Meet Zahul Smith | Model & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zahul Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zahul, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
This is a tough question because I almost gave up a couple of times last year. Whenever I think of giving up what keeps me going is the genuine joy I have for creating art through expression. That and the fact that giving up means you give up your chance of making your dreams and goals happen. Like the chances may be slim to none already but giving up means the chances drop to 0%.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most proud and excited about my development! As both a model and creative director. I got where I am by creating work thats true to me. Reaching out and connecting to people within the creative community has also helped me to get to where I am today. There have been so many opportunities I have gotten because other creatives send them my way and vice versa. It was far from easy but I made it happen! It was especially hard because I came to Atlanta not knowing anyone in the creative community and not really having a name for myself. I overcame this challenge by going out to more events (which as an introvert is absolute torture) and getting my name out there. Working with any photographer who saw my vision and wanted to help me bring it to life. Just grinding away in the creative scene. One lesson I learned along the way is that you cannot force these connections, you have to let them flow naturally and they have to be genuine. I want the world to know that no matter how unlikely your dream seems its attainable. No matter how many people do not believe you or make fun of you for it, keep going. Thats the only way to get to where you want to be.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take them to st germains bakery in ponce city market! My absolute favorite spot to be as I am obsessed with baked goods. Then I would say we have to go thrifting at southern thrift market! Huge thrift store with tons of antiques and clothing its like a treasure hunt. Its a little out of the way for me but definitely worth the drive! Hopefully they would come around the end of the month so I can take them to an Artist Forum exhibit. They are how I started meeting local creatives and without them I dont know where I would be. Always lots of fun to see the different art forms together in one place like that. They have events once a month so I always make sure to go if I can!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would definitely like to shoutout my friends! Whenever I talk about wanting to give up they remind me of how great I am. They also remind me that I am an inspiration to them and thats what keeps me going. If it wasnt for my friends I definitely would have given up a long while ago.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zahulsmith?igsh=NmVoaGs4Nzh1N3I4&utm_source=qr

Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zahthecreative?_t=8ikrKCyEGEh&_r=1

Image Credits
Image one: samira asmara image two: eli azansou image three: dre image four: l’shadayne