Checking in with

Dustin Mireles (@modestgold)

Aye Fam! First and foremost, how have you been Fam? How was your overall 2023 and what do you look forward to this year?

“Hey, thank you for asking! I’m good and definitely had an amazing 2023 got to do a lot of traveling and meeting some amazing people. Urban Gorillas was definitely a great resource for meeting talent and talking over future ideas and plans so thank you guys! Im definitely looking forward to a few more trips this year and making more connections with like minded individuals and exploring more artistic endeavors.”

That’s amazing to hear man! And so glad we could play a role in connecting you with other talented creatives in the places you traveled to! I saw you got a chance to meet and connect with KB too! So cool to see how UG plays out in the real life outside of social media.

With everything going on in the world, what have you found to be the best way to cope or escape reality for a bit?

“Great question, I do tend to pay a lot of attention to the political climate facing both foreign and domestic issues. I don’t honestly ever escape from the reality because it seems disingenuous to ignore so much thats happening . I try to cope by practicing understanding and patients while staying informed and donating to causes I value when possible and maintaining support for my beliefs. I understand we as a generation have found ourselves in a very chaotic time that has long been over due, but as long as we as a community and generation strive to progress in a positive and beautiful direction creating and showcasing the wonders that is humanity I’m sure we can make it out stronger and more united then our past.”

I really like your perspective and how you choose to not run or shy away from today’s pressures, political affairs, and chaotic times. I definitely find myself frustrated with things going on in today’s times and do what I can where and when I can. Sometimes it’s just a matter of lending someone your time to listen and understand what they may be going through and from their perspective.

What’s your biggest goal or dream? And what and/or who keeps up the most motivated in life?

“My biggest goal I’ve set for myself this year has been to become a sail boat captain and be able to travel and explore and share all the beauty there is in this world. Becoming an independent self sufficient artist, that can also lend help in charities when possible or do volunteer work when needed. I would like to say something more common like wealth or fame but I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor but the only things that ever matter where the human interactions and experiences I’ve been blessed to have. When I open my eyes every morning I understand not everything will go as I expected and maybe I’m not exactly where I want to be but I have a great support team of family and friends and even strangers I meet who give me fuel to continue to strive for my dreams and to remain humble and to cherish the small things.”

Man that was inspirational just reading! I’d love to have like access to exotic cars and travel the world haha! But,  I’ve been going through the thick of it as of late and it’s funny trying to be the one keeping everyone else inspired and pumped up and then feeling and being ultimately drained yourself and searching for your own daily inspiration. But that’s amazing to hear also about you wanting to give back and forming your own charity one day while assisting others along the way!

Well damn Fam! It's been a super pleasure getting chance to chat and get to know you better! What’s a quote you can leave us with that always gives you a quick boost of inspiration?

“So I’m not sure where I picked up this quote by Maya Angelou but it’s “If you're always trying to be normal you’ll never realize how amazing you can be.” I have never felt more validated and in that moment I came to a self realization that I can carve out my own path in this world and contribute in my own unique way. I use to be a typical 9-5 guy who fished on the weekends and fixed his car with the crew but I never felt more happy with myself then when I became a traveling photographer meeting strangers and seeing and hearing about different cultures and lifestyles and experiencing the world and not just my backyard. So what ever your path maybe and what ever roadblocks you might face just know that life is shaping you into a strong amazing and unique individual and I hope we get to meet one day. Cheers and thank you for the continued support Urban Gorillas crew.”