DIDIER V.5
Many former journalists invigorate their careers by writing best-selling novels. I turned to computer animation and music instead.
And to think at one point, I wanted to be an astronaut. But France isn't known for its space program, is it? Besides, my interest in science was always stronger than my aptitude for it. Life is funny that way.
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in France, I immigrated to the United States to re-invent myself. Forever curious, I remain eager to grow as a human being. Too bad my waist got the message first.
Regardless of the hat I'm wearing — musician, writer, illustrator, art director — I believe in making connections that go deeper than buzzwords. I am motivated by learning and mentoring, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, and fostering an inclusive environment built on trust and compassion.
NEWSEUM
Keyboards clacking, printers puttering, phones ringing, conversations overlapping. Holding everything together: the warm, electric smell of computers, the feverish energy of a team dedicated "to get it right."
Newsrooms are magical places. I'd like to think they still are, anyway.
I remember the first time I set foot in one. Barely 18, French accent still coloring my English, I show up at The Muleskinner, the University of Missouri's weekly student newspaper. Under my arm is my art portfolio, which I present eagerly. My foot in the door is a hand on a sketch pad, drawing editorial cartoons.
Over the following 15 years, I grow into a reporter, photographer, copy-editor, page designer, news editor — some days all at the same time. Whatever it takes to help the team hit that daily deadline.
This gallery contains a selection of my favorite design and editing work, which, it occurs to me, is now a slice of U.S. history.
