About Me

"I am sorry young man, but I don't think you have what it takes to scoop ice cream here." To this day, I still remember these words coming from the franchise ice cream manager at the end of my first day of work. To make things worse, it was Thanksgiving day. To say the least, I wasn't feeling very thankful walking home. I felt embarrassed and defeated knowing I would have to tell my eager and supportive family. This unfortunate circumstance quickly turned around another opportunity, my second job! Which would (thankfully) send me down my future career path. I landed a part-time job at the weekly newspaper, 'The Montclarion' in Oakland, California. I started by filling newsstands to the brim and making the production room squeaky clean for maximum efficiency. I left feeling confident in my new skills: knowing how to publish a weekly newspaper! I was deeply grateful for this experience, knowing how important a local newspaper is to the community. Working alongside the chief editor, Fred Graser, as well as my fellow staff, opened many doors as I was in pursuit of a career in graphic design. 

 

With every opportunity that came my way, I took it by the horns and rode it. I wish I could say it was graceful, but like everything; it takes hard work and adaptability to expand personal knowledge. And boy, did I learn a lot! Having worked in so many mediums, such as stat cameras and paste-up boards, I made my way to digital design & production. My education was thanks to the art and creative directors I worked with in the design & production of printed, digital, and graphic design. To name a few; Salvadore Pecarro, Bert Monroy, Vaskin Giragossian, Sam Smidt, Larry Puppo, Sumi Lewis, Molly Rosso, Millie Lau, Joseph Navarro, Wynn Sasaki, Dirk Gonzales, Cindy Perkins, Dalen Oshiro, Cindy Warner, Gary Pierazzi, Grady Harrison, Greg Irons, Wes Wilson, Big Daddy Ed Roth and Slug. Apologies if I left any out, but every single one of them encouraged me to be a better artist and designer. This was my spark, my joy, and my purpose. I had found my community.

 

Already dipping my toe in the pool of artistic technology, I jumped at the chance to purchase my first Apple Mac computer in 1985 (there was nothing quite like this hefty medal box). Of course, in defensive loyalty to my love of art, I also bought the earliest versions of Photoshop and Illustrator. With this advanced machinery, I started designing for Multimedia and the Web in the early 1990s. I climbed my way up to a dream: a Creative Director position at a finance company. However, my executive decision was to leave this financial company in 2003. Looking back, it was the easiest decision I ever made. In a heartbeat, I gave up my job to dedicate my time to raising two beautiful kids; a boy and a girl. In hopes that I could weave my artistic knowledge into their lives. Needless to say, it worked! My handsome boy and headstrong girl can attest to their love of the arts. I didn't leave it all behind as a full-time stay-at-home dad. In fact, I continued to direct design and production for digital delivery only.

 

Even after all these years of managing and directing potential talent, I thought managing two children would be a piece of cake. Oh little did I know, I was in for a rude awakening. They took all the time of day and night, but that is the price of parental love. After a few months of juggling, I had to make another executive decision. I took down my website, and contacted my clients, informing them I was no longer working. I poured my soul and love into raising my kids. The best (definitely most difficult) and most rewarding job I've ever had. And still have, as all parents can concur that you never stop being a parent. Our two children are all grown up now, entering their third year of college!  

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This leads me to this website; a keyhole glimpse into my reality and happiness. One that's to share, as I've always embraced the notion that art should be accessible to everyone. Unfortunately, most people don't live near museums and galleries. Not just viewing incredible artwork, but affording original work is another story. During covid, I dove back into digital art and design as it became my sanctuary in a trapped household converted into a remote school and office. I know I was not the only one who spent their covid time using art as an outlet. As a country, we have lost loved ones and, in some cases, our way of life. My goal with my accessible artwork is to spread happiness and kindness as we recover. After all, the best art is not to understand but to inspire us with feeling.

 

With this website, I plan to show my work and offer it for sale (at some point) as prints, posters, postcards, and possibly embroidery patches. A portion of profits goes to select charities and non-profits. Thank you for taking the time to read about me and visiting my site. My best to you and yours. Contact me at: derek@dereksylvester.org

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Derek Sylvester