Multi-Disciplinary Designer & Motion Artist | 35+ Years Excellence I specialize in "Vision to Finish" branding that moves. With over three decades of experience, I blend high-end graphic design with professional video editing and motion graphics to create cohesive, high-impact brand stories. From industrial identity systems to dynamic digital content, I bridge the gap between static design and cinematic execution. My approach is rooted in a "Never Stop Learning" philosophy—constantly integrating the latest software and emerging digital trends to keep brands ahead of the curve. I don’t just design logos; I engineer scalable visual identities and bring them to life through motion, ensuring a seamless and modern presence across all platforms.

Darrell Merrill

5.0 (1 review)

Multi-Disciplinary Designer & Motion Artist | 35+ Years Excellence I specialize in "Vision to Finish" branding that moves. With over three decades of experience, I blend high-end graphic design with professional video editing and motion graphics to create cohesive, high-impact brand stories. From industrial identity systems to dynamic digital content, I bridge the gap between static design and cinematic execution. My approach is rooted in a "Never Stop Learning" philosophy—constantly integrating the latest software and emerging digital trends to keep brands ahead of the curve. I don’t just design logos; I engineer scalable visual identities and bring them to life through motion, ensuring a seamless and modern presence across all platforms.

Available to hire

Multi-Disciplinary Designer & Motion Artist | 35+ Years Excellence

I specialize in “Vision to Finish” branding that moves. With over three decades of experience, I blend high-end graphic design with professional video editing and motion graphics to create cohesive, high-impact brand stories. From industrial identity systems to dynamic digital content, I bridge the gap between static design and cinematic execution.

My approach is rooted in a “Never Stop Learning” philosophy—constantly integrating the latest software and emerging digital trends to keep brands ahead of the curve. I don’t just design logos; I engineer scalable visual identities and bring them to life through motion, ensuring a seamless and modern presence across all platforms.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Artist at Self-employed
January 1, 2013 - Present
Worked with various clients to create custom artwork, logos, and branding materials, utilizing graphic design skills to fulfill unique project requirements. Developed strong client relationships and consistently delivered projects on time.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design at Shaw Academy
January 11, 2030 - January 16, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Computers & Electronics, Wholesale & Distribution, Other
    paper Two Years of 5x7 Art Shows at Frost Town Brewing: A Retrospective

    Celebrating a milestone in the Houston art scene, this retrospective looks back at two years of the “5x7 Group Art Show” hosted at Frost Town Brewing. Curated by Blake Bloodworth (@87Collective), this event series has bridged the gap between local creators and the community. By requiring all original artwork to be exactly 5″ x 7″ and priced under $100, the show creates an accessible entry point for new collectors while providing a high-exposure platform for dozens of Houston-based artists. From the inaugural 2022 show to the present, these events have transformed the family-friendly brewery into a vibrant gallery, fostering a unique culture of affordable, original local art.
    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper The Warehouse District Chronicles: Hardy & Nance Event Ads

    "Located in Houston’s historic Downtown Art Warehouse District, Hardy & Nance is where the city’s independent art scene actually lives. This isn’t a polished corporate gallery; it’s a working hub on the edge of downtown that demands visuals with some personality.

    For this series, I acted as the creative bridge. I took a massive range of event concepts—from the surreal ‘Monster Show’ to the high-energy ‘Black Light’ exhibitions—and built ads that fit the district’s industrial, DIY spirit. My job was to take the raw creative energy of the studios and package it into professional digital and print campaigns that cut through the noise of the Houston market. I handled the layout, the technical scaling for different platforms, and the tight deadlines so the community could stay focused on making the art." https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper First Friday: Dynamic Event Promotion & Brand Activation

    "Leveraging a ‘Vision to Finish’ workflow to drive engagement for recurring high-traffic community events at venues like Pitch 25. This project highlights the ability to create visually striking, platform-optimized promotional assets on a tight monthly turnaround.

    Instead of generic flyers, I developed a suite of digital ads and physical promotional materials that capture the energy of the Houston art scene. By blending custom typography, vivid color palettes, and motion-ready layouts, I ensured each event stood out in crowded social feeds and high-volume environments."

    The “Art Problem” (For your Testimonial/Case Study section):
    The Problem: The client needed high-impact, fresh visuals every month that kept the “First Friday” brand consistent but made each specific show feel unique and “must-see.”

    The Fix: I engineered a flexible design system that allowed for rapid asset creation without sacrificing quality. I handled the technical sizing for both social media (Instagram/Facebook) and on-site digital displays.

    The Finish: A seamless promotional rollout that helped drive consistent foot traffic and artist participation for every show.

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Professional Identity: Multi-Sector Business Card Design

    Engineered high-precision identity assets for a diverse range of Houston-based businesses, focusing on tactile impact and brand clarity.

    Developed “Vision to Finish” print specifications, including custom die-cuts, specialty finishes, and high-resolution typography for small-format production.

    Executed consistent brand standards across multiple industries, ensuring that every card served as a “Technical Fixer” for the client’s networking needs.

