DEREK ORTEGA
Derek Ortega is a visual development artist and illustrator based in Los Angeles, California. With over eight years of experience in animation, he has contributed to a wide range of projects as a visual development artist and character designer. His work includes collaborations with major studios such as Laika, Netflix, Disney, Sony, Warner Brothers, Cartoon Network, and others.
You can see more of his work at: https://www.derekortega.com/
Derek’s Credits
VISUAL DEVELOPMENT: ROOMS THAT SPEAK
Visual Development: Rooms That Speak at The Art Club is a two-day workshop open to artists of all skill levels, focused on building narrative-driven interiors through props, layout, and visual storytelling. Working from a provided isometric room layout (optional to use), students will design and decorate an interior space that communicates story, character, and mood through thoughtful design. The workshops includes a demo covering how to design storytelling props and integrate them effectively into an interior environment. Active students will be able to submit their work for drawovers, receiving direct feedback and guidance from the insturctor on strengthening narrative clarity, visual development choices, and overall presentation. The workshop emphasizes background visual development techniques commonly used in animation and illustration, with a strong focus on environmental storytelling.
Participants may join as Active students, receiving drawovers and feedback, or as Viewers, with access to the live sessions and text chat interaction with the instructor.