Tarek Al is not your typical model-actor. He is known for having an edgier style on social media because of his tattoos, but he’s also got a great sense of style that brands are attracted to. He just wrapped production for his recent role as Austin Payne in Cigarettes & Coffee with A-list actor Tony Todd. “I had a wonderful time on set with Tony, Tarek shares. “He has a lot of great advice. He is a skilled actor with great technique. He gave me some tips that I will definitely 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. 

The Launch of Tarek’s Advertising Company

Off-screen, Tarek is on camera, working as a fashion and lifestyle model and influencer. He launched his own advertising company in 2019. Since then, he’s been making campaigns for luxury brands and traveling the world. He’s gained new clients and has managed to keep them all. 

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 Success as an Influencer

“I would say that much of my success as an influencer had to do with the rejections I faced due to my tattoos. It’s ironic because I had to deal with rejections from modeling agencies because of the tattoos. Now, there are a lot of brands that think it’s unique and stylish. I am glad that brands are starting to partner with influencers and be more diverse in their brand representation,” Tarek explains.  

“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.”

Words of inspiration

“I hope that people will read my story and feel inspired knowing that the modeling and fashion industry needs diversity and that influencers are essential to brands. Social media has made it so brands can really connect with and get to know their buyers. Influencers help brands make that connection,” Tarek explains. 

“My advice is not to let rejection define or shape your destiny. As I said, I was rejected many times before I realized I needed to take a different approach. 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 Bio

Tarek comes from a mixed cultural background. His mother is Arabic, and his father is Cuban.  He is well-traveled and cultured and can relate to many different demographics in the industry. 

Tarek 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.