    Leveraged 35+ years of production experience to manage color calibration and bleed requirements for professional-grade commercial printing.

    Provided a “Slick” aesthetic that translates a company’s entire ethos into a handheld networking tool. https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Regional Hospitality & Nightlife Digital Campaigns

    Engineered a series of high-impact digital advertisements for premier hospitality and nightlife venues, focusing on brand visibility and customer acquisition.

    Developed a “Vision to Finish” digital strategy to create high-conversion assets optimized for social media, web banners, and mobile platforms.

    Executed rapid-turnaround production cycles to meet the dynamic marketing needs of the fast-paced nightlife industry.

    Leveraged 35+ years of Houston-based professional experience to maintain brand consistency across multiple venue locations and diverse digital channels.

    Provided a “Technical Fixer” suite of digital assets, ensuring all files met the rigorous specs for multi-platform ad deployment.
    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Phoenix: Large Format Branding & Billboard Campaign

    Engineered a high-impact corporate identity for Phoenix, designed for maximum visibility across large-scale outdoor media.

    Executed the “Vision to Finish” production of a regional billboard campaign, managing high-resolution assets for massive scaling.

    Developed a cohesive visual system across print ads and outdoor signage to ensure brand dominance in a high-traffic environment.

    Leveraged 35+ years of production experience to solve the technical challenges of large-format resolution and color accuracy.

    Provided a “Technical Fixer” suite of assets, delivering precision-engineered files for specialized billboard printing and commercial advertising.
    https://www.twine.net/signin sorry very old work

    paper Hospitality Branding: Strategic Menu Design & Layout

    Engineered comprehensive menu systems for two distinct restaurant concepts, balancing aesthetic appeal with functional readability.

    Developed a high-impact visual hierarchy to drive customer engagement and streamline the ordering process.

    Executed a “Vision to Finish” production workflow, ensuring all layouts were optimized for high-volume commercial printing and durable finishing.

    Leveraged 35+ years of Houston-based production experience to manage complex asset integration, including photography and localized branding elements.

    Delivered a “Technical Fixer” solution by providing precision-print files designed to withstand the high-traffic environment of the hospitality industry.
    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Bibly: Modern Faith Branding & Apparel Engineering

    Developed a clean, high-impact corporate identity for a faith-based brand, focusing on a minimalist and modern aesthetic.

    Engineered a versatile brand mark designed for seamless application across high-end apparel, digital media, and corporate stationary.

    Executed a “Vision to Finish” strategy to translate spiritual themes into a commercially viable lifestyle brand.

    Provided technical oversight on apparel design, ensuring all graphics were optimized for professional-grade textile printing and embroidery.

    Leveraged 35+ years of production experience to deliver a cohesive visual system that bridges the gap between traditional values and contemporary design.
    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Artist Consultant: Strategic Pricing & Professional Layout

    Developed a comprehensive pricing and services guide for a professional fine artist, streamlining their client engagement process.

    Engineered a clean, professional layout that balances complex pricing structures with the artist’s unique visual aesthetic.

    Provided strategic consulting on market positioning and service tiering to maximize the artist’s revenue potential.

    Executed a “Technical Fixer” workflow to ensure the final document was production-ready for both digital distribution and physical printing.

    Leveraged 35+ years of Houston art industry experience to align the price guide with professional gallery and exhibition standards.

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Visionary Pho: Lifestyle Branding & Apparel Design

    Engineered a timeless visual identity for a professional photography studio, balancing technical precision with artistic flair.

    Developed a versatile brand mark optimized for high-transparency watermarking and large-format studio signage.

    Executed a “Vision to Finish” workflow to ensure brand consistency across digital portfolios and physical marketing assets.

    Leveraged decades of Houston-based production experience to create a “slick” aesthetic that remains relevant in the modern digital landscape.

    Provided a complete production-ready asset suite, ensuring the client had the “Technical Fixer” tools needed for high-resolution print and web deployment.
    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Hopson Machine & Fab: Industrial Corporate Branding

    Engineered a robust visual identity for a machine and fabrication firm, emphasizing durability, precision, and industrial strength.

    Developed a high-impact brand mark designed for versatility across heavy machinery, safety gear, and corporate stationary.

    Executed a “Vision to Finish” workflow to ensure brand consistency across physical shop environments and digital platforms.

    Leveraged 35+ years of production experience to deliver technical assets that meet the rugged requirements of the fabrication industry.

    Provided a complete suite of precision-vector files optimized for industrial applications like laser engraving, metal stamping, and large-format shop signage.
    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper PJ Optics: Precision Corporate Branding & Identity System

    Engineered a high-precision visual identity for an optical services provider, focusing on a clean, professional aesthetic that communicates clinical trust.

    Developed a versatile brand mark designed for “Elite Reliability,” ensuring legibility across small-scale medical equipment and large-format office signage.

    Created a cohesive color palette and typography system to unify the brand’s digital and physical presence.

    Leveraged 35+ years of Houston-based production experience to deliver assets that meet rigorous industry standards.

    Provided a “Concept-to-Finish” brand package, including technical files optimized for immediate professional printing and web deployment.