Exclusive Interview with Mike Ruiz (Part II)

We know it’s only been a few months since we last spoke with photographer Mike Ruiz, but a lot has happened in his life since then. For starters, it was announced that he’ll appear on LOGO‘s upcoming series The A-List: New York. Then he channeled Tom of Finland in a series of self-portraits.

And the most exciting development of all? He’ll be working on photos for the next Manhunt ad campaign! To celebrate this glorious occasion, we thought we’d take this talented hunk for another spin. In our latest interview, he reveals his desire to film the next “Tardy For The Party” and explains why Kathy Griffin never returned our calls a few years back.

Oh, and if you’re in the NYC area from August 26-28, be sure to check out Mike’s exhibit Transformations: The Photography of Mike Ruiz at the Leslie/Lohman Gallery (26 Wooster St, btwn Grand & Canal). Who knows? You might even bump into him at the opening!

– Dewitt

Photo credit: Mike Ruiz

To read our interview and see more pics, follow the JUMP:

As one of the cast members on LOGO’s upcoming series The A-List: New York, what can you tell us about the show?

Not much at this point, mostly because you wouldn’t believe me! It’s been crazy!

What influenced your decision to become involved in the project?

I have a couple of TV projects in development, and when I was asked to join the cast of A-List, I thought it would be an amazing crash course in television production. That and the fact that I thought it would be a blast (which it has been).

Of the men appearing on the show, who was the most dramatic?

We all have our moments! It’s really hard to single anyone out.

Will this show spawn any music videos, a la “Tardy For The Party” or “Money Can’t Buy You Class”?

Gosh, I hope so! I’m trying to come up with some song ideas! I would direct my own video, of course.

Enough about that! Let’s talk about you. Recently, you released a series of self portraits in tribute to Tom of Finland. Are you a big fan of his artwork?

Tom of Finland pretty much taught my generation how we needed to look. I’m hugely inspired by his work, and I don’t know a gay man who hasn’t been influenced by Tom of Finland on some level.

This wasn’t your first time posing for your own camera, so we’ve got to ask–how much would you need to get paid to do it naked? Just curious.

Paid? I’d do it for free! I just never thought anyone would want to see.

[Editor’s note: He thought wrong. Does this mean we should pester him for nudie pics?]

The shoot you did with Margaret Cho was unbelievable. I didn’t even realize it was her at first! Is she as awesome as I’d like to pretend she is?

I’m not exactly sure. She had laryngitis, so I’m not even sure what her voice sounds like in person. Through sign language, though, she was able to convey her sweetness.

Has a client ever shot down an idea you pitched?

Every once in awhile but not lately. People have come to know what they will get when they work with me, and no one has been disappointed yet.

Describe your fantasy photo shoot.

The fact that I get paid to shoot at all is quite a fantasy come true! A real fantasy shoot would be a shoot where I would have an unlimited budget to create a whole alternate reality, one that only currently exists in my mind.

Speaking of fantasies, you’ll soon be exercising your talents for the next Manhunt ad campaign! Can you give us an idea of what to expect?

I haven’t worked out all of the creative yet, but I do know I want the images to convey more than hypersexuality. I want them to be aspirational.

In general, are you more inspired when working with male or female models?

I generally prefer women, because I’m way more inspired by women’s fashion.

Once upon a time, we reached out to your pal Kathy Griffin, and she totally ignored us. Can you get that girl to return our damn calls?

Kathy is always super-swamped. I don’t know where she gets her energy, but she has her schedule booked six months in advance.

Well, let’s not end our interview talking about her! Tell us about one of the sexiest moments of your life.

That moment involves my beautiful boyfriend, and I’m afraid you will have to use your imagination!

Before we go… Any last words or loose ends to tie up?

Yeah, if it ain’t fun, DON’T DO IT!!