Q: Tim, is it difficult for you as the mentor to not develop favorites? How do you manage to be helpful to all? - Lynn
A: It's my responsibility to be helpful to all. I have my favorites, but it is my responsibility to engage with every designer in an even-handed way.
Q: Tim, do you think the designers knew what you meant using those big words? - Frances
A: Those words aren't so big! I think they know what I meant.
Q: Tim, who is your favorite designer on the show or have they already been eliminated? - Jessica
A: The final four are my favorites!
Q: Tim, how hard was it being the one who had to tell the designers to go upstairs and pack their bags? And who was the hardest to send upstairs? - Andi
A: It's very emotional for me, so it's hard. Season two's Zulema was the most difficult, because I feared retribution!
Q: Tim, if you had to pick one design that was your favorite this season, what would it be? - Marnie
A: Definitely. It was Michael's coffee filter dress.
Q: Tim, how much fun are you having being famous, you bobble-head, you?! - Tracy
A: Famous? I don't know about that. But fun, yes! I'm having a blast!
Q: Tim, how do the producers decide how much money the designers get for each challenge? - Priscilla
A: It's very carefully considered and it's fair.
Q: Tim, how much of this is a show, and how much this is a talent contest? What part is more important? - Debbie
A: It's definitely about the talent. I live in the fashion world, so believe me when I say that we don't have to manufacture drama and intrigue. [Editor's note: I don't know if that was all of Tim's answer; it was cut off when they went to commercial.]
Q: Tim, who decides what the challenges are and what order they're in? - Heidi
A: The challenges themselves are a huge collaboration. It's the only time in my whole experience in fashion when design by committee really works.
Q: Tim, how much time do the designers get to complete their line once they are told they are going to Fashion Week? - Leandus
A: In the case of season three, eleven weeks, give or take a day or two.
Q: Tim, the season runs for several weeks, but how long is the actual taping of the show? Did the designers have days off between the different challenges to go sightseeing, relax, etc? - Lynette
A: Season three was taped in 32 consecutive days with no time off for anyone. Frankly, it's exhausting. The final four returned for Olympus Fashion Week for six additional days of taping.
Q: Tim, "where's Andrae!?!" - Serena
A: He's in Los Angeles. I hope he's at the Red Lobster and guess what -- he has hair!
Q: Tim, knowing that you are by trade a teacher and mentor; do you feel greater responsibility with you comments and critique because it is a competition with such high stakes? - Lauren
A: I feel a responsibility to present my opinion about each designer's work, but without telling him or her what to do. They have to use their own judgement.
Q: Tim, with the disqualification of Keith and then possibly Jeffrey, how hard was it on you and how do you think it will affect the show in future seasons? - Susi B.
A: It's extremely hard on everyone involved with the show. If anything, these occurrences shore up our seriousness of purpose for a future season.
Q: Tim, were you a naval officer before? Naval officers always use the command, make it happen! - Brian
A: I didn't know that! Fascinating. No, the teacher in me conjured, "Make it work!"
Q: Tim, would you ever do another challenge using designers' relatives as models? - Donna
A: I'm stammering in mere contemplation. Uh, not unless a bayonet were in my back!
