Derrick Cruz
Education
East Carolina University
BFA, Fine and Studio Arts 1991-01-01 - 1998-01-01
School of Visual Arts
CE, Fine and Studio Arts 2005-01-01 - 2006-01-01Work Experience
Joya Studio
Current
Joya Studio
Betroth
Current
Betroth
Little Stardust Co.
2019-05-01 - 2020-05-01
Little Stardust Co.
The New School
2010-01-01 - 2020-01-01
The New School
OCCULTER
2010-07-01 - 2014-07-01
OCCULTER
Black Sheep & Prodigal Sons
2006-06-01 - 2013-06-01
Black Sheep & Prodigal Sons
Parsons School of Design - The New School
2012-08-01 - 2013-05-01
Parsons School of Design - The New School
Community Connect Inc.
2003-01-01 - 2005-04-01
Community Connect Inc.
Cruz Gallery of Art
1998-01-01 - 1999-09-01
Cruz Gallery of Art
Skills
Summary
I’m a creative director, designer and strategist working at the intersection of craftsmanship, systems and storytelling. With over 25 years of experience, I build brands, products and environments that connect concept to form with precision and emotional intelligence. My work spans luxury goods, scent, digital products and immersive experiences guided by a fluency in materials, narrative design and cross-functional collaboration. Whether leading brand strategy at Joya Studio, founding ventures like Black Sheep & Prodigal Sons, Occulter and Betroth, or creating platforms like Cruz Gallery to amplify independent voices, I approach each project as both maker and storyteller. Influenced by art history, subculture and the archive, I create culturally attuned work that invites reflection and shapes lasting connections. My practice has been recognized internationally, with exhibitions at the Museum of Arts and Design and the Santa Monica Museum of Art, and features in The New York Times, Artforum, Forbes, Financial Times, GQ, W, and Rolling Stone.
