Derek Speer
Adjunct Faculty
BFA in Transportation Design,Academy of Art University ; BFA in Studio Art (Ceramics & Printmaking)/K-12 Art Education, University of Indianapolis
Continually evaluating and adapting to current automotive sculpting techniques and processes.
Professional Experience
In 2009, having completed his BFA with a double major in Studio Art, with a focus in Ceramics and Printmaking, and K-12 Art Education, Derek worked for a few years teaching elementary school art in the Indianapolis area before going back to school to pursue his degree in Transportation Design in 2012. While at the Academy of Art University, in San Francisco, Derek was able to work on his passion for sculpting and make connections with industry professionals to land his current position as a Creative Sculptor, with General Motors, in 2015.
Since moving to Detroit, Derek has had several opportunities with GM to participate in community and educational outreach programs to talk about and educate future students of transportation design. After meeting with the previous PAM instructor, he began co-teaching the class in 2017.
In 2019, Derek took over as the head instructor for the program. He takes great pride in being part of a long line of CCS PAM teachers that have helped to train the future generation of clay sculptors.