Tarik Ellinger has accomplished more in his 20 years than some people do in a lifetime. Not only is Tarik an actor, influencer, and cosplayer, but he is also the Creator and CEO of Devin Skateboards. He somehow manages to balance everything while staying grounded and humble. I recently had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Tarik about his company, his cosplay, and his new projects.
Tell us what you are working on now.
Currently I have a pilot set to film in March! Cannot say too much at the moment, but it is something I am extremely excited about.
What do you look for in a film role?
Being an actor, I am tasked with being able to play a variety of roles, often very different than who I am as a person. The roles I look for are ones where I can have a deeper connection with the character. Stepping into a person’s shoes is very difficult, but if I can actively achieve a deeper understanding and relate to the role in a way, it makes it so much more fluent.
How do you choose your Cosplays?
I have a whole list of cosplays that I look forward to doing in the future. When choosing, I typically look for characters I personally love, and ones that I have a passing resemblance to. Cosplay becomes way more fun when it’s a character I enjoy, and am able to feel what it’s like simply being them.
What has been your favorite Cosplay and why?
My favorite cosplay hands down has to be Anakin Skywalker from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. Growing up, Anakin was my childhood hero, and it always feels surreal when I am able to put on his costume. It is such a crazy feeling looking at myself in a mirror when the cosplay is on, and it makes me turn into a kid again!
Photo Credit: Personal Collection
What do you look for in a good skateboard?
To achieve a good skateboard, there are many different variables. The durability, the weight, and the message behind the board are aspects that I deem important. If it rides well, you’ll skate well!
What separates your Devin Skateboards from other companies?
Devin Skateboards is a concept I had when I was just a kid. It’s incredible how it turned into a real business of mine. What I believe separates us from other companies is the story. A lot of companies slap a cool graphic on a board and call it good. Devin Skateboards understand the culture, and actively tries to incorporate our own story, while still expressing the rebellious adolescence of the skateboarding community
Fun Question– As an actor, if you could work with anyone alive or dead who would they be and why?
This is an extremely tough question for me. There are so many actors and public figures that I respect greatly. If I could work with anyone, it would have to be my favorite artist of all time, Travis Scott. Being a super fan, I took the opportunity to go on stage with him during this concert, and it was one of the greatest moments of my life. The respect he showed me on stage, as well as giving me his shirt at the end of the song is something I will never forget. I would love to work with him to express my gratitude for that core memory, plus I think we would just have the best time working together. I just uploaded a YouTube video explaining my experience at the concert if you want to check it out and see the footage of us on stage!
Where can we follow you on social media?
Instagram: @tarikellinger
Youtube: TheTarikEllinger
Snapchat: @Tarik.Ellinger
TikTok: @tarikellinger
Photo Credit: Personal Collection