Whimsical, talented, wildly creative — there are not enough fanciful adjectives to describe Derek Desierto. Based out of Vancouver, BC, Derek is a brilliant animator and illustrator who currently works as a freelance artist for TV shows, magazines and picture books. Recently, Derek collaborated with Eva Chen (Director of Fashion Partnerships at Instagram and previously the Editor-In-Chief of Lucky Magazine) on a delightful children’s book called Juno Valentine and The Magical Shoes.
A fairy tale about a little girl learning to love herself by trying on the shoes of prolific women throughout history, the book was such a hit that it became a New York Times Bestseller and was featured in Oprah Magazine’s Holiday Gift Guide. Derek is also well known for his effervescent animations of people (we love this piece of Vogue’s former editor-at-large André Leon Talley), and he also finds time to design eyewear and create animated short films.
Derek is a babe because of his relentless creativity, the way he weaves positive messaging into his work and for his kind, ‘nice-guy’ energy. Watch Derek’s interview below to hear his true “babes supporting babes” story.
What does ‘Babes Supporting Babes’ mean to you?
To me, ‘Babes Supporting Babes’ is a simple concept. It’s wonderful people supporting wonderful people.
What city feels most like home to you?
Vancouver. All my family and most of my creative community are here. I love the restaurants and the way I can ride my bike just about anywhere.
What activities fill you up most?
Talking to like-minded, kind people! It fills up my soul and makes me feel restored.
Are you a work-by-yourself kind of person, or a person who loves working surrounded by people?
This is an interesting question. I adore being surrounded by people while I work — and being a freelance animator and illustrator has been challenging in some ways, since I mostly work by myself. I love what I do, and I find myself compensating for the alone time my career requires by making sure I spend time with people each day.
If you could go back in time, what year or era would you travel to?
No question, I would go back to the Renaissance era. What a magical, special time in history.
What characteristics do you most admire in the people you work with?
It’s not too complicated, really. I admire a good sense of humour, honesty, and dependability.
When you were a kid, was there an artist, movie or album that had a profound effect on you?
To this day, I adore coming of age films; there is an honesty and simplicity about them that I really relate to. Two of my favourites, when I was growing up, were ‘The Sandlot’ and ‘Now & Then’.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I highly recommend ‘A Course in Miracles’ — it is filled with profound lessons about spiritual transformation. One of my favourite quotes from ACIM is, “Only what you’re not giving can be lacking in any situation.” It’s a simple concept but truly transformative when put into practice.
If you could fly anywhere in the world tomorrow for 24 hours, where would you go? No jet lag, obvs!
I’ve been wanting to go back to Japan for some time now. The culture there fascinates me.
What would you consider your “superpower”, aka the thing you can do better than anyone else?
I am a very, very good listener.
Is there anything you wish would come back into fashion?
Honestly, I think the most interesting thing to experience again would be for the world to go without cell phones. I often ponder how things would be different if phones weren’t omnipresent.
Who are your mentors? What have they taught you?
When I think about compelling mentorship, I think about some of the wonderful directors I have had the pleasure of working with. The way they see the big picture and pull all the moving pieces together is fascinating to me.
If you could invite five people over for a dinner party, who would you choose?
Oprah, Marianne Williamson, Michelle Obama, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mariah Carey. What a fun dinner party that would be! What would everyone wear, I wonder?
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
Leaving my career to go back to school. It sounds small but it was a big, big leap.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
Timothee Chalamet. I think he is just wonderful and so talented.
What three items would you take with you to a deserted island?
Pencils, paper and music. If I could continue to be creative and inspired, I think I’d survive a lot longer that expected.
What is your karaoke song?
‘Always Be My Baby’ by Mariah Carey, of course!
Keep up with Derek on Instagram @derekdesierto.
Introduction written by Alexis Sheridan.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.