Life & Work with Tariq Glenn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tariq Glenn.

Tariq, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well, I would say I started my desire for the entertainment business at the age of five. I dreamt of being an actor, but I was too shy. I would always gaze at the magazines while my family and I would grocery shop or any store that has magazines. I slowly lost interest in acting while in high school because of insecurities.

Later, I found a passion for visually telling stories through photography and modeling. I would dress how I felt, and I would express my emotions through each piece I was wearing. Modeling was pretty cool to me. I was able to go to NYC Fashion Week and commercially model in Toronto, Atlanta, Chicago, and of course my hometown of Detroit, Mi. In addition to modeling, I would creative direct other models and photographers shoot. I work under photographers as their assistant, eventually developing a deep love for photography, more than being in front of the camera. I took a class for photographers to learn how to develop film and manually expose the composition. After the one class, I just pushed myself to go out and shoot every chance I got. I took my camera everywhere. Two years after experiencing photography, I saw the lack of resources and support for Detroit talents/artists.

I witnessed people just give up on their artistry because they just felt it wasn’t worth it, or they wouldn’t be able to be monetarily compensated. I remembered feeling that as a kid, that I was weird and had interest that no one understood or supported; leading me to start a creative collective brand, WeirdEyeInc. I connected other models, photographers, actors, etc. with each other who, still to this day, work with one another. I would host meet ups, rent out cabins and do weekend giveaways for artists. The name WeirdEyeInc. came to me, I didn’t search for it. I’ve always felt “Weird” and I knew that my eye saw things different in the real world and in the realities I create while shooting.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No! I’ve been homeless when I first moved to LA, it took me a long time to get on my feet. I’d never experienced anything like that, but this was something I wanted more than anything. I stayed true, focused, and determined and somehow, well I am here. It is definitely easier said than done, but it is obtainable.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I do is creative directing, location scouting, photography, social media marketing/management. I’ve always modeled, outside of my brand, WeirdEyeInc. I am known the most for my “Eye,” hence the name haha. I am most proud of the impact that I have made in other creative folks life, being able to connect people and support them in their creative process.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
The biggest risk I’ve taken was moving to LA. I’ve always wanted to since five years old. One day, I booked a flight to see if it spoke to my spirit as I always imagined, so I stayed for a week. I went hiking, something I was extremely afraid of, but I did it. I looked over and I just had said to myself, “A Year From Now I will be here.” I didn’t save like I should’ve, but when the time came to move, I had one last check of $750.00 and my car. I just said we will figure it out, but you have to stay true, or you will never do it. It learned me so many things, more than I could imagine. I met myself through the struggle. I do believe in taking risks, the worse you can do, is not take them and live in regret for not doing so.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weirdeyeinc/