Der-shing Helmer is the Eisner-nominated and Ignatz-award winning independent science-fantasy and educational comic artist from the CA Bay Area, now based in the San Diego Area. Der-shing is currently the Managing Editor at Vault Comics. She is a self-taught artist, and has a biology degree from UC Berkeley as well as a formal background in secondary science education.

Der-shing is the creator and publisher of two highly-acclaimed fiction comics, THE MEEK and MARE INTERNUM, as well as the creator and editor of the all-ages mixed-race comic anthology ELECTRUM. As the sole manager of her campaigns, Der-shing has raised in excess of $250k with the support of thousands of backers. Der-shing has also successfully managed campaigns for others, and is currently open to consulting on future projects. She has spoken on the topic of independent comic publishing to institutions including UCLA, CCA, CCS, and others.

Der-shing is also an active member of the San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society, and is the current SDCSS Newsletter editor. Her favorite plant species is Dorstenia, and Der-shing is in the process of growing, cultivating, and even speaking to other clubs about unusual Dorstenia species with the hopes of raising interest in and increasing knowledge about this great group of plants.

Before their current pursuits and self-publishing personal work under the business name "Shingworks," Der-shing worked in the games industry and in comics as a freelance writer and artist. Past employers and clients include Disney, Autodesk, Sony, First Second, Lerner Books, and more.

Der-shing is generally available for consulting, speaking engagements, portfolio reviews and consultations, and/or interesting projects. If you'd like to reach out (or just to say hi!), feel free to write me at hello [at] shingworks [dot] com

Thanks for visiting!