DERRICK CRUZ

Creative Direction
Art & Design

I forge objects, brands, and experiences through craftsmanship and myth. Working across design, art and environments, I’m interested in how things acquire meaning—how objects become ritual, materials carry memory, and encounters become stories.

I founded Black Sheep & Prodigal Sons, OCCULTER, and Betroth to put these ideas into practice through editions, exhibitions and retail environments. Each involved making the work and the world around it: identity, imagery, packaging, space, and language. For me, these are all parts of the same work.

Alongside my independent practice, I lead creative at Joya – Modern Fragrance House, developing products and sensory experiences. I also taught creative practice and entrepreneurship at The New School for a decade, including supervising accessories thesis work at Parsons.

My work has been exhibited at the Museum of Arts and Design and the Santa Monica Museum of Art, and featured in The New York Times, Artforum, GQ, W, Rolling Stone, and others. I have received several international awards for art, fashion, and design.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Puerto Rico, I spent more than two decades in New York City. I now live in the Greater Philadelphia area and continue to work regularly in New York.

Occulter

Occulter

Founder • Creative Direction • Design • Collaboration

Hemingway

Hemingway

Creative Direction • Design • Production

Oliphaunt

Oliphaunt

Art • Creative Direction • Leadership

Eataly

Eataly

Creative Direction • Design

A New Hive

A New Hive

Creative Direction • Art • Design • Curation

Fleshist — figure standing in water

FLESHIST

Music Composition • Sound Design • Performance • Art Direction

Man & Viper

Man & Viper

Design • Creative Direction • Collaboration

Unearthed

Unearthed

Design • Production • Commission

Lori

Lori

Design • Production • Commission

Min

Min

Design • Production • Commission

Milá

Milá

Design • Production • Commission