I’m writing this as an expression of gratitude because of all the artists navigating the world wide web, you chose to support the endeavors of this little ol’ mayan prince.
and for that,
no matter your contribution,
i am grateful.
forreal forreal.
i coulddd talk in depth about my personal struggles as an entrepreneur or the torments and stresses of walking the path of an artist, especially a first-generation artist navigating capitalism, algorithms, social validation, etc.
buuut i’d rather like for you to know that moments of support like this make all the madness worth it
because it makes the current ideas in my head feel more tangible.
and that, is exciting.
As a supporter to my journey I’d like to take this time to also personally extend my vision.
The journey of Draco follows a little Mayan prince as he wakes up one day in the future amongst a huge city, miles and miles away from home.
My story begins in the Andes of Ecuador and the campos of Guatemala. From mangos in my backyard to giant glass towers, my landscape drastically changed in the blink of an eye.
I found myself on the east coast where Lady Liberty replaced coconut trees and the cool shade from palms.
The only comfort that felt familiar to our mud homes were the four walls of a church. And so, little by little the tiny fire within me swayed through these unfamiliar winds.
In our modern age and in certain instances, the idea of the dragon has been transformed to symbolize “evil” (ex: draco malfoy, draco as a gun in hip hop).
When i introduce myself, sometimes i get the reaction:
”Draco? but you seem.. harmless.”
”…you don’t look scary”
and that’s the point :)
as a queer, multi spirit person, my existence is an inevitable challenge to all we’ve ever known. from gender and sexuality, to religion and spiritualism.
this is a journey of thought and growth.
The vision of the dragon is an all-encapsulating one, like an eagle’s eye.
My foundations are painting and poetry that evolved into writing, music, videography and photography. Somewhere in the middle of all that lies graphic design, styling, crafting and overall creative direction.
Currently, music is my muse especially as I prepare for my debut mixtape.
BARRIOTAPE
Barrio Tapes will be my series of mixtapes - collections of songs from my vault turned into projects that explore the intersectionality of my being.
My intention is to push queer narratives in traditionally machista genres like rap and reggeaton; to soften and provoke through spanish and english.
the following is a breakdown of everything that goes into breathing life into my music:
Distribution fees (yearly)
Recording equipment
Mixing & mastering services
Producer services
Studio expenses
Initial beat leases
Promotional materials (physical)
Merch
Hard drives
the following are investments I look forward to:
Beat pad
Vocal coaching
Piano lessons
Guitar lessons
Portable mic set up
3D & Motion Artist commissions
Advertisements
Marketing & PR Campaigns
Web Developer
Exclusive beat rights // owning my masters
Photography services
Videography
Video editing
Stylist services & wardrobe
Jewelry & accessories (small businesses with priority to Black & Indigenous businesses)
Craft expenses (beads, adhesives, wire, clay, fabrics, make up etc.)
your contributions bring me a step closer to bringing a new dimensionality and fresh approach to my Work.
NATIVO PRODUCTIONS
Nativo Productions is my official business endeavor that holds Draco but also my passion for photography and video.
Nativo Production’s mission is to uplift melanated beings to break through euro-centric beauty standards by creating representation and inspiring empowerment.
This aspect of my work encapsulates my photography, poetry projects, self-portraits, NFTs, publishing and more.
investments that sustain this practice includes:
Editing software subscriptions (yearly, monthly)
Portable lights
Portable photography equipment
Gas // minting fees
Processing fees
Hardware wallet - ledger
DRACO, The Artist
Last but not least, the vessel and medium that sees and feels it all, the walking embodiment of all of these ideas.
Besides financial goals and objectives, my health is also a high priority. And so self care and maintenance are important for me to be able to share my vision with my loved ones.
your contribution extends towards these grounding principles:
Living Expenses
Administrative costs
Travel costs
Lawyer fees
Car maintenance
Health (groceries, medical visits, supplements, herbs, consultations, etc.)
Self-care (facial care & products, acupuncture, massage therapy, reiki services, attunement, books, etc.)
and so, I hope that this expanded letter allows you to see how your offerings can, and will blossom in my garden of ideas.
a like and a retweet bring me closer to finding my audience and eventually, other queer brown kids who might look and feel like me.
but your contribution propels me beyond this little team of One.
and i wish i could send you all the floating pink hearts as a physical manifestation of my gratitude but i hope that my words and intentions resonate as lovingly.
for a long time i’ve shared my art with the world with little to no feedback or visibility.
that’s where i’m coming from.
Thanks to individuals like You, i get to dream just a littleeee bit bigger.
a thousand times thank you
and most all,
Welcome.
This is only the beginning of lifetime journey and know that you are forever imprinted on this path with me.
Thank You.
Gracias.
With so much love and gratitude,
Draco
<3