Welcome to the world of Canadian fashion model Imogen Cookie-Bailey. Her love of hard rock and combat sports has lead to becoming Creative Director and key interviewer for Malabolgia Creative. Through Malabolgia she has been a regular photographer for the Devastation On The Nation tour and can often be found ringside at combat sports events. Imogen’s modeling career started on stage with fashion shows and has grown to include film, tv, web, and print with underlying darker themes inspired by Rene Magritte and Alexander McQueen’s alien era. Outgoing and eccentric, Imogen’s versatile talent has allowed her to become a student pilot, personal trainer and founder of Venerate Supplements (VenerateSupps.ca), as well as a fire performer with plans to pursue F1 racing. When not devotedly involved in fashion, fitness, or photography, she can be found immersed in the creative ecosystem of Stefano’s Art Farm (ArtFarm.ca) Untamed and unstoppable, Imogen is a fashion icon, making a splash in the industry with her playful and distinct style. She’s gaining recognition from all corners of the globe for setting trends that capture everyone’s attention! Get a front row seat to Imogen’s adventures by following her on social media, or visiting www.Imogen.in for an intimate look into the surreal world she has crafted.
WHEN DID YOUR INTEREST IN FASHION
AND MODELING BEGIN?
That’s kind of hard to answer. I’ve always been creatively left of center, so to speak. I was always drawn to odd things, more as a photographer though. Even though it wasn’t the goal, my style got a lot of attention. I was the weird kid at school but I was also often imitated. I loved composing so it was just a natural step to get on stage or in front of a camera. I kind of started modeling as a way of learning photography.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Oh! The versatility! I can go from modeling to performing in a matter of minutes. It keeps the creativity flowing and allows me to take on a number of roles that I might not have been able to explore otherwise. It has also opened up many doors for other projects, like music videos or fashion collaborations. Whether I’m in front of, or behind the camera, being part of something like that can be pretty surreal. It’s extremely fulfilling to see projects come together.
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR JOB AS CREATIVE DIRECTOR
OF MALABOLGIA CREATIVE
Awesome. (Laughs) I started Malabolgia about 15 years ago. Initially, it was just basic event photography. Specifically, we focused on heavy metal and combat sports. Eventually, we expanded to doing all types of photography as well as interviews and kind of became a bit of a media outlet. I have very specific criteria for how every project is to be executed. Every detail has to be precise. I guess I can be pretty demanding but that’s just part of being a perfectionist.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Being around creative people is very inspiring. I’ve been spending a lot of time with the peeps at Pros. Buzz (Pros. buzz), and Stefano’s Art Farm (Art.Farm.ca). The former is an advertising agency, and the latter is a music studio and rehearsal space for all types of performers. Both are run by creative people who have a unique view of how to operate in their respective industries. They’re both absolutely brilliant in their own right. Being behind the scenes to see the development and execution of effective, creative business concepts are pretty cool and really motivates me to go longer and push harder with my own projects.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FOR YOU?
Finding enough time to do everything! It sounds mundane but the truth is that running a business and managing projects require more hours than I have. Techni- cally, I run two businesses and am starting a third. On top of that, I’m always juggling modeling jobs and personal life. Versatility is my biggest asset and sometimes it feels like too much to take on all at once. It can be a bit intimidating but also rewarding.
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR AUDIENCE TO
KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I’m definitely a performer at heart. (laughs) But it doesn’t stop there. Despite the kookiness, I’m very work-oriented. Every image produced is the result of time spent. Every achievement is the result of dedication.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PASSION BESIDES MODELING AND MUSIC?
Oh, absolutely! Amongst other things, I’m very into fitness. Love of fitness pushed me to start Venera- te Supplements, (VenerateSupps. ca). This year I plan to pursue my F1 racing license and complete my pilot’s license. It’s gonna be a wild year.
ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY?
I guess I’m particularly appreciative for the support and influence of a special someone. It’s not common to find anyone with the originality and intellectual versatility to have the kind of conversations we do, let alone be comfortable with the stuff I do. There’s so much more coming down the pipeline. It takes a lot of energy to do it, and it takes a lot of patience and understanding to be around it. So.. to that person: Thank you for being you. You’re existence means a lot to me.