ABOUT

Born and raised in St. Louis, MO Darion has been an artist since he could hold a pencil. Starting at six years old he'd draw flowers, hearts, and cartoon people. As he grew and developed his skill more he started drawing cartoon characters and following along with drawing tutorial shows. By junior high he was drawing graffiti names for his classmates and by high school he discovers his love for the tattoo art form. Drawing skulls, roses, crosses, koi fish, and daggers.

He started to keep a portfolio of his art work that he took to school with him every day. He began drawing tattoo designs for his classmates as well. In 2009 deep in a rut Darion dropped out of high school and slowed down on drawing. Now drawing less and trying to figure out what his next move was he started uploading his drawing to social media.

This got the attention of a few of his followers and he began drawing caricatures of his followers and celebrities. Then one day he got a message that would change the direction of his life. A friend messaged him on Twitter saying she's working in a clothing store and her manager is looking to display a pair of shoes and if Darion could draw a pair for them. Having never designed a pair of shoes but excited about the new opportunity Darion took on the challenge. Researching the structure of a high heel Darion began to make a sketch. Instead of drawing just one pair Darion drew twelve.

From there Darion found his passion for drawing again and began to sketch shoes everyday. Eventually Darion thought of turning this new found passion into a brand and began the steps to launch Darion Cortez.