Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny.

Hi Destiny, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

I am Destiny Santana, a self-made painter, born and bred from Harlem, NY. Six years ago, I chose to walk the path of an artist, surrendering to the unknown, yet trusting the rhythm of my journey. New York, a city of infinite possibilities, has tested and shaped me, but I have remained unwavering—authentic, fearless, and aligned with my purpose.

I move with intuition, guided by an awareness that tells me where I am meant to be. Some may call it mystical; I call it truth. My first breakthrough came not from credentials, but from presence—my humanity spoke louder than any résumé. A CEO, drawn to my confidence and curiosity, offered me a role leading his brand’s US Artisan Division. In that moment, the universe unfolded in my favor. I traveled the world, traveled across borders, painting stories onto luxury shoes, bags & apparel creating original art for those who sought something rare and real.

Reflecting back now, I can say that moment wasn’t random—it was destined. I was preparing for that once in a lifetime chance and when it came, I was ready.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

A smooth road isn’t promised for someone like me, but I have always been blessed to overcome and outshine the odds.
I’ve struggled with having to prove what art is to me to my family. Not going to college led my family to believe I was crazy at first to commit to something “with no future”.
I’ve struggled with housing insecurity
Ive struggled with navigating a world on my own at a young age
Ive struggled without my dad being here physically. May his soul continue to rest peacefully.
Ive struggled with being the only woman of color in the room. All kinds of adversity, racism and injustice.
If you want to know what i’ve struggled with i’d be writing all day, I think the biggest struggle I face now is mental health. The shedding of my childhood traumas and confronting my adulthood in a healthy and prosperous manner.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I am an abstract painter and multidisciplinary artist, recognized for my bold black lines and dynamic, chaotic imagery that challenge controversial topics and bring the stories of my people to life through visual art. My work is deeply rooted in cubist and expressionist techniques, allowing me to explore and communicate my experiences in a way that is both compelling and boundless.

My art has been showcased privately at Gracie Mansion and Soho House, as well as featured in exhibitions with Heath Gallery and the West Chelsea Art Festival. Beyond the gallery space, I’ve collaborated on design and experiential projects with major brands like Nike, Levis, Instagram, Golden Goose, and Goyard.

One of my proudest achievements is my recent mural for J.H.S. 218 in East New York, Brooklyn, created in partnership with Major League Soccer and AT&T for the Revive Your Court campaign. As my first mural, having the opportunity to create something impactful for the youth of New York was truly a dream come true.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?

Finding a mentor has to be natural. For me, a spiritual inclination/ background is a must because I am a spiritual being. Aligning your core values with who you surround yourself by and interact with will provide an ease and peace that just doesn’t come by forcing a relationship. You should never seek anyone out because of what they could “possibly” do for you. I believe a mentor should be someone you value deeply and vice versa. A person that can support you in finding answers to questions that are bigger than all of us. Someone who can provide resources either through story telling, sound direction, books, sites or educational/ philosophical recommendations to help further develop our own curiosities and dreams. What has worked well for me is being a student of life, staying open minded and receptive to how a lesson or message might reveal itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.destinysantana.com
• Instagram: destinysvntvna

Image Credits

Personal Photo – Nuria Rius
1. Drone Shot – Edgar Bolanos
2. Event photo – Maxim Skornyakov
3. Workshop photos – Jonathan Taveras
4. Nike shot – MJD Photography