Today we’d like to introduce you to Tre King

Hi Tre, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Growing up I learned how much I loved tapping into my creative side. In college I was involved in so many different clubs where I discovered many passions in different areas. I was always finding myself wanting to explore different orgs to meet people, learn new things, and explore new ideas. I loved being in community with new people and truly make the best of every moment. That led me to film school (Columbia College) where I unlocked a different side of my creativity. But on a deeper level, even in the last year alone I’ve had many opportunities to understand my creative voice better. I’ve learned to accept the beauty in my creative side being a natural part of me.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Funny enough, I definitely struggled with learning to let go of feelings of needing to choose a specific lane. I used to feel like I could only do one medium. As creatives, we tend to put ourselves in a box when it comes to having a certain type of skill. I know I’m definitely guilty of it, but I’ve had experiences, especially in the past few years alone, where I’ve explored different sides of my creativity. Whether that’s film, music videos, fashion, or even creative direction, opening myself up to new creative lanes helped me realize the power in being multi-faceted. So I guess it was less of a struggle and more so unlearning how we’re often socialized to think we have to have a few or even 1 specific talent. Who wants to do that when you can do all of it?

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

Film directing is my favorite specialty. The past year I’ve been celebrating my short film that I wrote and directed, A Conversation. It’s been in some amazing film festivals this year and won best cinematography and audience choice award (Big Shoulders International Student Film Festival). It’s been such a fun ride experiencing the love it’s been receiving. Earlier this year I co-directed my friend’s thesis film that has the same themes of growing through life’s challenges as young people (Oreo What’s In The Middle). All of my work has similar elements of finding who you are as a person. For this past election season, I directed a fashion show centering around youth civic engagement. It was a beautiful experience to plan and be a part of, like all of my creative endeavors. Which is why it’s hard to say which one I’m most proud of. I’m really most proud of the process and how everything comes together. I’m always pleasantly surprised at the new friends and community I make when I’m creating. The feeling of creating long term community is priceless.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?

What immediately came to mind is competing with my family to get the high score on the Michael Jackson: The Experience Wii game. Nothing beats the feeling of trying to hit the dance moves as sharp as possible to be the top scorer. Those were always the most memorable nights!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @tre_king

Image Credits

Elizabeth Tutu, Jermaine Thomas II