Meet Tré Miller | Multifaceted Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tré Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tré, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk can be extremely rewarding or a great way to learn. In my opinion, both are a win!

Taking risks has played a vital role in my life. My parents have always taught me, “It’s better to try and fail than not try at all.” With that mentality, I’ve been blessed with so many great experiences and opportunities. I often find myself wrestling with my thoughts when it comes to decision-making, but that all comes with the idea of “trying something” or “taking a risk.”

I believe it’s important to be willing and open-minded about new ideas or experiences. Trying something and not liking it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy something else or become great at it.

In my journey as an artist, taking risks has become essential for improvement. (If I don’t “sharpen my blades,” I won’t get better.) This is something I tell myself, meaning I need to be open-minded to learning new techniques or trying new spots. (“Blades” refers to my skills.) I do my best to study or learn enough about something before taking the risk of trying it or claiming it as my own.

Taking risks has led me to some of my favorite memories, places, people, and creations.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
ThirdWorld has been a work in progress. Over the last six years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people and collaborating with incredibly talented artists. On this journey, I’ve faced many hardships and standstills, which allowed me to articulate my frustrations and explore other forms of art (videography, sewing, design…).

My strong suit as a multimedia artist is definitely photography. However, long before my mom gave me my first camera, I was making deco-collages and practicing linoleum printing, both of which were taught in middle and high school by some pretty rad teachers.

As for everything else, the curiosity of creating something and testing my knowledge, boundaries, and skills has helped me acquire many different talents. “Screen printing,” being a fan favorite, really scratches my brain in the “patience department.” In my early adolescence, I started drawing on T-shirts with Sharpie markers, which eventually led me to silk screening. Printing can be a difficult but exciting process. I’ve recently learned how to screen print my own photography, which combines two of my most loved forms of art—photos and printing! It’s something I’m most proud of and will continue to practice and perfect.

I believe what sets me apart from others is my attention to detail. But more importantly, it’s my desire to share. “It don’t cost nothing to show some love.” Everyone is so serious these days, and sometimes I catch myself being that person, too. But hey, we’re all different and just trying our best to paint the picture.

Lastly, a lesson I’ve learned and would like people to know is that turning a passion into a business is never easy, and I’m still working on understanding the process. “Selling a dream” was never the goal, but “Sharing a dream” is where it’s at. Building a community has been one of the things I cherish most. If you know me… everywhere there is ThirdWorld, there is West Whittier.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Shiiiiiiiiit, I have to start my morning with a good coffee! A couple of cool places I’ve come to love are “LFTD Coffee, MUGS, and Coffee Code.” They’re all pretty local to my home or commute, and they all have amazing matcha and pastries! I’m a huge sweets guy. While we sip on our morning beverages, we could take a nice walk through Uptown Whittier or a short hike through the Greenleaf Trail. If you’re lucky, you might even hit the skatepark!

For lunch, some good spots are “Whittier Provisions, Starfish Sushi, or Caribbean Gourmet.” The last one is my favorite! It’s a Guyanese place owned by a family friend. Their Oxtail Plate with Rice & Peas, Cheese Roll, and Large Tamarind will take you straight to the motherland. There’s a variety of places I enjoy visiting, like “Laguna Beach, DTLA, and Joshua Tree.” I really love these areas for many reasons, especially my passion for art, music, and being outdoors.
Lastly, you can’t say we’ve hung out unless you’ve had Dinner prepared by my mom.. just saying!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family and friends. My parents have led me to great heights in life and have helped me through many difficult situations.

I’d specifically like to thank my mom, who has always supported my career. The name “ThirdWorld” pays homage to the countries they come from. I’d also like to thank my older sister, who was the first person to expose me to art, as well as my older brother, for teaching me about discipline and dedication.

I’d like to thank the community for always supporting my work. I’d also like to acknowledge my best friend, Kevin Khim, for constantly challenging my creativity and documenting our journey. Our passion for creativity has always been a priority, and I am forever thankful.

Instagram: @__padawan__ and @_third.world_

Image Credits
Desiree Shocks,
Love Lujan,
Keenan Yorks…

Photos by Tré Miller
for ThirdWorld…