Meet Alexis Mondragon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Mondragon.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Mine started early in my life since I was a young kid, I always enjoyed fashion and dressing well, especially in school. We didn’t have much as kids of a first-generation American family trying to make it, buying brand clothing was hard, still I did with what I had and I think I was doing a decent job (well at least in my head I was). I loved being able to put things together and be able to wear them confidently. I remember when skinny jeans were barely becoming a thing in my senior year of high school, I would get made fun for wearing and enjoying fitted clothing. It’s crazy to see what it has become now. I used to dress my friends for things like proms and homecoming and sometimes their girlfriends would ask me to help them, I thought it was weird but glad they trusted me to make sure they would look good. Now I’m dressing my same friends for their weddings and choosing their engagement outfits and even their groomsmen style as well, I just really love doing that. That has translated into a modeling career, that has taken off tremendously beyond my expectations, I have worked with about 10-15 photographers in the last two months. I have been all over Houston and now some in Dallas working with amazing people that seen potential in me, and I can’t wait to see what that becomes in the following months. It started all because of my current job at my brother’s wealth management firm dressing in suits every day will lead to you standing out in a sea of a lot of the same. I started a fashion blog that forced me out of my comfort zone and made me take pictures and post them continuously. The more I dressed well, the more my friends would say I should do modeling and it lead me to the right people and it went from one to another to another, and I’m enjoying the ride.

Please tell us about your art.
I have said this many times and I will say this again, Fashion is art and art is fashion. I look forward every year to the Met Gala and see the way designers make art thru clothing, it’s really inspiring. I try to recreate a lot of that individually and every photoshoot I do. I want it to have an art aspect and make it unique for people to enjoy and see the creativity and the thought that went into it. Whether you’re criticizing it or enjoying it, to me it doesn’t matter because at least you’re talking about it. So I try to create art with every photoshoot I do with the photographer and make myself as relevant as possible to everyone.

As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Success is defined differently for everyone, to me success is being able to be a good husband to my wife and a loving father to my daughter. I believe that the reason I was chosen to do this interview is because I showed integrity and honor. In everything I do I remain humble and thankful for the opportunity, your natural talents such as looks and creativity will open the door for you, but your personality and the vibes you put out are the ones that are going to take you higher and higher in life. Everything is an opportunity, TAKE it and nothing is too big or too little, everything is a way to show you how you can improve yourself or the things you should stay away from. I think Les Brown says it best “it’s better to be ready for an opportunity you don’t have than to have an opportunity and not be ready.” So, remember if you reach success know that one person can change the world, so find someone that will help you in life, respect everyone, know that life is not fair and you will fail often but if you take a risk and step up when times are tough things will get better and never give up, success will not be too far away.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Primarily on Instagram, you can go and follow me @notoriousdragon. That’s where I post the most and give shoutouts to all my photographers and you can see everything there. I’m working on creating a vlog that will give people insights on my thought process behind every outfit and a day to day diary of my life. Let you guys see some behind the scenes photoshoots I do and the creative side to it. So if you enjoy men’s fashion or fashion at all and want to see that, follow me, I will not disappoint. As well feel free to let me know if there’s anyway, I can help revamp your wardrobe or help your creative side, I’m always down to help.

Contact Info:

• Address: 14402 Hidden key Ct
  Houston, Tx 77090
• Website: https://alexismondragon.wordpress.com
• Phone: 2813018280
• Email: alex.leo.mondragon@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notoriousdragon/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notoriousdragon/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/KhalDragon

Image Credit:
Yvonne (vonvis_photography)
Jennifer (jennifervalentinephotography)
Jin Feng (fengmedia)
Ray (raymar_photography_)
Natalie D’Onofrio (natalie.j.photography)
Sergio (mvphy_)
Ricky Davis (champagne_studios)

Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.