Rising Stars: Meet Darren Vorel of Los Feliz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darren Vorel.

Hi Darren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born into an artistic household in Illinois. My Mother and Grandmother are both gifted artists and they became my first teachers. In school, I excelled in art classes.

By the time high school came around, I started playing in a band with my friends and began combining my artistic talent with the music. I designed our flyers, t-shirts, album art and all the other things that come with being in a DIY musician. I didn’t know it at the time, but I learned a lot about how to run a business by being in a punk band.

My first real job was at Suncoast Motion picture Company selling DVDs and VHS tapes. I love movies and I got to talk about them all day long. Truly the coolest job I ever had. From there, I waited tables and eventually made my way into advertising as an art director. There I stayed for 15 years learning the importance of marketing, design and business discipline. In 2021 I left Chicago for Los Angeles to be a full-time artist. Today, I run my own business creating traditional art as well as servicing a wide variety of clients in various industries who have need for original art and design.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I always tell people that the closest I ever feel to God or a higher power is when I’m painting. There’s no anxiety, depression or pain in the artistic process for me.

That being said, I made art my profession five years ago and while it has been rewarding, it certainly comes with challenges.

On the surface, i don’t think a lot of people see art as a necessary or important profession. If you believe that to be true, it can really eat away at your confidence and become a tough mental obstacle to overcome.

Comparison to other artists can be crippling. One of the biggest obstacles to most creatives I know is comparing themselves to other artists in galleries and online. I’ve learned that embracing my originality is far more productive than trying to imitate others.

Starting a business from scratch has shown me the importance of time. I don’t think many of my friends or family fully understand when I turn down invitations to hang out. My time has been completely dedicated to building my business and unfortunately, that means less time to be around the ones I love.

Most artists I know are not inherently business people. All the administrative behind the scenes work it takes to get the engine running can be a lot. I didn’t know anything about starting a business back in 2021 and lets just say a few classes in college woulda been a good idea!

Sometimes you think you have it all mapped out but the universe has it’s own plans. In 2021, right after I moved to Los Angeles, I had a major health challenge that completely changed my life. After that, I learned not to sweat the small stuff and just be grateful that I get to create art every day. I do my best to be at peace and not resist the things that are out of my control.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a dedicated participant in the arts and music at large with focus on traditional and contemporary art and creative direction. This includes acrylic and oil paintings, collage, digital art, and more.

I also offer creative services as an Art Director in multiple industries with thought provoking creative solutions that communicate a dedicated message across all communications platforms. Depending on the project, I work alone or alongside dedicated teams to create meaningful artistic campaigns in Music, Service, Financial, and Retail Industries.

In 2019 I started working alongside a restaurant chain in Chicago called “Fry The Coop.” Since then, I have been responsible for 100% of their branding. I designed the menus, store decor, food paper, indoor/outdoor signage, beer can labels, zamboni wrappings, food containers and so much more.

I’m proud of my work with Epitaph Records and Primary Wave Management. I get to create original art for one of my favorite music labels and my favorite bands. It’s literally the dream. I’ve worked with Cypress Hill, Social Distortion, The Plain White T’s, Alkaline Trio, Bayside, The Menzingers, Joshua Roberts / Magnolia Park, Korn, Rise Against, Ice Nine Kills, The Dropkick Murphy’s and so many more!

I’m grateful to have built a creative business over the last five years. In that time i have had my art displayed all over North America. My paintings have been on display at La Luz de Jesus Gallery in Los Angeles, CA, Seventh Corner Gallery in Chicago, IL, and on the road with traveling exhibitions including The Warped Tour (2026), Sonic Temple Festival (2026), Welcome To Rockville (2026), Sick New World (2026), St. Patricks Day Weekend with The Dropkick Murphy’s (2026), the final NOFX tour (2024), Riot Fest (2024) and When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas, NV (2023).

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Listening to my father’s 45 records one night with him around the fireplace in our basement.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.darrenvorel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrenvorel/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darrenvorelart/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenvorel/
• Twitter: https://x.com/darrenvorel
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@darrenvorel
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thescissors
• Other: https://www.patreon.com/cw/DarrenVorel