Spotlight
For the month of June, we’re highlighting AAGD member Derrick Whitfield!
Owner of Whitfield Designs Company & Winner of BlackMade Illustration Award 2022
Tell us about you?
I’m Derrick Whitfield Sr. proud owner of Whitfield Designs Company! I’m from San Diego California. I’m huge on family. If I’m not designing I’m usually spending time with family. Comic books, working out, video games, movies, and stand-up comedies are some of my favorite things. I joke a lot, but definitely know when it’s time to be serious. I served 8 years in the Navy doing customer service.
What are some of your favorite tools or applications you use? Or can’t do without?
Pencil, paper, Wacom Intuos, Illustrator, Photoshop.
What type of work do you enjoy most?
I have most definitely been enjoying digital illustration lately.
Which project left the biggest impact on you as a designer/creative?
I recently did a digital illustration of Nipsey Hussle called “HU$$LE THA GREAT.” That illustration has received quite a bit of attention.
HU$$LE THA GREAT received the award for BlackMade 2022 in the Illustration category.
What advice do you have for younger or less experienced Black/AA designers?
1. You don’t get to Michael Jordan status by avoiding jump shots (practice daily).
2. Never underestimate the power of networking. Most creatives of the past had amazing work. They also had powerful networks to keep themselves employed.
What would you say is the best way to take advantage of the AAGD network?
Get involved!
How do you deal with creative block?
IDK if I’m allowed to say this, but I smoke cannabis lol. Working out helps a lot as well.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in what you do?
Get very comfortable with the fact that constant studying is required. Especially if you go the entrepreneur route in Graphic Design.
If you had a message on your wrist, what would it be?
Lay a brick every day.
Connect with Derrick:
Instagram: @whitfielddesigns
Linkedin: Derrick Whitfield Sr.
Contact Derrick at derrick@whitfielddesignsco.com
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