I wasn’t supposed to make it.
Born into struggle and raised in the thick of life’s hard lessons, I was just a young kid trying to survive first through sport, then through expression.
What began as a dream on the hardwood became a 10-year NBA career. But, that was only part of the story.
After the final buzzer sounded, I picked up something back up that shaped me long before fame…… a paintbrush.
“That brush became a passport not just to show my work, but to see life differently.”
It connected me to people, places, and culture in ways that I never could while chasing points, steals, and rebounds.
Today, I’m a global artist collected by art lovers around the globe, a husband, a father, a traveler, and a storyteller—and this is my next chapter.
Welcome to TELL’EM DESMOND SENT YOU
This is my monthly series with InMexico, where I bring you into the real version of my world—no filters, no fluff, just the grit, the soul, the flavor, and the travel truth.
It’s a passport into everything I’ve experienced, from Michelin-star elegance to a dusty street vendor serving the best bite of your life.
This isn’t just travel. It’s how we experience, not just what we experience.
The Journey Behind the Series
I grew up where travel was a luxury, not a lifestyle. Our vacations were simple—a visit to Grandma’s house or a walk around the block. But I was always watching, learning, dreaming—and hoping that one day, I could see more of the world.
“Basketball opened the door, but Art made me understand the world.”
As an artist, I stopped moving like a tourist and started exploring like a student. I asked more questions. I stayed longer. I fell in love with the process.
From the elegant streets of Marbella, to the energy of Hong Kong, a vineyard in Tuscany, or a quiet alley in Paris, I learned something new everywhere.
There’s no one way to experience the world—and I figured that out quickly.
What “TELL’EM DESMOND SENT YOU” Really Means
It’s not a tagline. It’s a stamp of travel trust and unique experiences.
If I send you somewhere, I’ve been there. I’ve eaten the food, met the people, stayed in the space, watched the sun rise and set from that exact place.
Every story is real.
No fluff. No filters. No favors.
Just my truth—from the front row of a fashion show to the back table of a family-run diner that only locals know.
“I’m not just sharing my world. I’m pushing you to open your own.”
What to Expect
This monthly series will take you around the globe and back. Together, we’ll explore:
✈ Travel
Hidden gems and global hotspots—from boutique stays in Marrakech to mountainside B&Bs in Oaxaca.
🍽 Food
Street food that slaps. Fine dining that humbles. And the why behind every bite.
🍷 Wine & Spirits
From champagne in Épernay to tequila in Jalisco—every bottle has a story.
🎨 Art & Culture
Museums, murals, underground shows, and the creative pulse of every city.
👟 Fashion & Design
From custom kicks in NYC to amazing fashion in Ghana—and how style reflects culture.
🗣 People & Conversations
Culture doesn’t exist without community. We’ll meet the locals shaping the spaces they live in and creating or maintaining the cultures of their countries and cities.
“Sometimes we’ll go ultra luxe and sometimes to legacy, but always to what’s authentic.”
Why It Matters
There are thousands of travel articles out there—but this one is different.
This doesn’t come from someone who Googled a destination or flew in for 24 hours on a press pass. This comes from someone who’s lived multiple lives and loves travel and culture.
- A Black man from small-town Texas navigating privilege and pain
- A father raising kids to love the world
- A pro athlete who traded sneakers for sketches
- A creative still rooted in the kid who never took anything for granted
“This is storytelling through the lens of lived experience that is honest, imperfect, and real.”
Who This Is For
If you…
- Love travel but hate tourist traps
- Want to eat local and luxe—not like a list
- Care more about culture than clout
- Appreciate art in all forms
- Value authenticity over algorithms
- Are tired of staged hotel reviews and paid influencers
…then this is for you.
So when you find yourself there…
At that restaurant I raved about…
That tucked-away gallery in London…
That hotel pool in the Great Abacos…
That tiny vineyard in Positano…
Just pause. Breathe it in.
And if someone asks how you found the spot?
TELL’EM DESMOND SENT YOU.
Find Desmond on…
Instagram @dmasonart
LinkedIn @desmondmasonart
About Desmond Mason
Desmond Mason is a former NBA star turned acclaimed contemporary artist, whose creative journey has taken him from the hardwood to the canvas with passion and purpose. Born in Waxahachie, Texas, and a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in studio art, Mason spent 10 seasons in the NBA, playing for teams like the Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks, and New Orleans Hornets. Known for his explosive athleticism highlighted by winning the 2001 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Mason also made waves off the court, often painting between games and during travel. His early years in basketball were paralleled by a growing reputation as a talented visual artist with a bold, expressive style.
Today, Desmond Mason is celebrated globally for his abstract and emotionally charged art. Influenced by personal experiences, cultural struggles, and a deep love for travel, food, and exploring diverse cultures, his work blends raw emotion with vibrant color and layered texture. His greatest inspiration comes from his wife Rebecca and their three children Jada, Elijah, and Kenzo whose love, perspectives, and stories shape much of his creative expression. With exhibitions in major cities and collaborations with global brands, Mason’s art speaks to the human experience while building a legacy rooted in family, creativity, and connection.