
Hey there! I’m Derek and I am an Experienced 17 Year Designer
Who Am I?
I’m a creator at heart—whether I’m crafting intuitive UX designs, snapping photos, or just coloring with my daughters, I’m always finding new ways to bring ideas to life. I love building experiences that make life a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
I’ve spent over 17 years designing digital products for just about every industry you can think of—from Fortune 500 companies to indie bands, from government websites to social apps. I’ve had the privilege of working with big names in movies, music, dining, retail, and more. From designing merchandise apps and ticket sales platforms to building websites for movies and restaurants, I’ve been fortunate to shape how users interact with brands and products. I’m passionate about turning complex challenges into simple, beautiful, and user-friendly solutions.
In 2022, I transitioned into a Senior UX Designer role with a government contractor, working on projects for the U.S. Forest Service, USDA, and the Department of the Interior. It was a shift from the fast-paced, ever-changing world of freelance to something more structured—but just as rewarding. Creating designs that serve millions of users and meet strict accessibility standards has given me a new appreciation for thoughtful, inclusive design.
After my time in government design, I joined BigBear.ai, where I worked on industrial engineering projects. My focus was on modernizing legacy applications into scalable, data-driven platforms. Unfortunately, I was laid off, but it gave me the chance to return to freelance work. Since then, I’ve designed for social media apps, fitness apps, business websites, and other digital products. Freelancing has allowed me to keep growing creatively while tackling new challenges, but I am ready to find that next role where I can continue to grow as a great designer within a collaborative team environment.
Outside of work, I’m a comic book nerd, music geek, cosplayer, and all-around fun-loving guy. I’m also a dad, and some of my best creative moments come from just being silly with my daughters. I believe that creativity should never be limited to one medium or style. Whether it’s a UX project or building a cosplay prop, I put my heart into making something that leaves an impact.
Let’s work together to build something amazing!