Talent Diaries

Talent Diarist #18: Kenan Seebah’s Take on Building a Personal Brand & Balancing life.

Name: Kenan Seebah

Talent: Model & Content Creator

Occupation: Model/Creator & Full Time Student and NDIS Mental Health Support Worker 

Location: Melbourne, Australia 

How long have you been a talent on TRF: Since April 2024!

Meet Kenan Seebah, a Melbourne-based model and content creator (who also studies and works full time) has made his mark in the industry through hard work, authenticity, and a passion for self-expression. Dive in to see how Kenan opens up about the highs and challenges of his career, how he stays true to himself in an ever-evolving industry, and his advice for aspiring models & creators to succeed while staying grounded. 

  1. What inspired you to become a model/creator and how did you get started in the industry?

I’ve always seen magazines, billboards, and ads and thought, “I could be on there.” So one day, a couple of friends and I went out, took some photos, and I decided to take it seriously. I joined a few Melbourne models and photographers’ Facebook groups, posted about doing TFP shoots, and got a few responses. From there, I built my portfolio and started posting consistently on social media. Just shortly after, I was doing shoots with local brands, which eventually led to working with national and international brands.

  1. Can you walk us through a typical day in your life as a model/creator from start to finish? 

To be honest, every day looks a little different for me since I work for myself, and my schedule is what I’d call “consistent and flexible.” That said, I’m always up before 8:30 a.m., and I make sure to fit in either a run or a gym session. Work typically takes up four days of the week, whether that’s modeling, content creation, or support work, and I usually put in about 6-8 hours a day. Two days that week are for university classes, and I fit studying in during breaks or between jobs. I keep one day set aside to reset and rest.

  1. Are you a model/creator full-time/part-time, or casually? And how do you manage your finances and what strategies have you found most effective?  

I am a part-time model and content creator, and to manage my finances, I use a three-bank account system. One account is for receiving payments, another for investing in stocks, and the third is for spending. This setup helps me keep a clear track of my earnings and spending, making tax time way easier. Getting my finances in order was a must, especially since I’ve been renting on my own since I was 17. If I wasn’t ahead on payments, things could go south pretty fast.

  1. What types of brand partnerships have you worked on in the past, and how do you decide which collaborations to take on as a model/creator? 

I’ve had the opportunity to model and create content for both national and international brands, including 7-Eleven, Elite Eleven, Cotton On, Platypus, Mizuno, and many more, which you can check out in my portfolio and Instagram story highlights.

When I started, I took on every modeling and content creation job that came my way, but I quickly realized that wasn’t the best approach. It’s important to be selective with collaborations, choosing based on your values, what you want to promote, and what you're comfortable with. In this industry, it’s easy to be influenced, so it’s crucial to take a step back, understand yourself, and be intentional about how you want to be portrayed. Choose wisely.

  1. Can you share any tips for negotiating rates with brands, and how do you determine your own value as a model/creator? 

Determine your value based on your years of experience, previous collaborations and how much you put it to your physiques and look 

  1. How do you stay updated with industry trends and best practices as a model/creator, and what resources do you rely on for education and inspiration? 

To stay updated with the latest trends and best practices follow people on social media who are in similar niches and if they’re in the same city, message them ! Create groups with similar creators/models, chat with them and catch up. Doing those things will keep you up to date

  1. Have you faced any challenges or setbacks in your career as a model/creator, and how did you overcome them? 

The challenges I’ve faced as a model, especially in the beginning, included being undercharged or even unpaid at times. To overcome this, I follow a key rule: never do unpaid work for a brand unless you're just starting out and want to gain real experience, or if you believe the exposure from being featured on that brand's page will significantly boost your career and lead to more bookings. It's important to know your value and set boundaries early on.

  1. How do you achieve work-life balance as a model/creator, even when life throws unexpected challenges your way? 

With all the jobs I have, I rarely have any true "off work" time—95% of my time is spent working. I’ve structured my life so that almost everything I do either helps someone I care about, benefits my work, improves my physical and mental well-being, or sharpens my skills. The key is, I don’t burn out because I genuinely love what I do. I’m incredibly grateful to be alive, healthy, and well, and I see it as a disservice to myself and the world not to take full advantage of that and work hard to achieve my dreams.

  1. How do you see the model/creator industry evolving in the next 5-10 years, and what changes do you anticipate? 

The social media industry is set to explode over the next few years. In 5-10 years, I believe digital marketing, content creation, and AI-driven creation will dominate the market, becoming integral parts of our daily lives. The way people consume content will continue to evolve, and these industries will provide even greater benefits to everyday life than they do now, shaping how we engage with the world on a whole new level.

  1. Can you share any upcoming projects or partnerships that you're excited about, and how do you plan to continue growing your brand as a model/creator?

At the time of writing this I’ve got another Platypus Campaign, Boost Billboard campaign that I’m shooting in the next few weeks and potentially a Seiko Watch collaboration. I plan to stay consistent on socials and continue working on myself and social media presence 

 

  1. What advice would you give to aspiring model/creator who are starting out and looking to build a successful career in the industry? 

Stay consistent on your socials, reach out to brands when you're starting out, and focus on building your portfolio. Shoot with as many TFPs as you can to get comfortable in front of the camera, practice your poses, and always show up ready to give it your best. When you're on set, just be yourself—talk to the crew, enjoy the experience, and if it’s a paid don’t forget to send your invoice.

Kenan’s remarkable journey, balancing the realms of the model and actor industry, exemplifies the potential of dedication, authenticity, and adaptability. Their story encourages us to pursue our passions, maintain unwavering determination, and forge our own unique path.

Are you inspired by Kenan’s story? At The Right fit, we're committed to empowering exceptional talents like Kenan and connecting them with brands and opportunities that align with their vision. Whether you're a talent or creator ready to embark on your journey or a brand searching for the perfect model, content creator, or influencer, we invite you to become a part of our vibrant community.