By Nuskiya Nasar
This week, Zainab Fazeel gives us an inside scoop on the life of an actual model. She talks about the other side of modelling – the side that is often not seen by the general public. Fazeel shares her personal experiences and gives us a glimpse into the reality of the modelling industry.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Everything that I am today is a result of all the things that I’ve discovered about myself over the years. Professionally, I’m a content marketing manager and a model. I’ve also recently ventured out as a makeup artist and stylist. Truth be told, getting to where I am today has been a combination of the best of times and the worst, but what are we if not for the lessons learnt from our mistakes? What truly drives me is my passion for creating, and the confidence that I’m able to draw out of the experience to push myself further. I thrive in the in-between of being an introvert and an extrovert, and that has helped me find peace within myself.
What’s a typical day at work like for you?
Getting out of bed is the most difficult part of the day; I’m definitely not a morning person. When it comes to my day job, the routine is pretty standard but there’s a lot that happens in between that always keeps it interesting. I primarily work as a content creator, so that involves working with my team on a daily basis to plan out social media content for multiple brands. Then the fun part begins – which is shooting the content for them. This opens up a lot of new experiences. The modelling side of things, however, takes on a slightly different tune – yes, it’s flashy lights, amazing outfits, and even better concepts that we bring to life, but it most definitely does not come easy. Shoots can take as little as two hours to sometimes even eight hours. It’s easy to give in to fatigue, but truly believing in the director’s vision also empowers you to do your absolute best to deliver exactly what the client is expecting, and on occasion, even more. That’s what keeps them coming back.
Tell us about your very first shoot.
My first photoshoot was offered to me through a dear friend of mine. It just happened at one of the most unexpected times of my life; it’s most memorable because I went in for it despite all the obstacles that came my way, with absolutely no experience. The fact that someone wanted me to showcase their line of clothing was something I couldn’t fathom at the time because everyone starts off with confidence issues. However, the moment I got in front of the camera and that pressure dawned on me, I knew what I had to do, and I knew this was what I wanted to keep doing. It helped me see myself the way others did, and that changed everything.
Was there a point at which you felt a career in this industry was beyond overwhelming?
It always seems overwhelming, at first anyway. There’s no particular incident that I can recall, but there’s a point at every shoot where it can feel like a lot, mostly due to exhaustion. What becomes constantly difficult to handle is fielding criticism and negative comments, but I’ve realised now that it’s all part of the package. You can’t be a model in the public eye if feedback makes you crumble like a cookie, you’ve got to strive to overcome it and look at the positives. If the client chose you to be in the shoot, they want you. They believe you can breathe life to their brand. Everything else just becomes background noise
It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to succeed in this industry. What were some of the challenges you faced on your journey up?
Every day’s a challenge though, isn’t it? I wouldn’t say I’ve succeeded in the grander scheme of things, but every shoot I do is a little win for me because it pushes me forward. It’s a long road ahead, one that may not always have an end, but I’ve learnt to accept that. Depending on the concept at hand, sometimes my confidence issues tend to creep in again. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, but you never know until you try. When in doubt, I always look to the other amazing girls that are absolutely slaying it in the field. They’ve had challenges that they’ve faced too, so it doesn’t make me any different. Just keep calm, strike a pose, and forget the world for a moment.
Criticism in the modelling industry is nothing new. How do you deal with it?
Criticism, if put right, is always feedback to improve yourself, but it takes experience to differentiate between that and just outright judgement. People are opinionated and you can’t control that, you just need to be a little thick-skinned and not let it get to you. Models face a lot of judgement, because our work may disrupt the norms that people are used to and goes against cultural beliefs, etc. but it’s just like any other job. Those that aren’t in the space may not always understand why you do what you do. I surround myself with people that make me feel better about myself, as should anyone and that’s all that really matters to me now.
Modelling requires being in uncomfortable positions. What’s your take on this?
People often think that modelling is just about having a pretty face and great shape. This misconception turns a beautiful person into being seen as just a body with no skill or character. Modelling is far more than just looking good – it takes a lot of discipline, both personally and professionally. The key to success is the mindset of the individual. Modelling requires a lot of physical and mental energy, focus, commitment, and tenacity. It cannot be accomplished overnight. With perseverance and the right direction, a model willing to own her poses can make for some incredible captures.
Can you tell us about the other side of modelling, the other side of the flashy cameras and glossy lipstick? The other side of billboards and fashion leaflets? The side you wished the world really knew about models?
It’s always more than what you see. Every model I’ve met and come to know has such an interesting story. Their journeys have been incredibly inspiring and empowering. Models, very ignorantly, can be perceived as nothing more than just visual displays, but just as it is with anyone in any industry, pulling out the confidence to put yourself out there for everyone to see is a struggle that’s not easy to understand, unless you’ve been through it yourself. Yes, we’re models, but more often than not, that’s just one part of our lives (especially with this economy) because we’re also lawyers, doctors, mothers, entrepreneurs, and so much more.
Could you share a message for aspiring models out there?
Always, always do it only for yourself. Get into modelling if it helps you feel better about yourself, and own the person you are and have become to make it to this point. It’s not just about the visual appeal anymore, it’s about authenticity, and that only cuts through when you’ve built up the confidence within. Women have always done incredible things. We’ve looked beyond the judgement of society, so if this is what you really want to do and you feel you’re mentally ready for it, just go forth and slay.
PHOTOS © AVI SURIYABANDARA, INFAZ FAROOK, AMEERA
PHOTOS © AVISHKA, SHRUTHI BANDARA