Jen Derks

CEO, Creative Director of Four Fin Creative

Jen Derks is an award-winning branding and design expert who leads the team at Four Fin Creative.

Four Fin focuses on supporting climate tech and sustainable companies with brand strategy, design, and messaging—which helps these important companies build the trust and credibility needed to succeed in today’s competitive landscape and turn their world-saving solutions into reality. Four Fin has helped over 100 businesses secure additional funding, land key partnership deals, and attract top talent.

Jen is fueled by her and her teams work, both professionally and personally, as she knows the power of what good branding can do for the planet. An inspiring brand moves people to feel things, and ultimately change things. Sharing her insights with the world is part of this work, and she welcomes speaking and panel engagements for planet-forward organizations. Jen is also a mom, an avid surfer and a community volunteer and activist.

Speaking Engagements

2018: American Marketing Association, Panelist: Breaking through the noise Panelist

2018: Design Forward Business Camp, Presenter: Graphic Design

2020: Connect San Diego, Webinar: Building a strong brand: Not as daunting as you think

2020: VC Comms Con, Speaker: Branding: Who, How and the 5 questions your portfolio companies should ask

2022: VC Comms Con, Speaker: Keep your website redesign from flying off the rails.

2022: Cause Conference, Panelist: Capture the Hearts, Minds, and Engage the Next Generation

2023: VC Comms Con, Speaker: Lead a Brand Refresh

2023: University Club of San Diego, Speaker: Business Development Series. Topic: Branding

2023: Burnt Island Ventures, Webinar: Nailing Brand with Jen Derks from Four Fin

Awards

2012 AIGA Alaska “The Big One” Silver Award; Branding, BBNC Logo

2012 AIGA Alaska “The Big One” People’s Choice Award, BBNC Logo

2011 Telly Award – Give 5 Tell 5. United Way of Anchorage, Walsh Sheppard

2011 PRSA Alaska Aurora Award: Integrated Communications, 2nd Place – Give 5 Tell 5. Sandy McClintock, Beth Johnson, Jen Derks, John Conn. United Way of Anchorage, Walsh Sheppard, Stage 2 Studios.

2011 PRSA Alaska Awards of Excellence: Integrated Communications, 1st place – Personal Computer Banking, for Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union, Ryan Mudd, Keith Fernandez, Walsh Sheppard. Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union.

2010 AIGA Alaska “The Big One”, Silver Award; Promotional Design, NANA Regional Corporation 2010 Shareholder Calendar

2007 IFEA (International Festivals & Events Assoc.) Pinnacle Award, Silver – Best Event Program (Budget $250,000-749,999; 4 or more colors), Anchorage Fur Rendezvous