Hi there! I'm Der-shing Helmer, aka "Shingworks", an Eisner-nominated and Ignatz-winning indie science-fantasy and educational comic artist based in the San Diego Area. I've been a lot of things, but I'd describe myself as a self-taught artist who just can't stay away from comic publishing. I have a biology degree from UC Berkeley and a formal background in science education, but most of my professional life has been spent in games and comics. Oh, and I've been Managing Editor at the wonderful Vault Comics since 2022.

I'm the creator and publisher of two highly-acclaimed comics, THE MEEK and MARE INTERNUM, and am the creator and editor of the all-ages mixed-race comic anthology ELECTRUM. As a crowdfunding campaign manager, I've raised in excess of $250k to fund my own publications. I've also managed multiple successful campaigns for high-profile clients, and am open to consulting on future projects that might be a good fit.

What else... oh yeah, I'm an active member, newsletter editor, and Vice President of the San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society! My genus of interest are Dorstenia (if you know what those are, you are very intelligent and beautiful). I do botanical illustrations too!! I need fewer hobbies.

Everyone always puts one of these things in their bio, so I will too: past employers and clients include Disney, Autodesk, Sony, First Second, Lerner Books, and more. I've worked on projects involving creative partners like Slash, Pete Wentz, Def Leppard, and even Post Malone... oh, and I've spoken on the topic of independent comic publishing to institutions including UCLA, CCA, CCS, and others. Cool stuff.

I'm usually pretty busy nowadays, but you can always reach out if you're dying to grab me for: consulting, speaking engagements, portfolio reviews, crowdfunding consultations, interesting projects, or just to say hello! If you read to the end and figured out that all this writing was my way of gatekeeping my email, you win; feel free to write me at hello [at] shingworks [dot] com.

Thanks for visiting!