sees her in public to approach her.

"Don't be intimidated to come up to me because I'm a normal person," Clark said. "We can talk and I'll take a picture with you."

About ANTM

According to ANTM officials, the eleventh cycle of the hit reality series "America's Next Top Model" on The CW follows 14 young women as they attempt to prove they have what it takes to make it in the high-stress world of modeling. "America's Next Top Model" airs Wednesdays, (8 to 9 p.m., ET/PT) on The CW. For more information, log on to www.cwtv.com.

The winner of The CW's "America's Next Top Model" will be managed by Elite Model Management. She also receives a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl. Finally, the winner will appear on the cover and six-page fashion spread in Seventeen magazine.

"America's Next Top Model" is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment, in association with Bankable Productions. Tyra Banks is the creator and executive producer along with Ken Mok ("Making the Band") and Daniel Soiseth ("Hell's Kitchen").