DDartists is a project of Give Chances that provides people with developmental disabilities the opportunity for employment and talent development. DDartists hires, pays, and provides educational opportunities for these individuals in a safe and caring environment.

Work is essential for an independent life as it provides not only financial resources, but also a sense of self-fulfillment as a member of society. Currently only 14.7 % of adults with developmental disabilities are employed.

Everyone is born with unique talents and potentials, so are people with developmental disabilities. DDartists particularly pays attention to those who have interests and talents in art. We found an approach to use their artistic talents and developed a work-education model for people with developmental disabilities. The artworks that they produced in the classes are developed to be used within products in collaboration with professional industrial designers.

  DDartists

Alexander Kim is a talented artist who found drawing to be his favorite activity since the age of five and continued to create art ever since. Alexander loves to paint self-portraits, in which he draws himself in different places. He expresses his emotions through a selective choice of colors and prefers water painting over any other art medium.

Gifted artist Sharon Haeun Choi started to paint at the age of four. As a child she was persistent and meticulous, and liked to draw several versions of her favorite character or image for long periods of time. She uses colored pencils and pens to create beautiful artworks. Recently, Sharon discovered her new favorite art tool: digital platforms. Using graphic design softwares, she is creating and designing her own animated character, “Seiryu”, inspired by Street Fighter character from a video game. 

Albert Kim is a brilliant artist with persevere who started to paint in early childhood and continues to create amazing artworks. Throughout his childhood and school years, Albert’s school teachers recognized and complimented his artistic talents, allowing his family to become aware of Albert’s interests in art. With the support of his family, Albert is supported and determined to pursue his artistic talents and dreams of becoming a game character designer one day. Likewise as an artist, Albert draws to pursue his dream and to express himself, his experience, and emotions. 

 

Eunsong Ham is a bright and brilliant artist who loves to draw eye-catching, vivid illustrations of her favorite characters. Once Eunsong decides what to draw, she effortlessly sketches the outline of her character without a single moment of hesitation—using a single black marker. Then, with a bold and fascinating choice of colors and various facial expressions, Eunsong brings her characters to life. Eunsong’s adorable character illustrations and designs are featured on DDartists Christmas cards and planners with the collaboration and support of professional designers. Eunsong dreams of becoming a professional artist one day.