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
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
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
Partners
I’m perfectly comfortable working with pre-schoolers all the way to grownups, after all, I’ve been one myself!
“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.”
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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!”
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Programme Development
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