Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Goncalves.
Hi Mario, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My journey starts in Cape Cod, MA where I was born. At the age of 5, I moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil where I lived until my teens, then moved back. Being raised by a modest Brazillian family showed the importance of taking care of one another, staying humble, and letting passion be the driver for whatever I wanted to do in life.
As a single child, I’ve always felt that I was capable of taking charge of things on my own. When I turned 21, I took a leap of faith and moved across the country to San Diego, California after simply selecting the top option in a “Best cities to live in” google search. I was ready to start a chapter for myself and challenge the unknown.
Through my decade here in San Diego, I was blessed to meet amazing and creative friends who I consider my family away from home. I invested a lot of time in the realm of the arts, indulging in the SD underground electronic scene, participating in festivals, and building a collection of wearable art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I come from a very modest and humble family of immigrants. Like most first-generation Americans, you do a lot of “figuring it out on your own.” After moving cross country at 21, there was a sense of shame I felt leaving my very tight Brazilian family behind. However, I knew it was the right step for me to grow and they have continue to show support.
While in California, I fought lots of battles like most people. I’ve failed ventures, dealt with financial hardships, and struggled with finding purpose. However, I’ve never quit. The thought of my parents leaving their own families in Brazil with very little, not knowing a peep of English, and making it through keeps me alive and motivated. I feel blessed for being here today and I always welcome the next challenge.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider myself a designer with many channels. My design career is quite colorful (literally and figuratively). I’ve designed clothing, marketing content, music, events and experiences, websites, and mobile apps.
Today, I’m proud that I still get to choose from those outlets. I split my day-to-day working as UX Designer and leading a creative role with In The Bag Productions, an immersive experience production company I co-founded with my best friends.
In The Bag Productions is my proudest offering to the world (so far). I have an unbelieve, highly creative, passionate, and hard-working team. We focus on creating immersive and thematic experiences rather than concerts. We provide a platform for our guests to dress up in theme and be the MAIN characters. Of course, the musical talent, performers, and all others involved are a crucial part of the experience. In the end of the day, we just want to build authentic human connection, hoping that a person can meet their next best friend, or vent their life away to a complete stranger, or even meet their next husband/wife (which has happened before).
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love best about our city is the warmth of the people. I feel like the San Diego community is inviting and accepting. There’s also a push for wellness and mindfulness I didn’t experience on the east coast. I think San Diego overall operates in a happy frequency that is backed by wonderful sunshine and a diverse ecosystem.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.inthebag-productions.com
- Instagram: @don.rayon | @inthebagproductions
- Portfolio: www.uxwithmario.com
