NEW FACES AND VOICES OF PRE-FALL: NIKO TRAUBMAN
The Cali-bred model focuses on art and education during quarantine.
Name
Niko Traubman
Agency
IMG
Birthplace
California
Astrological Sign
Sagittarius
V What’s something that people would be surprised to know about you?
NT I’m a surfer and have been surfing my entire life with Vans back home. I grew up around a lot of surf and skate culture and music. Drawing and painting are passions of mine too! I’ve got a lot of other things going on besides modeling.
V If you had to favorite meal, what would it be?
A bowl of Mango, or fruit.
V How did the onset of this year’s public health crisis change your outlook on life and/or work?
NT During this pandemic, many different things changed my outlook on life and work. I think after the virus decays more and more, it is going to take a while for life to get back to normal. We have no idea how long it will last or how long it is going to linger. As far as I know, we might not be able to shake hands or give someone a hive five for a very long time. Since we have to be so distant, the world is turning more electronic than it has ever been before. Students and working citizens are now working through Zoom and facetime.
The fashion industry deals with a lot of close interaction in the workspace. We are constantly meeting new clients, working with stylists, make-up artists, and photographers. It is a very up-close and personal job where disease can easily be spread. I think it is going to be a while until the industry starts to ramp up again.
V The public health climate has shaped many peoples’ reading/viewing habits—What are some reading or viewing material you’ve sought out in this time?
NT I have been straying away from reading just for my own pleasure. I have been researching and educating myself with useful information that will help everybody and not just me. I am always online reading articles that are up to date and I stay in touch with my friends and family to learn any new information that I need to know or spread about.
V What have you learned (or what do you think people can learn) while in solitude/practicing social distance?
NT Living in quarantine has taught me how to be as productive as I can, while having all the time in the world. All of this spare time has given me a chance to do things that I love and want to get better at: Drawing, painting, cooking, and playing music. I think with this time indoors, people have the chance to work on their big ideas that they have always had in mind to conquer. Pick up a new hobby and learn something new!
V What’s the first thing you’re going to do after coming out of quarantine?
NT When quarantine is over, I am going to work hard, travel as much as possible, visit my entire family, and live life as full as I can because this pandemic could happen all over again. I want to live every day like it is my last and make a difference. I want to educate people about being more sustainable and eco-conscious because we have a lot of cleaning up to do.