Darien Russell

Darien believes the stories we tell help shape who we become. As an artist, her goal is to create work that brings more kindness into a world that can sometimes be unkind, using storytelling and character design to inspire empathy and connection. As an educator, she is passionate about helping students discover their own creative voices and bring their stories and imaginations to life through art.

Art has been a constant companion throughout her life, and every drawing begins with a story. In December 2025, Darien earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2D Animation with a concentration in Storyboarding, graduating *summa cum laude*. Beyond animation, she enjoys exploring a variety of artistic mediums, particularly clay sculpting and watercolor painting. She believes that working across multiple art forms strengthens both her creative practice and her teaching, encouraging students to experiment, build confidence, and develop their own unique artistic style.