Career: Web Developer at GoodWirks Studios| Actor| Model
Website: GOODWIRKS.com | TheCampbellAgency.com
Mantra: Focus on being, before doing. Be someone that improves the lives of others.
Interview by: Kristin Read

Let’s talk Trey. Rather than ask what you do, I’d rather you just lay it out there for the world to hear.

Well, I studied marketing in college, and along the way I met several friends that moved to Dallas to work on a web startup company. At the time I was producing mediocre graphic design (at best), and had very little (if any) exposure to web development. But I decided to partner with them to offer marketing strategy and help with promotional event production. A year and half in, I stepped away for a few months before the project closed its doors. Not long after I left I was asked if I designed websites . . . I had zero experience, but decided that was the time to learn. So I did. And I haven’t stopped. The acting and modeling gig is a new venture for me. While I was in a number of plays when I was younger, I never really considered that a potential career move. And to be honest, it took months of coercing from those closest to me to try my hand at modeling and acting. But its taken off. And I can’t think that’s on accident. So I’m juggling two very different worlds at the moment.

Tell us about the independent film project you're now a part of (Remington). How’d you become a part of it, why’s it important to you, and how can we support you?

A student I practice with in one of my acting classes accidentally got me into the film. While in class one night, she asked that I read a script with her for an upcoming audition. I said yes and quickly fell in love with the storyline. So I asked if I could try my hand at the role and send in my own tape. She quickly handed my recording to the producer, and I was cast for one of the supporting roles. I don’t want to give away the plot, but I will say this is one of the best concepts I’ve seen pitched for an independent project in a long time. The story came from two Denton creatives (a fantastic screenplay writer and a director/producer friend). You can find out more information, and help bring the story to life by joining us on Kickstarter.

Any plans to move out to L.A.?

That’s the goal. I would love to be an actor full-time. A year ago, I would have never considered this an option, but after receiving affirmation from teachers and my agency, I have to take the encouragement I’ve been given as a nudge in the right direction. In fact, one of my teachers has been working to get me signed with an agent friend in L.A. The faith of others around me has been the spark that keeps me going, and what reminds me this is the right time in my life to leap. My goal is to head west for pilot season (the middle of December through February), to see where it leads. In the meantime, I will continue managing web development for my clients, but I'll shift my attention to focus on marketing strategy and development.

Any idea your life would take this direction?

No idea at all. As a child, I believed I would one day lead a church, as my father was a pastor for the majority of my younger years. In college, I thought I would do something in the business realm and post college, I had convinced myself that I was going to write code for the rest of my life. I’ve always acted and loved it, but never thought it could put food on the table.

Tucker at work programming.

How did you wind up at WELD? What does someone in your field stand to gain from their time here?

I actually met WELD’s community manager, Tiffany, when I worked out of a local Dallas coffee shop. I'm not sure how it happened, but a few years after we met, I found myself at WELD’s launch party. I worked out of the space once and feel like I've yet to leave. Two big things I’ve gained from my time here: being surrounded by those in the same life stage as myself is a huge encouragement, and I’ve learned to separate work and personal life. The WELD space makes it feel as though you’re working out of a startup environment with a group of creative independent contractors. And it’s proved to be less about working with people like myself, and more about what I've learned from the incredible relationships that have come from being here. Also, separating work life and home life has been so rewarding. As freelancers, we tend to work from home or from coffee shops and forget to separate from our work—we eat, sleep, and dream about it. So having a place to be excited to come to, and equally as excited to leave, has been great.

What have you learned from this transitional period of your life and career?

To be patient before making decisions and to listen to wise counsel. You may wait longer than you want to, and you may have to listen to interesting outlets that you didn’t anticipate to hear truth spoken from, but I’ve learned that God’s timing is perfect. If we take the time to focus on “being” as opposed to constantly “doing,” it makes it a lot easier to figure out our next steps.

At the end of our lives, the impact that we leave behind isn’t a product of our hands, but rather who we are. And if you’re true to yourself — and humble enough to see the faults and strengths in how you do things — you'll go much further. Be honest enough with/allow yourself the time necessary to just figure things out. Don’t rush your next steps, and don’t fear the quiet — embrace it. Really listen . . . See if that doesn’t help pave the path you’ve yet to travel.

Recent work with The Campbell Agency.

WELD Artist of the Week: Trey Tucker