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Social media influencer and actor Tarek Al just finished production for his recent role as Austin Paune in Cigarettes & Coffee with A-list actor Tony Todd. Tarek says, “I had a great experience working with Tony,” Taerk shares. “He has a lot to offer. He is a skilled actor with great advice. I learned some great techniques to use in the future.”
Cigarettes & Coffee and Be Happy
“This role required me to play a very manipulative person. I was also introduced to the dominatrix world,” Tarek laughs. “I had candle wax dripped on me and was even whipped! My character, Austin Payne, was full of emotion. I had to express pain, love, sadness – it was something different every day.” Tarek also wrapped up another production titled ‘Be Happy,’ a short-horror feature created and directed by Alejandro Clavier and Anthony Rodriguez.
Fashion and Lifestyle Influencer
When Tarek isn’t acting, he works as a fashion and lifestyle influencer and model. In 2019, Tarek Al launched his own advertising company. He’s traveled the world making campaigns for high-end luxury brands and has managed to keep them all as loyal clients.
So far, he’s created content for well-known brands, such as Mont Blanc, Adidas, Dior, Chanel, MVMT, Zara, H&M, and more. He was one of the Top 5 Miami Fashion Influencers and featured in Buzzfeed’s Sexiest Men with Tattoos article.
Tarek’s Tattoos
Tarek’s popularity on social media can partially be attributed to his tattoos. “It’s weird because I experienced rejections from modeling agencies when I first started because of my tattoos. Now, certain brands want to partner with me for that very reason,” Tarek explains. “I think brands finally realized they were missing out on opportunities to market to a different demographic.”
“I had to take matters into my own hands. I just started piecing outfits together and showing that people with tattoos can also be into fashion,” Tarek explains. “People seemed to really connect with the photos, and then a photographer reached out to me. After that, Fossil wanted me to showcase some watches for them with my hand tattoo.”
Tarek’s Advice
“The whole experience showed me that the modeling and fashion industry needs influencers,” he explains. “The brands that have wanted to work with me have said that my social media has a genuine feel to it. I guess people can relate to me and my shenanigans,” Tarek laughs. “Most marketers can see that influencers are almost essential to branding now.”
“Like I said, I was rejected many times before I realized I needed to take a different approach. My advice is not to let rejection define or shape your destiny. If you have a vision, stick to it and approach it from various angles. Sometimes you have the right idea and a perfect plan, but you’re approaching it from the wrong angle. So, take a step back, rethink your strategy, draw a new path for your vision, and tackle it again,” Tarek encourages.
Tarek’s Background
Tarek comes from a mixed cultural background (Arabic and Cuban), speaking four languages. He is well-traveled and cultured and can relate to many different demographics in the industry.
He is also part of The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, a UN agency mandated to aid and protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people, and to assist in their voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country.
