Meet Destino Mondragon | Music Artist, Model, Fashion Designer, & Creative Director

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

Hi Destino, why did you pursue a creative career?
I know it’s super cliche to say, but music, art, and performance literally saved my life. I was struggling a lot in my freshman year of college mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. My parents had recently divorced, I wasn’t really focused on school or my classwork, and I just felt lost. I remember thinking to myself “What is my purpose? Why am I here? What am I doing with my life? Does any of this even matter?” Etc. Life was never hard until I went to college and tried the whole college thing. Don’t get me wrong, I believe education is very important but I really feel like it was a case of the right thing at the wrong time. While I was breaking down trying to understand who I was at 18, the universe sent me some really amazing friends that showed me the wonders of creative self expression through music and art. Jaye Gambino, who plays guitar for Top Lip and Caustic Soda, was one of the first amazing queer souls that helped me really fall in love with the art of music making. I just remember after having a really stressful day I’d be able to hit her up and we could hang out and jam together while talking about all of our dreams. Hanging out with her really made me feel understood and sane. I feel like she’s part of the reason why I felt like my dreams weren’t out of reach. I started to record and produce more after meeting her and began to envision a person I would truly look up to and want to become. Through music and art, I found my “purpose”: to inspire others to live their most authentic lives and to not be afraid of stepping out of a box that they’ve been placed in because of societal pressure. Because of music and art I’ve learned to love myself more, I’ve been able to continuously work on healing my inner child and confront my personal traumas to become a better person, I’ve been able to meet new people and make new friends, I’ve been able to experience the life I’ve always envisioned. I pursue music and art because I love to express my soul and want to inspire others to share who they are as well.

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.
My art is an extension of my soul. I create experimental electronic pop that truly resonates with me and my playful energy. I’m very proud of the unique style I’ve created through my music and I’m proud of the queer fan base I’ve began to create and welcome into my chosen family. I’ve gotten to where I am today by remaining authentic to the music I love to create, by learning to not care about outside opinions, and being vigilant at networking, marketing, and setting my mind and heart on my goals. It takes hard work to remain determined and fixated on creative goals, but I have a clear vision in my mind of where I want to be, and I have learned to maintain focus on what I want. Journaling, being productive in my art everyday (whether it be coming up with a new melody in the shower, recording lyric ideas on my phone, or just drawing an outfit idea), I try to work out that creative muscle and do something fun and creative once a day! Some lessons I’ve learned along the way include: other people’s opinions are just opinions; don’t force collaboration with people that aren’t on the same page with your goals and ideas; be kind to everyone; don’t worry about what other people would like, make what resonates with you.

If there’s anything I’d like the world to know about me and my art is that I’m determined to create spaces for people to feel understood, loved, and happy. I’m determined to share my art and I’m dedicated to continuously working to create art that resonates with my queer/non-binary soul.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend we’re to visit Denver is first take them to The Delectable Egg for Breakfast! They have the best food, best prices, and least wait time. Always happy to go here. If they wanted to go out for some good Mexican food, Chubbys has some amazing chili cheese fries and they are a local, family owned restaurantwith great prices, otherwise if they wanted to spend some money I’d take them to Blue Sushi near Union Station! For a good night out I would NEVER recommend Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row Denver (you can look at my Instagram if you want to know more about that drama) but I would DEFINITELY recommend going to Tracks for some queer fun, Milk Bar for a crowd and safe space for everyone, and Temple for a beautiful electronic music show! If you just want to have fun at a good price, DUUUUHHHHH MeowWolf and the selfie museum!!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to Jaye Gambino of Top Lip and Caustic Soda

Website: www.destinomakesmusic.com

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/officialdestino

Twitter: https://Twitter.com/officialdestino

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialDestinoMusic

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCdnxPnIMIjVNob0hdoGz0SQ

Image Credits
DESTINO