Creative Advertising

User Experience

Advertising and AI

Education

• M.A. Art Direction, Virginia Commonwealth University Brandcenter, 2011
• B.A. Advertising, Michigan State University, 2008

Background

Before joining VCU, Derek spent more than a decade in advertising and marketing, leading experiential campaigns and managing the Virginia Lottery’s first mobile app. He is also co-owner of O’Fung Studios, an illustration and design studio, and winner of the international Promising Professor Award from AEJMC’s Mass Communication and Society division. Drawing on his industry experience and work with real clients, he emphasizes practical application, creative problem-solving, and the skills professionals need to adapt confidently as AI reshapes the workplace.

He is skilled in User Experience (UX), Advertising, Event Marketing, Concept Development, and Creative Strategy. Also dabbles as an illustrator.

Courses

MASC 204: Story
MASC 321: Creativity with AI
MASC 383: User Experience (UX)
MASC 450: Style
MASC 451: Invention
MASC 459: Judgment
MASC 481: Completeness 

Affiliations

• O'Fung Studios

Awards

• Promising Professor Award 2023 Mass Communication and Society (Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication)
• Most Valuable Professor 2021 VCU Women's Volleyball Team
• PRSA Richmond's Award of Excellent for Capital: External Video Program 2021
• PRSA Richmond's Capital Best in Show Award & Award of Excellence for Paid Social Media 2018