Derek Desierto Explained

Derek Desierto is a Canadian-Filipino designer and illustrator. ^[1]

Early life

Desierto comes from a self-described "immigrant family" and characterized his upbringing as traditional.^[2] He attended private schools as a child.^[3]

Career

When he was 21, Desierto started an eyewear line called Derek Cardigan.

While scrolling on Instagram, author Eva Chen came across Desierto's illustrations and reached out to him to ask if he had ever illustrated a children's book.^[4] Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes was released in November 2018, marking his first illustrator credit.^[5] The duo's second book, A Is For Awesome: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World, was released in February 2019. Later that year, Desierto illustrated Juno Valentine and the Fantastic Fashion Adventure.^[6]

In 2021, Desierto authored his first book, Oddbird, which he also illustrated.

Desierto's animation work has been recognized by the Ottawa International Animation Festival, the National Cartoonist Society, and 9 Story Media Group.^[7]

References

1. Web site: July 4, 2019 . How this Canadian illustrator became Eva Chen's collaborator and has Oprah video calling him .
2. Web site: Let's Talk Illustrators #184: Derek Desierto . 2024-11-05.
3. Web site: Derek Cardigan for Clearly Contacts News . 2024-11-05 . dailyhive.com . en.
4. Web site: Taylor . Elise . 2018-04-23 . Eva Chen Is Writing a Children's Book . 2024-11-05 . Vogue . en-US.
5. Web site: 2018-11-02 . In debut children's book, Instagram's Eva Chen mixes magical shoes and iconic women . 2024-11-05 . NBC News . en.
6. Web site: Macon . Alexandra . 2019-08-14 . Eva Chen Has a New Children's Book—And a Collection With Beloved Kids' Brand Janie and Jack . 2024-11-05 . Vogue . en-US.
7. Web site: Derek Desierto .