Derek Desierto is a Canadian-Filipino designer and illustrator of children's books.
Desierto comes from a self-described "immigrant family" and characterized his upbringing as traditional. [1] He attended private schools as a child. [2]
At age 21, Desierto started an eyewear line called Derek Cardigan. [3]
While scrolling on Instagram, author Eva Chen came across Desierto's illustrations and reached out to him to ask if he had ever illustrated a children's book. [3] [4] Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes was released in November 2018, marking his first illustrator credit. [5] [6] The duo's second book, A Is For Awesome, was released in February 2019. [3] [7] Later that year, Desierto illustrated Chen's Juno Valentine and the Fantastic Fashion Adventure. [8]
In 2021, Desierto authored his first book, Oddbird, which he also illustrated. [9] [10] Three years later, he published the follow-up book Oddbird's Chosen Family. [11]
Desierto's animation work has been recognized by the Ottawa International Animation Festival, the National Cartoonist Society, and 9 Story Media Group. [12] [ non-primary source needed ]