Meet Derek Perez | CEO, Illustrator & Graphic Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Derek Perez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Derek, how do you think about risk?
The choice to leave my Senior Design position (with salary and benefits) to go solo and start my own business was the riskiest, yet most rewarding choice I have made in my career. It allowed me to regain control of my work life balance, as well as the ability to pursue the projects and clients of my dreams. As a freelance designer and business owner, I knew that risk was inherently part of the path ahead. Each month presents new challenges and there is the constant risk that the emails will cease, the phone will stop ringing, and the likes and follows will fade. That fear of failure can debilitate you if you let it, but I use it to propel my determination to succeed in the face of those risks. You may not come out on top in every scenario, but as long as you have a goal in mind and the acceptance that failure begets growth, you cannot be stopped from achieving your dreams.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an artist, I want to inspire others, evoke memories and emotions, create conversations, and challenge convention. I aim to be Salvador Dali and Paul Rand at the same time — which is a nerdy way of saying I try to be versatile, and I love surprising myself and my audience with new techniques, styles and concepts whether it is for a corporate logo or a concert poster. My road to a professional art career started in college where I turned a childhood hobby of drawing into a degree in Graphic Design. Unfortunately, I graduated just after the market crash of 2008, so finding a job was extremely difficult. Like many grads at that time, I had to move back home with my parents until I got on my feet. I ended up taking an unpaid internship at The Masquerade (OG Ponce version) where I was able to create flyers and posters for a ton of bands and events in Atlanta. It was truly a dream job at the time, because I could go see shows for free which was just as good as money to a music lover. Back then, I worked closely with Tim Sweetwood who was the booking agent at The Masquerade. I tried to soak up as much information about the music and entertainment industry as possible, and my design work ultimately led to freelance clients with bands and musicians. By this time I was no longer an unpaid intern, but the stability of a corporate job enticed me to look for other work. I started working at EYStudios, an eCommerce web studio in Kennesaw. I was learning a new skill as a front end web designer while juggling a growing freelance career on the side. I always knew I wanted to start my own business, and after several years of burning the candle at both ends, I decided to make the jump and pursue my dream. In hindsight, it was extremely difficult and stressful, but I wouldn’t have done it any other way. I needed those work experiences to grow as an artist and as a professional. Since starting my business, Peregon Creative, I have had the honor of working with some of my dream clients. The first dream come true was designing a poster for the Atlanta Braves and signing prints at SunTrust Park. The second, was designing a poster for Bernie Sanders’ Super Tuesday campaign rally which also featured members of my favorite band Phish. Not only did Bernie’s campaign reach out to me directly to use the art, but Phish’s team also reached out for their own personal copies. I’m not sure what the future holds, but it goes to show what is possible if you have determination, hard work, and a little luck from the universe.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, I’m taking them to my favorite local spots in EAV. Breakfast at Emerald City Bagels followed by coffee at Joe’s. After fueling up on carbs and caffeine, we rent bikes for the obligatory trip down the Beltline. All that fresh air and exercise is enough to make anyone thirsty, so we probably make a pit stop at New Realm Brewery for a beer and some great skyline views. Stomachs full on beer we probably eat a late lunch / early dinner. This meal is a toss-up. The Beltline has a ton of options so sometimes it is fun to just grab whatever you are feeling and find a table outside of Ponce City Market while you people watch. We finish the night back in EAV for a few drinks at Flatiron + Trophy Room and maybe get late night Korean food over at the hidden gem, Gaja. The following day starts with the ultimate hangover cure, breakfast at Home Grown. Then a nap, and let’s be honest that day might be a wash after you crush some fried chicken and biscuits and gravy. The next few days we check out The Atlanta Botanical Gardens and a day trip to Arabia Mountain. Throw in a shopping trip to Highland Row Antiques to look for records and a local art show at ABV, ShowerHaus or The Goat Farm. We will end the week with dinner and a beer at The Porter before seeing a show at Aisle 5 or Variety Playhouse.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shoutout to: • Conscious Alliance – great organization supporting artists and musicians and feeding the hungry. https://consciousalliance.org/ • Nick Weinberg – Co-owner of Aisle 5 (music venue) Wonderful human being and has supported my art career as well as music careers of others in Atlanta.

Website: https://www.peregoncreative.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peregoncreative
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-perez-59469a16/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/peregoncreative
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeregonCreative