FINterview Series: Jen Derks

Meet Jen Derks, Four Fin’s CEO and Creative Director. She makes the balance of business and ridiculous creativity look like a stroll in the park. She makes surfing look pretty easy too. 

What is the most uncomfortable thing you have done?
My friend Marina and I got in the car of two people we had just met at a bar the night before, and headed on a three-day Australian road trip.

What did you want to be growing up?
It shifted around a lot, usually between a hot-dog on a stick girl, a National Geographic photographer, or an associate (not owner) at a paper boutique or Kinkos. So you could say my ambition came later in life. 

What’s your 30 second story?
I grew up an extreme sports junkie in San Diego, schooled myself on advertising and design in Oregon, and followed my future husband to Alaska where I started my career in design, marketing and advertising. Six years later, I dragged him back to San Diego to settle down, start two businesses, have two kids, build a house, and wonder where all of our free time went. I identify as a gen-xer, which Macoe says is a very millennial thing to say. Enneagram 3.

Favorite thing about Four Fin?
All. The. Things. If I have to pick just one, it’s the team.

What is your dream vacation?
A Costa Rican surf, art, and yoga retreat with my closest people. #predictable

Find more Jen on LinkedIn

Deep dive

We care deeply about sustainability branding, graphic design, industry trends, company culture, and more. Dive into the minds of our team on the Four Fin blog, The Deep End.

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Just say hi.

A great group of thoughtful, passionate creatives are on the other end of this form. We’d love to hear from you.
Chiao Huang

Chiao Huang

Brand Designer

Crafting unique experiences through design.

Enneagram:

3

Positive Attitude & Go Getter
Theme song:

Freedom

Kygo
  •  I grew up in a scuba diving family. I cried underwater when I failed my test when I was 10. Getting water out of your mask is one of the test categories. Yes, I got my license in the end.
    • I used to train to ride horses. One time, I got stepped on by a horse and I screamed, but forgot to push it away. My toe was ok tho.
    • Used to want to be a fine art artist but instead doing murals as side hustle nowadays.

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Emma O'Regan

Emma O'Regan

Graphic Designer

Turns clients’ visions into designs that are creative, cohesive and compelling while keeping all the little details in mind.

Enneagram:

6

Caring & Methodical
Theme song:

This Must Be the Place

Talking Heads
  • Gets excited about nicely designed labels, cheap sunglasses, and new book smell
  • Youngest of 3, with a big gap between the oldest and me, my go-to revenge was stealing one shoe. Not the pair, just one.
  • Drawn to design because of the power in visual communication

      LINKEDIN