We recently connected with Derrick Whitfield and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Derrick thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The story of my mission starts on December 17th, 2014, my separation date from the Navy. Before my separation date, I was going to play it safe and go into a job equivalent to my Navy job (pay and customer service).

My wife (girlfriend then) saw me draw before I separated and suggested I go to school for Graphic Design. I’ll admit I was apprehensive because I was used to doing customer service for almost ten years.

When deciding to pursue Graphic Design instead of Human Resources, I researched African Americans within the Graphic Design field.

In 2014 3.5% of black designers were employed by companies, and there were zero black designers in leadership positions. The demographics are still the same to this day.

Before starting college, I did my homework on the Graphic Design field and found out that there isn’t a lot of diversity within Graphic Design studios/companies. So, I decided I wanted to change that. I concluded that to be successful as an African American Graphic Designer; I would have to create my own business. So, when I walked into college on January 15th, 2015, I also walked into entrepreneurship. My mission is to remove diversity barriers within the Graphic Design field and increase opportunities for creatives by forming my design studio rooted in diversity.

Fast forward to 2022, Whitfield Designs Company is the go-to design company for unconventional brands. In proud collaboration with my clients, my work has been featured at The House of Blues – San Diego, BET, The 2021 Sundance Film Festival, The Grand Hyatt – San Diego, The Hyatt Regency – San Diego, JESS SIMS, the Peloton fitness instructor, and House of Harlow 1960 and The Gathering Spot in Washington D.C.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My story starts in my hometown, San Diego, California. From 6 to 7, I always enjoyed watching and drawing Saturday morning cartoons such as Tom & Jerry, Looney Tunes, Droopy The Dog, Ninja Turtles, Batman: The Animated Series, etc. Once my family elders noticed my artistic ability, they made me practice drawing a lot!

I always excelled in school, but my teachers were confused because I was withdrawn and used to draw quite a bit in class. Finally, my school decided to give me a series of tests in the 3rd grade; upon the test results, my teachers suggested I should skip two grades because I wasn’t challenged enough in the classroom.

However, my Mom thought skipping two grades would be too much for me to handle socially, so she sent me to a magnet school specializing in art, math, and science.

While attending a magnet school in the 4th grade, I did many still-life drawings, cultivating my artistic skills. I created consistently through high school, primarily comic book characters and portraits.

I got into my industry by not playing it safe after serving in the Navy and my wife’s advice to go into Graphic Design after seeing me draw. I was almost a Human Resource Specialist.

My services in my business include logo design, apparel design, branding, and portrait artwork; I have an online store; www.whitfielddesignsco.com. In addition, I sell t-shirts, art prints, and pre-made designs there.

Although I am willing to work with anyone despite their background, my business serves the BIPOC community primarily. What sets my business apart is BIPOC small business owners sometimes struggle with getting professional design work, and I provide professional design work for them.

I am most proud of being able to work with around 300 people in 8 years. I want my clients to know that I am committed to providing professional design work with fantastic customer service.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Back in 2015, when I started my business, I was unknown as a Graphic Designer and had zero clients. To change that, I would package up small art prints of my work with my business card and social media and drop them off at random businesses.

My art prints were everywhere; I dropped them off at comic book stores, clothing stores, dispensaries, and print shops, where I felt my artwork could be seen.

I did this for six months consistently. After six months, I was reached out to by RAW Artists to do my first art show at the House of Blues in San Diego. I started to receive my first regular clients after that.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Luckily, when I started my business, I was in college. Going to school through the military, I received sufficient payment to support my business while going to college.

I also drove Uber to have additional income while in college to support my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.whitfielddesignsco.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/whitfielddesigns
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/Whitfielddesigns
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-whitfield-sr-b046b01b7/
• Other: Online store: www.whitfielddesignsstore.com

Image Credits
Jonathan Aguirre – Headshot Photographer.