Derin McCulley
Bloomington,IN
Summary
Creative Strategist | Brand Builder | Visual Storyteller
Former D1 athlete turned creative hustler with a background in communications, streetwear design, and social media content. Founder of HERC Lifestyle—a brand built from scratch through self-taught design, strategic rollout, and visual storytelling. Skilled in blending culture, grit, and purpose into every piece of content or clothing. Looking to bring that same energy into creative roles in design, media, or social marketing.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Brand Co-Owner/Graphic Designer
HERC Lifestyle
02.2022 - Current
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and pricing.
- Increased brand awareness by implementing effective marketing strategies and social media campaigns.
Marketing and Events Assistant
Arbor Village Services LLC
01.2025 - Current
- Supported outreach and media efforts for a senior-focused transportation company
- Created printed brochures and flyers to help elderly clients understand and access services
- Assisted with community events to generate local awareness and engage prospective clients
- Maintained digital and paper filing systems to keep marketing materials organized and accessible
- Contributed to a small team by offering creative input on flyer layout, event themes, and branding tone
- Optimized event ROI by analyzing performance data and adjusting strategies accordingly for future efforts.
- Increased lead generation through strategic pre-and post-event follow-up initiatives.
Athlete
Ball State/Indiana University Football Alum
06.2019 - 01.2025
- Competed at the Division I level across multiple programs, earning a scholarship as a walk-on at Indiana University (2023-2025) and contributing to a MAC Championship team (Ball State, 2020).
- Served as a veteran leader during the 2024 season at Indiana University, providing mentorship and guidance to younger teammates on and off the field.
- Contributed to Indiana's historic 11–2 season in 2024, culminating in the program's first College Football Playoff appearance ever.
- Developed strong mental resilience through rigorous training sessions, enabling peak performance during competitions.
- Adapted quickly to changes in competition schedules or environments, demonstrating mental agility and composure under pressure.
- Contributed to the success of the team by consistently meeting or exceeding personal goals and expectations.
2017 – 2024
Internship
CBS Sports/ Big Ten
03.2025 - 03.2025
- Selected for an exclusive on-site immersion program with CBS Sports during the 2025 Big Ten Women's Tournament.
- Collaborated with digital and production teams to assist with live coverage and media content.
- Gained hands-on experience in fast-paced sports media environments, including social coverage and post-game content.
- Shadowed producers and content leads to understand workflow and storyboarding in live sports media.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
Artist
- Utilized social media platforms proactively to promote personal brand awareness while engaging with potential clients or collaborators regularly.
- Initially pursued a BFA in Animation with completed coursework in art history and studio arts. Shifted focus due to athletic schedule conflicts, but maintained visual storytelling through independent design work.
- Contributed to creative process through original ideas and inspiration.
- Participated in creative brainstorming sessions to develop new ideas or improve existing ones.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Communication And Media
Ball State University
Bloomington, IN06.
Bachelor of Science - Communication And Media
Ball State University
Muncie, IN07-2023
High School Diploma -
Lawrence North High School
Indianapolis, IN05-2019
Skills
- Initiative-Driven
- Resilience
- Leadership
- Adaptability
- Detail-Oriented
- Self-Motivated
- Team Player
- Design Tools
- Visual Storytelling
- Social Media Strategy
- Motion Content
- Creative Writing
Timeline
Internship
CBS Sports/ Big Ten
03.2025 - 03.2025
Marketing and Events Assistant
Arbor Village Services LLC
01.2025 - Current
Brand Co-Owner/Graphic Designer
HERC Lifestyle
02.2022 - Current
Athlete
Ball State/Indiana University Football Alum
06.2019 - 01.2025
Artist
Bachelor of Science - Communication And Media
Ball State University
Bachelor of Science - Communication And Media
Ball State University
High School Diploma -
Lawrence North High School
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