From Taylor Swift to Timothée Chalamet: Derek Ortega’s Playful Caricatures

Derek Ortega is an LA-based artist who has a knack for capturing the personality of pop culture icons and celebrities in his illustrations and caricatures. From pop stars like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish to sports legends like Lionel Messi, Derek’s work celebrates some of the world’s most famous faces.

And he doesn’t just stick to today’s stars, he also reimagines iconic characters and memorable scenes from classic movies like Home Alone, The Grinch and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. All of these creations are bursting with personality, playfully exaggerating features while staying true to what makes each character unique.

Throughout his career, Derek has collaborated with big names like Laika, Disney, Netflix, WBA and Sony. He balances his corporate work with personal projects, such as Sickasfolk, a brand he founded specializing in wooden sculptures and handmade goods. Most recently, he also debuted as an author with his self-published children’s picture book, Karma’s a Bug.

To discover more of Derek Ortega’s work, check out his website and give him a follow on Instagram.

More illustrations via Instagram