Working with Me

Independent illustrator and designer working since 2010
Award-winning illustrator of:
- Marvellous Mammals: A Wild A to Z of Southeast Asia (Difference Engine)
- The Missing Mouse (Asian Civilisations Museum)
- Where Are All the Birds (authored and illustrated, Epigram Books
- From Kid to King: The Joseph Schooling Story (ST Press)
Internationally exhibited in the UK, USA, Japan, Korea and Indonesia
Participated in the Art Elective Programme
Studied Illustration in Central Saint Martins, UK on the DesignSingapore Scholarship
Special interest in nature, heritage and culture

Programmes

This series of programmes has been specially designed based on my experience in design and education to develop independent thinking, expansive creativity and an experimental approach. They are suitable for all learners as the workshop will be customised for each class.

These programmes are eligible for the Tote Board Arts Grant subsidy under the NAC-AEP for 50% of the programme costs.

How I Can Help Your Students

Guidance and advice for students based on industry experience from design to curation to publishing
Empower students to conceptualise and develop unique ideas
Guide your students through a working design process
Build confidence in creating images and working visually

1

Focus on Thinking

Students learn of thinking approaches and processes which can be applied outside of the workshop

2

Expression of ideas visually and verbally

Students build competence in visual literacy through scaffolded exercises and confidence in their work by showing and articulating their ideas

3

Empower imagination

Students are exposed to a range of real-world examples and techniques, inspiring endless possibilities for creativity beyond art in the classroom

4

Flexible and customisable

Programmes cater to various themes, mediums or interest areas, and the duration can be shortened or extended as required

Illustrated Stories

Picture Book Workshop

Highlights
– Introducing the power of storytelling
– Showcasing examples of good picture books
– Planning and development of a book
– Crafting the main story through writing
– Creating a series of characters through illustration
– Combining words and images together

Outcomes
– Developmental illustrations to form a character and world
– Picture book – 16 page

Ideal for:
– Developing creativity across words and images
– Building competence in visual literacy
– Experiencing the full process of a creative project

DETAILS

Duration: 12 hours (in 3 or 4 hour sessions)
Cost: $15 per student per hour before subsidy (materials included)
Size: Minimum 25, maximum 40 students

Illustrated Personas

Character Design Workshop

Highlights
– Character design as a narrative
– Defining the main character through qualities and personality
– Developing a backstory for the character
– Designing the environment it would inhabit
– Adapting the characters for various outcomes

Outcomes
– Developmental illustrations to form a character and world
– Character design in a designed environment
– Finished illustration ready for various uses

Ideal for:
– Experiencing the design creation process
– Building competence in visual literacy

DETAILS

Duration: 6 hours (in 2 or 3 hour sessions)
Cost: $15 per student per hour before subsidy (materials included)
Size: Minimum 25, maximum 40 students

An Illustrated Life

Interactive Artist Talk

Highlights
– Illustration-based creativity exercises
– Insight into the creative industry
– Story of my path to becoming a professional illustrator
– Advice on developing one’s passion and interest

Outcomes
– Series of simple illustrations

Ideal for:
– A quick introduction to illustration
– Taster in thinking creatively and visually

DETAILS

Duration: 1 hour (extendable)
Cost: $480 before subsidy
Size: Up to 40 students

Crafting Characters, Today at Apple Workshop

Singapore Little Treasures Teachers’ Training with ECDA

Partners

I’m perfectly comfortable working with pre-schoolers all the way to grownups, after all, I’ve been one myself!

Picture Book Workshop, Creative Arts Programme, MOE

“Darel is an extremely passionate artist who will spark creativity and critical thinking in your students as he introduces them to this niche art form and literary genre. You will enjoy working with him — he is a trustworthy and effective facilitator who will be dedicated to your cause and kids.”

______________________

Organising Committee
MOE Creative Writing Programme and Creative Arts Programme

“Through his thoughtful pedagogy and kindred spirit, Darel has helped open our beneficiaries’ minds to greater artistic possibilities in storytelling and illustration. Thank you for fostering a sustainable and conducive environment that allows such great flow of ideas and self-expression!”

______________________

Programme Development
Club Rainbow Singapore

Picture Book Workshop, Club Rainbow Singapore

Schools
– EtonHouse International School
– Blangah Rise Primary School
– Dulwich College (Singapore)
– Eunos Primary School
– Fuhua Primary School
– Kheng Cheng School
– Lakeside Primary School
– Nanyang Primary School
– Meridian Primary School
– Punggol View Primary School
– Raffles Girls’ Primary School
– Tanglin Trust School
– Tao Nan School
– Teck Ghee Primary School
– Valour Primary School
– West Grove Primary School
– Woodgrove Primary School
– XCL World Academy
– Yu Neng Primary School
– CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh)
– CHIJ St Theresa’s Convent
– Edgefield Secondary School
– Junyuan Secondary School
– Greenridge Secondary School
– Jurong West Secondary School
– Manjusri Secondary School
– Raffles Girls’ School
– River Valley High School
– St Andrew’s Secondary School
– St Margaret’s Secondary School
– Tampines Secondary School
– Victoria School
– Raffles Institution (JC)
– Victoria Junior College
– Republic Polytechnic
– ITE College Central
– ITE College East
– Central St Martins
– Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
– Singapore Management University
– Singapore Institute of Technology
– University of the Arts, London

Arts and Culture
– ArtScience Museum
– Asian Civilisations Museum
– Asian Festival of Children’s Content
– All In! Young Writers Festival
– BooksActually
– CNA938
– Creative Arts Programme
– Difference Engine
– Epigram Books
– Gillman Barracks
– Lianhe Zaobao
– National Library Board
– National Design Centre
– National Museum of Singapore
– Objectifs – Centre for Photography & Film
– Singapore City Gallery, URA
– Singapore Art Museum
– Singapore Book Council
– Singapore Coffee Festival
– Singapore Kindness Movement
– Singapore Writers Festival
– Singapore Youth Festival
– Speak Good English Movement
– Straits Times Press
– The Substation
– Wallpaper*

Corporate
– Apple
– Citi
– Google
– IKEA
– Microsoft
– Uniqlo

Social Organisations
– Beyond Social Services
– Bartley Community Care Services
– Central Community Development Council
– Chinese Development Assistance Council
– Club Rainbow Singapore
– Jia Ying Senior Activity Centre
– Lakeside Family Services Centre
– TOUCH Community Services
– World Wildlife Fund

Government Organisations
– Arts Education Branch, MOE
– Early Childhood Development Agency
– Education and Career Guidance Branch, MOE
– Gifted Education Branch, MOE
– Ministry of Social and Family Development
– National Council of Social Service
– Smart Nation and Digital Government Office

Interested in working together?

Get in touch!