Mod Cárdenas (b. Guatemala 1982) is a contemporary visual artist and pioneer of Guatemalan street art. Alongside his art, Cardenas pursued a career in Clinical Psychology, that has informed his approach to art from a research and observational base. Cardenas has exhibited extensively around the world with 14 solo exhibitions and several group shows, in addition to his murals and public art installations locally and abroad. His work has received numerous honors including the Highly Commended Award from SAP in Australia, Honorific Mention by Fundación Rozas Botrán in Guatemala, and a finalist position at GAA in Dubai. He was also recognized by the Finance Minister of Guatemala for his contribution to Guatemalan culture and by the Congress of the Guatemalan Republic for his impactful contributions and elevation of the art and culture produced in their country. His work is included in collections such as the Guatemalan National Congress Collection, the Luciano Benetton Collection in Italy, and the Fundación Rozas-Botrán Museum in Guatemala. Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/6NqFcTrLYnM Learn more about him at: https://www.modcardenas.com Find him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/mod77art/ Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / innovationradio Twitter: / agentinnovation Facebook: / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys Want us to host a Fearless Journey group trip to Memphis with Matt Stone? Email us at: fearlessjourneysLLC at gmail dot com You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com 00:00 Episode Introduction 00:50 How do we meet? 01:05 First time listening to an episode? // What is Fearless Journeys 3:08 Where did you get your name Mod? 04:39 At what time did you start doing graffiti? 07:04 Art is part of everybody’s life 09:14 10 Characteristics of a successful entrepreneur Curious & creative 10:58 How did you start? Why were you anonymous 13:30 Education and other jobs 16:54 Why Mod became a top 5 Tattoo Artist in Guatemala City 18:17 How do people find you before Social Media? 19:15 What kind of art are you particularly known for now? 21:37 Mod’s studio 24:00 Self education & Social media 27:44 How’s a Guatemalan artist recognized internally and externally 30:03 The importance of telling your story 35:44 The Power of connections 41:05 How can an artist get income? 42:00 How to manage your income being an solo entrepreneur 42:52 Finding a partner that understands you 51:45 How did you get your own Studio 52:15 Not everything is smooth Sailing as an artist - The power of MKTNG 55:14 How to contact Mod 57:35 Commission art and work 59:42 How do you help other artists 1:05:30 Difference between the artist mind and the entrepreneurial mind 1:12:15 You need to sell yourself 1:16:15 Traveling & awards 1:22:30 How many countries have you been to now? 1:25:00 Wrap