Tonii 2 Eyes Interview | Respect the Poet
How did you get your name?
My friend decided to enter my name into his phone with Tony spelled "Tonii' and I happened to see it one day at an open mic we hosted and the rest was history. I then became Tonii 2 eyes.
What Kind of Poet are you?
I call myself an entreprepoet, meaning an entrepreneurial poet. My entrepreneurial spirit has led to me using my creative nature as a poet to start and build multiple businesses in the creative field. I now own a fast growing publishing company (ii Publishing), an international institute for poets (Poetix University), and a apparel brand made to expand a poets reach (POETSwear). I also am the author of the poetry book called (HER), a spoken word artist, event curator, and the co-host of the new poets podcast called WORD2WORDZ. Now as far as the content of my poetry goes, I am a romantic poet. Everything from rose petals to labias.
What drew you to Poetry/writing?
Poetry has been a vessel for me to pour my thoughts and feelings into. We go way back to Dr. Suess books. Writing poetry has occurred in stages. There was the Child poetry, Church Poetry, Occassional Poetry, and then the Profession Poetry. Each phase inspired me differently.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in St. Petersburg, FL. Moved to NY to earn my B.A. degree in architecture at Columbia University
Where do you go to create? Tell us about one of your favorite creative environments
My favorite creative space is in my head. I haven't found a particular spot or place because I am always on the go and always creating. I create on paper, on my phone, on my computer, and even in my mind when none of that is accessible.
What inspires you?
Observation inspires me most. Whether it be observing my past in thoughts or observing the present with my eyes or observing my dreams in my goals, intentionally paying attention to things brings me inspiration.
Who inspires you?
Every creative that I encounter. It intrigues me to see how people take thoughts, feelings, and spirit and transform it into artistic expression. I have been inspired by both the big and the small, the well known and the not so.
Who are some of your favorite poets?
This list changes the more you experience the craft but as of right now it is Dara Kalima, The Artist Anubis, The Everyday Bite, Brandon Leake, Rupi Kaur, and Natalie Nascenzi. There are plenty more but this list is compiled based on the quantity of their influence to my work and brand.
Which Poems inspire you? Why?
The first poem that made an impact on me was Don't Quit by Edgar Guest. My father had it over the TV and read it and sited it to me from time to time to remind me of its lessons. Along the same line, "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Suess, although a book, was a poetic book that carried me from the age of 7 to today. I still have a copy of it on my bookshelf as a reminder. This book teaches life to anyone that reads it no matter your age. And that's the power of poetry: to give someone something to hold on to after the poem is done, after your life is gone.
If you could work with anyone in the world (alive or dead) who would it be?
Kanye West. Yes, I would want to do a poetry album produced by Kanye West. I have been a fan of his creative mind since a child and I know that if I worked with him my poetry would transcend poems and words and be so much more.
What’s a piece of advice you have for anyone trying to delve more into poetry?
Dive in. Find your voice at the oceans floor. Then, use it authentically to make footprints on the shore. This means to give yourself to poetry, the community, and the craft. Learn more about it, its history, its present, and meet others who share that same passion. Take workshops, lectures, and go to open mics. Volunteer with poetry related organizations, submit your work to anthologies, magazines, or websites. Being in the environment will grow you past your current comprehension.
What advice do you have for poets to keep their audience engaged?
Listen to your audience all while you speak to them. Don't just read to them, instead speak your truth. Also, understand that all poetry is not for every audience so be mindful.
What's your dream?
My dream is to be a galaxii that helps create a multitude of other galaxies. Use my existence to create opportunities, environments, and experiences that pushes at least one person a little further towards their purpose using their creative spirit.
What advice do you have for anyone chasing their dreams?
Chase it like its your only option for your next meal. With that mentality, excuses can not live. Would a hungry lion say "I don't feel like chasing antelopes? I'm too tired. I don't know if I'm fast enough to chase my prey." No, so if you have a dream get hungry and chase it. Also, understand the chase is never a straight line and be willing to change directions and maneuver around obstacles that will come.
What is your poetic legacy/ life legacy you are trying to create?
It is to create an energy that is contagious that empowers creatives to be more creative and feed the world something only they can supply. Creatives are always in their own lane and there is infinite space in the creative universe so I want people to realize this and stay in their lanes, avoiding worry about and comparisons to others. I know the world needs creatives more than ever. Because we speak a language everyone can understand but few can speak.
What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?
It is a baby. You conceived it with desire and hope. Once you birth it into the world, whether on paper or conceptually, be prepared to be a parent. It will continue to learn, grow, and change. Have patience. Seek to learn from it and instill what you know into it. Be willing to let it grow up and use resources to assist you. It takes a tribe to raise a dream.
Tell us about your most recent release:
I will be following up my book (HER), which is an all black book with white letters, with a sketchbook/notebook called the PANDA book which is a unique sketchbook/notebook with black pages that comes with a white gel pen so you can "be different" when you write. This book will give people a different perspective to the writing, drawing, and/or note-taking experience. It will come in both lined and unlined versions and come in an 8x10.5 size and a pocket-size. Preorder will be opening shortly for this so go subscribe to our website at www.toniiinc.com.
Share a link to your most recent release: http://anchor.fm/word2wordz
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tonii2eyes
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tonii2eyes
Facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/with2eyes/
Website: http://www.toniiinc.com
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