Hi, I’m Darrin Drda, a visual designer and illustrator with a passion for storytelling through images. My work spans children's book illustration, graphic design, editorial layout, and teaching art and design in one-to-one settings. I’ve collaborated on self-published projects, weekly newspapers, and educational materials, combining color, composition, and narrative to bring ideas to life. I thrive at the intersection of art, technology, and education, mentoring students to explore their creativity with tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. I bring a collaborative mindset, professional craft, and a love for clear communication to every project.

Darrin Drda

Hi, I’m Darrin Drda, a visual designer and illustrator with a passion for storytelling through images. My work spans children's book illustration, graphic design, editorial layout, and teaching art and design in one-to-one settings. I’ve collaborated on self-published projects, weekly newspapers, and educational materials, combining color, composition, and narrative to bring ideas to life. I thrive at the intersection of art, technology, and education, mentoring students to explore their creativity with tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. I bring a collaborative mindset, professional craft, and a love for clear communication to every project.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Darrin Drda, a visual designer and illustrator with a passion for storytelling through images. My work spans children’s book illustration, graphic design, editorial layout, and teaching art and design in one-to-one settings. I’ve collaborated on self-published projects, weekly newspapers, and educational materials, combining color, composition, and narrative to bring ideas to life.

I thrive at the intersection of art, technology, and education, mentoring students to explore their creativity with tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. I bring a collaborative mindset, professional craft, and a love for clear communication to every project.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Art and SDesign Teacher at Fusion Academy
February 29, 2016 - February 29, 2020
Taught art, design, sculpture, and art history to middle and high school students at a private school
Freelance illustrator at Self-employed
November 1, 2020 - Present
Illustrate, edit, design, and produce children's books and other projects for private clients
Book Designer at Amazon On-Demand Publishing
May 31, 2011 - August 31, 2015
Designed covers and interiors for self-published authors

Education

Masters in Philosophy, Cosmology and Consciousness at California Institute of Integral Studies
May 20, 2009
Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design at University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana
May 20, 1990
Master of Arts at California Institute of Integral Studies
January 11, 2030 - November 1, 2025
Bachelor of Fine Arts at University of Illinois
January 11, 2030 - November 1, 2025
High School Diploma at Auburn High School
January 11, 2030 - November 1, 2025
Presidential Scholarship at Drake University
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Academy Program, Creative and Performing Arts Program at Auburn High School
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
High School Diploma (Academy Program, Creative and Performing Arts Program) at Auburn High School
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
MA in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness at California Institute of Integrative Studies, San Francisco, CA
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
BFA in Graphic Design at University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Undergraduate Studies (GPA 3.8/4); Presidential Scholarship; Presidential Academic Recognition at DRAKE UNIVERSITY, Des Moines, IA
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Academy Program, Creative and Performing Arts Program; High School Diploma at AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL, Rockford, IL
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
MA in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness at California Institute of Integral Studies
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025
BFA in Graphic Design at University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025
Undergraduate studies at Drake University
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025
Academy Program, Creative and Performing Arts Program at Auburn High School
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025
Master of Arts in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness at California Institute of Integral Studies
January 11, 2030 - December 9, 2025
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design at University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana
January 11, 2030 - December 9, 2025
Undergraduate Coursework at Drake University
January 11, 2030 - December 9, 2025

Qualifications

Freelance Illustrator
August 18, 2024
• Create storyboards, sketches, and imagery suggestions for children's books • Render style-appropriate illustrations for interior and cover • Provide peripheral creative services including writing, editing, layout, cover design, and self-publishing consultation
Art & Design Teacher
August 18, 2021
• Taught Studio Art, Graphic Design, Digital Photography, and Form & Space in one-to-one setting • Printed, framed, and displayed student images throughout the school and coordinated expositions • Served as substitute teacher for humanities subjects including English, History, and Yoga
Book Designer, Amazon On-Demand Publishing
August 18, 2015
• Designed book covers and interiors for self-published authors
Presidential Scholarship
January 11, 2030 - November 1, 2025
Presidential Academic Recognition
January 11, 2030 - November 1, 2025
National Honors Society
January 11, 2030 - November 1, 2025
Presidential Scholarship
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Presidential Academic Recognition
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Dean's List
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Honor Roll
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Presidential Scholarship
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025
Presidential Academic Recognition
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025
Scholastic Art Gold Key Award
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other, Software & Internet, Non-Profit Organization
    uniE621 Happy Little Tree
    Provided illustrations, interior layout, and cover design for children's book based on the painter, Bob Ross. illustrator designer
    uniE621 Twinkle Town Tales
    Created illustrations, interior layout, and cover design for 40-page children's book illustrator designer
    uniE621 Twinkle Town Tales
    Created illustrations, interior layout, and cover design for 40-page children's book illustrator designer
    uniE621 Twinkle Town Tales
    Created illustrations, interior layout, and cover design for 40-page children's book illustrator designer
    uniE621 Christmas card illustration
    Designed and illustrated a Christmas card for a client who had gone on an African safari illustrator designer