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Hi, I'm Derek!
I am an award-winning multidisciplinary designer based in West Covina, CA, and my expertise in design ranges across print and digital media. My work is a direct reflection of who I am both as a designer and a person: it is always improving, trying new things, and investing in any current and developing passions and interests.
EXPERTISE:
Branding | UX/UI | Packaging | Typography | Book | Editorial | Photography | Illustration
Free Spirits
A world of culture in every card.
Free Spirits is a collaboration with MakePlayingCards.com, one of the leading playing cards and game manufacturers in the world, to create a new deck that connects the world’s deep cultural histories through surreal designs. The tuck box features MPC’s UV high gloss coating, and the cards have holographic gilt edges, with each court card inspired by mythologies and animistic practices from cultures like the Navajo, Yoruba, Saxons, and Buddhists. This fusion of spirit animals and symbolism allows players to celebrate their cultural identities while bringing their own flair to the games they play.
Free Spirits is a collaboration with MakePlayingCards.com, one of the leading playing cards and game manufacturers in the world, to create a new deck that connects the world’s deep cultural histories through surreal designs. The tuck box features MPC’s UV high gloss coating, and the cards have holographic gilt edges, with each court card inspired by mythologies and animistic practices from cultures like the Navajo, Yoruba, Saxons, and Buddhists. This fusion of spirit animals and symbolism allows players to celebrate their cultural identities while bringing their own flair to the games they play.
Maine Humane
Serving all animals of Maine.
Maine Humane is a cohesive statewide network of organizations working to support animal welfare groups and end animal cruelty through education, outreach, and advocacy. Recently, they were looking to rebrand and update their visual identity to better convey their mission and widen their audience. The improved identity is designed to be more vibrant and inviting, from its simple logo and welcoming colors to its printed and digital collateral. By embracing a more established and friendly look, the organization can expand its appeal and further its goals of ensuring humane treatment for all domestic, exotic and wild animals in Maine.
Maine Humane is a cohesive statewide network of organizations working to support animal welfare groups and end animal cruelty through education, outreach, and advocacy. Recently, they were looking to rebrand and update their visual identity to better convey their mission and widen their audience. The improved identity is designed to be more vibrant and inviting, from its simple logo and welcoming colors to its printed and digital collateral. By embracing a more established and friendly look, the organization can expand its appeal and further its goals of ensuring humane treatment for all domestic, exotic and wild animals in Maine.
The Works of Miguel de Cervantes
Delve into Cervantes' legacy with this essential set.
In an effort to commemorate underappreciated authors, particularly Miguel de Cervantes, known for the first modern novel, I designed a set of three books comprising of Galatea, Don Quixote, and The Trials of Persiles and Sigismunda. These novels represent significant milestones in Cervantes's career, from his early work to his magnum opus and final major novel. The dust jacket flaps of each book offer insights into their importance and Cervantes's life during the time of their writing. Through this project, I refined my skills in balancing creativity and commercial appeal, while also preserving cultural and literary heritage by presenting obscure works to wider audiences, serving both aesthetic and informational purposes.
In an effort to commemorate underappreciated authors, particularly Miguel de Cervantes, known for the first modern novel, I designed a set of three books comprising of Galatea, Don Quixote, and The Trials of Persiles and Sigismunda. These novels represent significant milestones in Cervantes's career, from his early work to his magnum opus and final major novel. The dust jacket flaps of each book offer insights into their importance and Cervantes's life during the time of their writing. Through this project, I refined my skills in balancing creativity and commercial appeal, while also preserving cultural and literary heritage by presenting obscure works to wider audiences, serving both aesthetic and informational purposes.
MicroBrandz
Empowering students for a brighter tomorrow.
MicroBrandz, an initiative by Spyder Lab, is an innovative online platform fostering entrepreneurial skills among students. Through the program, students can upload their artwork for sale, retaining revenue from each purchase. Emphasizing inclusivity, the platform adheres closely to WCAG 2.2 guidelines, ensuring accessibility for high school students and others with visual impairments. Working on this project provided valuable insights into WCAG compliance and designing for private businesses, altering perspectives on web and app interface design for long-term benefit.
MicroBrandz, an initiative by Spyder Lab, is an innovative online platform fostering entrepreneurial skills among students. Through the program, students can upload their artwork for sale, retaining revenue from each purchase. Emphasizing inclusivity, the platform adheres closely to WCAG 2.2 guidelines, ensuring accessibility for high school students and others with visual impairments. Working on this project provided valuable insights into WCAG compliance and designing for private businesses, altering perspectives on web and app interface design for long-term benefit.
Upshift
Keep up with the classics.
Upshift is the ultimate destination for classic car enthusiasts, while offering a comprehensive look into vintage vehicle culture. With a plethora of information, resources, and connections, Upshift serves as the go-to platform for all things related to classic cars, preserving this niche lifestyle amid the modern era's emphasis on electric and hybrid models. Designed to cater to both curious readers seeking immersion into the culture and seasoned gearheads looking out for industry updates, Upshift breathes some new life into the classic car community while ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
Upshift is the ultimate destination for classic car enthusiasts, while offering a comprehensive look into vintage vehicle culture. With a plethora of information, resources, and connections, Upshift serves as the go-to platform for all things related to classic cars, preserving this niche lifestyle amid the modern era's emphasis on electric and hybrid models. Designed to cater to both curious readers seeking immersion into the culture and seasoned gearheads looking out for industry updates, Upshift breathes some new life into the classic car community while ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
TrailBlaze
The hottest new way to explore the Great Outdoors.
TrailBlaze is an app centered around enabling all kinds of outdoor lovers to enjoy their favorite activities, as well as share their favorite sites with the rest of the community. What sets TrailBlaze ahead of their competition is its unique reward system: each place that the user visits offers points upon completion, which can be redeemed within the app’s store for coupons to all of your favorite outdoorsy vendors, from Dick’s Sporting Goods to Bass Pro Shop and Turner's. Whether you are looking to get started hiking, or are looking for a unique place to go rock climbing, TrailBlaze has something to offer in your area, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.
TrailBlaze is an app centered around enabling all kinds of outdoor lovers to enjoy their favorite activities, as well as share their favorite sites with the rest of the community. What sets TrailBlaze ahead of their competition is its unique reward system: each place that the user visits offers points upon completion, which can be redeemed within the app’s store for coupons to all of your favorite outdoorsy vendors, from Dick’s Sporting Goods to Bass Pro Shop and Turner's. Whether you are looking to get started hiking, or are looking for a unique place to go rock climbing, TrailBlaze has something to offer in your area, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.
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