From Runway To Canvas: 7 Surprising Facts About America's Next Top Model Winner Nicole Fox's Life As An Artist And Author
The trajectory of an America's Next Top Model winner often follows a predictable path: editorial spreads, runway shows, and maybe a foray into acting. However, for Nicole Fox, the quirky, red-headed winner of Cycle 13, the path was anything but conventional. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the former "petite model" has completely transitioned out of the high-fashion spotlight, dedicating her life to a passion that predates her time on the reality show: art.
The story of Nicole Fox is a fascinating study in creative evolution, moving from the intense pressure of a reality TV set and the demanding world of professional modeling to a quiet, fulfilling life as a multidisciplinary artist, author, and Art Educator in Maryland, using her married name, Nicole Abuhamada. Her journey proves that true success lies in following your authentic creative calling, regardless of the initial fame.
Nicole Fox: Complete Biography and Profile
- Full Name: Nicole Arianna Abuhamada (née Fox)
- Date of Birth: March 6, 1991
- Age (as of 2025): 34
- Hometown: Louisville, Colorado, U.S.
- Education: University of Colorado at Boulder (Fine Arts/Studio Arts)
- Modeling Career Highlight: Winner of America's Next Top Model (ANTM) Cycle 13 (2009)
- ANTM Prize Package: A $100,000 contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics, a contract with Wilhelmina Models, and a feature in Seventeen magazine.
- Spouse: Jacob Abuhamada (married July 15, 2017)
- Child: One son, Idris Abuhamada.
- Current Profession: Multidisciplinary Artist, Author, and Art Educator.
- Residence: Frederick, Maryland, U.S.
1. The Petite Model Who Changed ANTM History
Nicole Fox’s win in 2009 was a landmark moment for the franchise. Cycle 13 was famously the first and only season of America's Next Top Model dedicated exclusively to "petite models," setting a height requirement of 5'7" or under. At 5'7", Nicole was one of the tallest contestants that season, but her unique look, often described by judge Tyra Banks as "bloody eyeball" due to her intense gaze and striking red hair, set her apart immediately.
Her portfolio throughout the competition was consistently one of the strongest, earning her multiple first call-outs. She excelled in high-fashion shoots, demonstrating a remarkable ability to transform her quirky, artistic personality into powerful, emotive photographs. The win secured her a lucrative CoverGirl Cosmetics contract and representation with Wilhelmina Models, launching her into the professional world.
2. The Surprising Pivot Back to Fine Art
While the modeling contract was the prize, Nicole’s true passion was always art. Before being scouted for ANTM, she was a dedicated Fine Arts student at the University of Colorado at Boulder, focusing on Studio Arts. In a twist of fate, she was actually discovered by two photographers at an art gallery in Denver, a detail that foreshadowed her ultimate career path.
After fulfilling her post-ANTM obligations, which included campaigns and some minor acting roles, Nicole made a conscious decision to step away from the limelight. She found the high-pressure, often superficial world of modeling and acting less fulfilling than her original creative outlet. Today, she is a respected multidisciplinary artist, creating pieces that delve into surrealistic narratives and feminist themes.
3. Her Current Life as Nicole Abuhamada, Artist and Author
The most current information places Nicole, now Nicole Abuhamada, living a grounded life in Frederick, Maryland. She is married to Jacob Abuhamada, a model and photographer whom she wed on July 15, 2017. The couple share a son, Idris Abuhamada.
Her professional focus is now entirely on her creative endeavors. She is an Art Educator and a practicing artist whose work has been featured in exhibitions like "Embodied: Intersectional Experiences of Womanhood." This profound shift from being the subject of the camera to the creator behind the canvas highlights her preference for a private, creatively driven life over celebrity status. She has also branched into writing, being credited as an author for works like "Lipton Loves."
4. The Post-Show Modeling and Acting Work
Despite her eventual pivot, Nicole did honor her modeling commitments and briefly explored acting. Following her win, she was represented by Wilhelmina Models. Her modeling portfolio includes work for major brands and publications. The most notable post-show work included:
- CoverGirl: She was the face of the brand for her contract duration, appearing in commercials and print ads.
- Editorial Spreads: Features in publications like Seventeen magazine, part of her prize package, and other fashion editorials.
- Acting Roles: She had a small role in the film The Last Breakfast Club (2014) and appeared in the TV movie The Ropes (2012). However, she openly stated that she prefers not being in the limelight, which contributed to her decision to pursue her art career full-time.
5. Her Unique Artistic Style: Surrealism and Feminism
Nicole's transition from a high-fashion model to a fine artist is deeply rooted in her pre-existing intellectual and creative curiosity. Her current work as a multidisciplinary artist often employs surrealistic narratives to explore complex feminist themes. This style allows her to use visual metaphors and dream-like imagery, a stark contrast to the commercial realism of her modeling days.
Her art is a personal and intellectual expression, giving her a voice and control that the modeling industry often takes away. She uses her unique perspective to create pieces that are thought-provoking and emotionally charged, establishing her own brand of creative authority far removed from the Tyra Banks' universe.
6. The Impact of the 'Petite' Season on the Industry
Cycle 13, the petite model season, remains one of the most memorable in ANTM history, and Nicole Fox is its enduring symbol of success. The season challenged the industry's strict height standards, proving that models under 5'9" could possess the high-fashion look and presence required for major campaigns. While the season didn't permanently change the runway standard, Nicole’s consistent excellence and her subsequent work for CoverGirl and Wilhelmina Models offered a powerful, albeit brief, moment of validation for shorter models.
7. Why She Chose Privacy Over Celebrity
For many reality TV contestants, the goal is perpetual fame. Nicole, however, has consistently chosen a path of privacy and creative authenticity. While she maintains a presence on social media platforms, her focus is on her family life with Jacob and Idris and her artwork. She has explicitly mentioned that she prefers not to be in the limelight, a sentiment that explains her quiet, yet successful, pivot away from the public eye. Her story is a refreshing reminder that winning a major reality competition can be a launchpad, but the ultimate destination is determined by personal fulfillment, not just celebrity status.
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