Derek Villarreal

On August 23, 1983 David Villarreal rushed his pregnant wife Evelyn to Queen of the Valley Hospital in Covina California; Evelyn proceeded to labor her child for twelve hours. Late on the twenty-third this labor of love would come to be known as Derek Villarreal, the youngest of the three Villarreal boys.

Derek spent most of his youth sick either with asthma, pneumonia, or bronchitis. Since he was bed ridden most of the time Derek did not get to experience as much as other kids at his age, but it did provide an opportunity for him to read books, write stories, learn about exotic far off places and watch movies; all of which he began to develop a passion for. After a recommendation from a physician Evelyn and David put Derek into a swim program. From the first swim lesson on Derek’s lung capacity as well as heath flourished.

With this new sense of freedom and strength Derek proceeded to venture into a world that was unknown to him. He took up hiking, bike riding, and cross country running; all which helped him to go on to become a lifeguard and swim instructor for five years. Though these new activities were exciting and rewarding Derek never ceased to continue his reading, writing and film viewings. With the encouragement and support of his family Derek applied to Art Center College of Design and was accepted in 2004. Derek spends most of his time at Art Center shooting short films and writing dramatic love stories and coming of age comedies.

Having recently traveled to England, New York and Wyoming Derek enjoys the adventure of traveling to new places to meet people of other cultures and explore their life styles and traditions.