Derek Ford

My Skills Background
I’m a creative media instructor who’s spent decades working in digital art and design. I’m passionate about helping students find their creative voice and build the technical skills to bring their ideas to life. I was part of the original Skills Canada group of National Technical Committee members who developed the 3D Digital Game Art contest from the ground up.

Training Champions
When our competitor won the gold medal at the Skills Canada National Competition 2025, in Regina, I knew she had what it takes to go further. Our training regimen consists of building strong fundamental skills, then moving into timed tasks and technical refinement to build speed and confidence.

I define success as growth, for the competitor and for myself. I hope this WorldSkills Competition makes her more confident in her technical skills and also in her ability to take on challenges and handle pressure. I sincerely hope she makes new connections and feels inspired to keep growing long after the competition.

Why I Love Volunteering
I see volunteering as an opportunity to grow alongside my competitor. I hope to sharpen my own skills and deepen my understanding of global standards in 3D Game Art. I think my competitor chose me because we already had a strong, respectful dynamic. Rather, I’ve merely had to point her in the right direction, highlighting opportunities and helping her navigate systems.