Daren Lin
2016 Society of Illustrators Student Competition – Honorable Mention
2017 3×3 Illustration Annual 14 – Silver Award, Honorable Mention
2018 Applied Art – Honorable Mention
2019 Illustration West 57 – Bronze Award
2019 Communication Arts Illustration Annual 60 – Award of Excellence
2019 3×3 Illustration Annual 16 – Honorable Mention
2019 iJungle Illustration Award
2019 Applied Art Illustration Award
2020 Communication Arts Illustration Annual 61- Award of Excellence
2020 Creative Quarterly Illustration Award
2020 Applied Art Illustration Award
2020 ADC Award
2023 Applied Art – Illustration Award
Remy Martin
The Washington Post
America Crafts Magazine
Politico Magazine
California Real Estate Magazine
Collective Arts Brewing
AT&T
Grey Advertising
Merck Pharmaceutical
New York Times
SpotCo.
Broadway Musical
ACC Docket Magazine
Bussolati
Stain IAS International
Texas Monthly
Voice of Insiders
Collective Arts Brewing
Mural Clients:
Collective Arts Brewing
Moge Tee
Crab Du Jour
Seito Sushi
Tokyo Ramen & Burrito
Sensei Asian Bistro
U&Me
Revolving Hotpot
Hotpot 828,
Kiwami Ramen & Sushi
Ootoya Sushi Lounge
Sushi Ushi
Poke Green NY
Brooklyn Chicken & Lobster
Babbi Babbi Korean Kitchen
YH Seafood Clubhouse
Yummy House Florida
Our Wicket Lady Bar
Crack N Roll
Boru Poke & Boba
Zuru Ramen & Poke
Zuru Ramen & Boba
Zero Degrees
Hokkaido
AJi53 Asian Bistro
Ban Asian
Pho 813
Token Ramen & Tea
Dancing Crab
Rocking Crab
Fatty Crab
Incheon Seafood
Foody’s Dumplings
BBQ23
Blue Coast
Windsor Island
Mochinut
Nagoya Sushi & Hibachi
Mosi Tea Lounge & Sushi
Vaperior
Moonbound Smoke Shop
The first thing I do when I receive an assignment is carefully go over the brief and the accompanying materials. If it’s a story or an article, I underline the main idea and circle key words. I then start researching the subject to get a better grip on the story. Communicating with the art director is vital at this stage. It’s the best way to understand the client’s expectations for the job.
Once I have a clear understanding of the assignment, I roughly draw out the images in my head and start brainstorming. The question I ask myself the most is “How can I convey the idea through my illustration in an interesting way?” I carefully consider composition and how each element interacts with each other within the image. Three to five sketches will be presented to the client.
After the sketch has been approved, I work on top of it digitally to experiment with the color choices. Different colors give different moods. Usually two color variations will be provided.
I start working on the final illustration with traditional medium, usually ink and brush, to draw out the lines and the shapes. Then I bring my drawing to Photoshop for coloring. In the end, I apply homemade textures to the illustration to accentuate the natural look.