Meet Derek Herbert: Graphic Designer & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Derek Herbert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Derek, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my media and graphics business “DSH Media” was subsequent to many creative ventures. In fact, before I created an identity of my brand DSH Media, there were several steps to discovering a profitable and fulfilling business. My thought process began a few years back when I sat down and asked myself “Okay, I have this idea. Now what do I want to do with it?” Now you would think because I mostly produce and promote my graphic designs that I’m referring to that. Well actually, no. My dream has always been to be a TV, talk show, or radio personality. I’ve had many conversations with myself and other likeminded individuals about how to manifest this into my life. Growing up, going to school, getting an education, and finding a career path was the standard. Coming from a working class family, it was all that I knew. As you can imagine, I felt like that was the “end all be all” or “ultimate goal”. As a kid, I always tried to find my niche in everything that would interest me. I loved computers, I loved TV, I loved music, comedies, movies, cameras, and basic graphics. I was a pretty creative kid and I built on that throughout my adolescence, collegiate career, and adulthood.

But in 2018, I had been working a corporate job I was unhappy with for so long and I decided to refocus my time and energy on Me; which birthed my IGTV web series called “Late Night With Derek”. I like to call this process “Having an idea, and ACTING ON IT”. Late Night With Derek is a fun pop-culture and news commentary show that premiered on my Instagram on IGTV every Sunday night. It’s been a ONE MAN SHOW; I designed my set, I produce and research the content, I film, I host, record, and I edit everything MYSELF. Most things people have a team for, I’ve often done all on my own using my built-up skills and creative expression. Afterwards, I began podcasting. In April 2019, I began my podcast called “Derek On Record”. In this process, I was “testing the waters” of what my goal was. I needed to build up my brand and get my dreams and ideas up off the ground… and if you don’t have the platform, CREATE ONE.

A few months into that, my promotion and graphics for my content started to get a lot of attention. I always created my own logos and I created my own digital marketing and flyers, once people started seeing that…they started to inquire. One person turned into two, those two told four people and shortly after it really took off from there. Before I knew it, my media and graphics business DSH Media was formed and I became an entrepreneur by generating new business ideas.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
DSH Media provides quality graphic design services, products, and more. I believe what sets my business apart is my wide range of services. DSH Media offers graphics such as Logo Design Packages, flyers, social media marketing tools, business cards, clothing designs, product info-graphics, labels, invitations, cover art, and so much more. Not only that, I also create quality videos and promotional marketing ads (mostly for people’s YouTube channels and Instagrams) from scratch. I am also proficient in film and editing, thus I am able to record YOUR videos and edit them together impeccably. I’d go as far to say I’m a perfectionist, and I hold the same standard for my clients graphics and videos as I would my own graphics and videos. Most recently, I’ve also tapped into photography and photo editing.. bringing an even wider range of capabilities and services to my brand. If that wasn’t enough, I host my own show “Late Night With Derek” AND work a full-time job. Oh! Did I mention, I do all of this MYSELF?! I am most proud of that and my consistency. I am dedicated to both media and graphics and I believe there is an avenue for me that aligns with both of those realms. Things haven’t been easy, it’s been trial and error, some roadblocks but I never give up. I just keep trying to reinvent myself and put myself and my business out there the best I can. I’m excited to learn more and see my business grow to even greater heights. I want everyone to know that entrepreneurship takes hard work, dedication, discipline, and consistency… I would not be where I am today without those attributes. DSH Media came from so many different ideas, so don’t think you have to have it all figured out right away. Your vision will become much more clear as you grow with your business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
HA! This is a great question. If my friend was visiting the area. We’d definitely be doing brunch everywhere. Mimosa us PLEASE! We would definitely go shopping, Beverly, Melrose, The Grove, the whole nine yards. I’d love for us to do some outdoor activities like Runyon Canyon, Griffith Park, and maybe hit a nice beach or two. But, you know I’m from Compton so of course im showing love to some of my favorite small restaurants for us to indulge in some really good food. Also — let’s be honest, we will stop by the swap meet. LOL, I have to keep it real… I want them to have the full experience. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this shoutout to my most loyal and supportive clients. Without them, I could not have reached this level of success and potential. They have really given me purpose in all of this, especially with my graphic designs. I am beyond appreciative of their business and the many relationships I was able to forge, even in the middle of a global pandemic. I’ve been able to connect with so many young, talented, and creative entrepreneurs over the past year and I am so proud to witness such greatness in this generation. The power in customer satisfaction and referrals is incredible. My audience and loyal customers have definitely aided my professional growth and I will always give them recognition for that.

Instagram: @dshmediainc

Facebook: Derek Herbert Jr.

Other: Email: dshmediainc@gmail.com

Image Credits
Photographer: Mikey Jay Starks