Meet Danielle Mondragon | Artist

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

Hi Danielle, why did you pursue a creative career?
My whole life I’ve always had a passion for creating in some way or another, over time it’s developed into a love of The Fine Arts. After graduating college I began working for an architecture firm as a interior architect and designer. After my first daughter was born it changed me. I eventually decided to part ways with corporate America. A few month later my husband took a job in Katy and moved us to West Houston. Shortly after moving I began to have an itch for finding a creative outlet. My husband was super supportive during my transition as a full time mom, even though I had lot of moments where I doubted if I had made the right decision to quit my job. This is around the time Saint.ionery was born. It really wasn’t something I ever imagined myself doing but with my new gig as a full time mom I had more time to pray and read and most importantly form my children. I really dived into to learning more about my Catholic faith and began to become inspired by the lives of the saints. As Catholics we recognize saints as men and women who are in heaven. The stories I read about them were so inspiring. I really wanted to share the lives of the saints with friends and family so I began to draw their images. I’d write up a little bio on the saint and I would mail the images to my goddaughter. Since 2019 I’ve been drawing saints, Christian images, and this past year I’ve dabbled in some graphic design. My small art business has been a way for me be creative, continue to be home with my family, and hopefully give holy inspiration to families through my art.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I think a few things set me apart, my artwork is exclusively Christian based so my market is a pretty small niche. I spend my time researching symbols, stories, history to base my images on. My art is created using alcohol markers along with different blending techniques and minimal digital editing. The thing I’m most proud of is actually a three piece series that I released this year. It’s very different than all of my other art because it’s done completely in graphite pencil.

I remember leaving my corporate job was hardest decision I ever made. It was hard because I was in the industry for a short amount of time and I had worked so hard to graduate college. The biggest lesson I learned was I was totally replaceable at work but the time I lost away from my family I could never get back. My experience in work and art techniques I learned in college I still use today. My story is still small and humble it’s a little dream of mine that I’m able to continue to do with help from my family.

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 was planning a fun week with a friend I’d definitely suggest outings at: Altitude Rooftop & Pool at Marriot Marquis, MFAH, walk gardens around Herman park, St. Arnold’s brewery, a day trip to Galveston to walk the strand, and antique shopping in the heights. Houston has some really unique fun spots that are super diverse.

For food and fun spots to grab drinks I’d suggest: El Tiempo, Helen Greek Food & Wine, 13 Celsius, D’Amico’s Italian Market Cafe, SOHO garden, and bbq!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First God for bestowing like an ounce of artistic talent to me! The rest of my family honestly has been the greatest in this journey. My husband who keeps encouraging me to continue pursuing this little dream of mine. My parents who are like my biggest fans and are always there for me when it comes to offering help with our three children. This has allowed me to set up my art in markets and pop up shops. So I’m super grateful for their extra help. My in-laws are also super supportive! They’ve helped with babysitting and anytime I check my social media stats I can always count on them to view my content even if no one else does. I’d also like to give a shout-out to the women in my moms group at Saint John Vianney Catholic Church. They are truly my best customers and this organization has had my back since I started. Thank you to all you families have supported my small shop over the past couple of years. Last but not least my beloved Godmother she passed away before I ever started drawing but her family has been the biggest influence in my pursuit of the Catholic faith. Her family planted a seed and I’m so thankful for that.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Saintionery

Instagram: https://instagram.com/saint.ionery

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/saint.ionery

Image Credits
First head shot: Janisse Valenzuela Photography Family portrait: Janisse Valenzuela Photography