The stereotypical African American male in Oakland is ” dangerous” and “thuggin'” while rocking white tee’s, blue jeans and nikes. Sorry to break your small minded bubble world but there are many African American men in Oakland that are reaching for the stars and landing on the moon. One of these young men is reaching so far out of what is expected of a Oakland School of the Arts graduate.

The fact that this young man is on his way to success is just a testament that it doesn’t matter where you come from. But enough with the long introduction, the young man who has countless achievements is Terrance Banks.  If you ask him what his profession is exactly. Terrance will simply say, ” I create, I’m a creator lol.” Terrance is a  video director, photographer, web/graphic/fashion designer. He is a renaissance man, a young entrprenuer and a visionary.

Why you love it?

Gives me the opportunity to take what’s in my mind…take whatever feeling or vision i get from a song, or any source of inspiration…and bring them to LIFE. And it’s even better when your peers appreciate it.

Who you have worked with ?

Clyde Carson, I.V.A.N., Lil Wayne, Bobby Brackins, The Cataracs, Erk Tha Jerk, Jay Anthony of the Diligentz, Terry “TK” Kennedy, Damey of the Diligentz, Ryan Leslie, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Glasses Malone…and high hopes of working with many more of God willing!

Favorite color ? – RED….I love red, i don’t bang though!

Your favorite directors ?

Wow…so many! We’ll start w/ my source of inspiration and mentor, TAJ Stansberry…then the list is endless:
Romain Gavras, Joseph Kahn, Anthony Mandler, the homie and fellow bay native Colin Tilley, George Lucas, James Cameron, F. Gary Gray, Spielberg, Hype Williams, Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Neveldine & Brian Taylor, just to name a few. I could go forever.

Fave films ?

AKIRA (all time favorite), Avatar, Gamer, Hurt Locker, Friday, all episodes of Star Wars, and newly added Ironman and Transformers (1 & 2).

Fave artists from the Bay?

Why would ask me this? lol Such a difficult question. In no particular order: I.V.A.N., Clyde Carson, TAJ, Colin Tilley, Jay Anthony, Damey, Erk Tha Jerk, Buttah, AC, Nio Tha Gift, The Cataracs (love these guy’s music), Bobby Brackins, E-40’s a G hands down…don’t hate me if i didnt mention you! Too many to list! lol

Connection to music, art and fashion.

I’ve been around music my entire life. Both of my fathers (biological and stepdad) were music producers coincidentally. Worked with a lot of big name artists. I didn’t fall into producing until the middle of high school when my brother started rapping. I was like “Hey, why didn’t i do this earlier?? I love it!” Music has always played a huge role in my life…even now with directing. I took a break from producing because the market was so saturated. Everyone wanted to make beats because it was “cool” I guess. Before I started producing, I used to sketch and paint a lot. I did that from about 5yrs old all the way up to now. It grew into web and graphic designing eventually. I went back to that after going on hiatus from producing. I met with labels and everything back when I actually did produce – so there’s a chance I may start it back up when i feel i have the time and less pressure.

I’ve always loved fashion and how great of an impact it has on our culture…young or old – and being such a visual person already, i felt like i could design clothes. It didn’t start until about 3 years ago when i began designing. It was after a conversation I had with my mentor, Chris Mueller. He’d see my sketches and ask me, “Man why don’t you put some of these on clothes? Jeans, t-shirts, etc.?!” I didn’t even have an answer lol. I asked myself the same thing. Then it went from being interested in printing tees to actual cut & sew pieces, contrast between materials, etc.

Do you consider yourself an entreprenuer ?  I do…no matter what connotation it already has.
What do you plan on conquering next  ? i.e. commercials, films, music videos for major labels, etc ?

I definitely pray to get music videos for major labels. I think that’s every upcoming director’s bench mark. But I do eventually plan on going to movies…that’s one of my main goals. The dreams i have at night are so vivid, they feel like movies. So i plan on turning a few of them into actual movies! Commercials are also something I want to move into if the opportunity presents itself – or I may just go out and get it like I do everything else. I’m also making my public debut into fashion with a collaboration with an already well established clothing company for winter 2010-11. I won’t give out the name though…it’s a surprise! But after the collab, my line itself will release on it’s own in Fall 2011.

Want more of Terrance Banks  ?

His reel is dope. T Banks videos are great quality.

Follow him on twitter.