introduction

Darren Yap is a Singapore—based art director and independent creative.

He runs Once Upon a Noise, an independent creative practice exploring branding, visual culture and emerging technologies, while collaborating with agencies and brands on a freelance basis.

With more than two decades of experience across global agencies, his work spans strategy, identity, art direction and execution.

He explores generative AI and vibe coding as creative materials, investigating new approaches to image-making, storytelling and design.

Experiences

Independent art director
Once Upon a Noise
Mar 2026—Present

Running a solo creative practice across branding, art direction, generative ai and visual storytelling.


Senior Art Director (Freelance)
Jun 2014—Present

Freelanced with agencies including Fabrik Asia, Mirum, Ogilvy, Geometry Global, DigitasLBi (BBH), Iris, Up&Up and xodbox.

  • Developed creative across branding, campaigns, digital and experiential

  • Turned business objectives into clear, scalable visual systems

  • Executed work end-to-end from concept to final output

  • Worked closely with designers, developers and teams to refine outcomes

  • Contributed to pitches and upheld brand consistency across touchpoints


Creative Group Head
Timmermann & Tan Advertising
Jul 2013—Mar 2014

  • Led creative output across campaigns and brand initiatives

  • Managed small teams and ensured high-quality delivery


Senior Art Director
SaatchiLAB Singapore
Oct 2005—Mar 2012

  • Developed campaigns and brand systems for regional clients

  • Worked across print, digital and integrated media


creative (Freelance)
AKQA @ ADK
Jan 2005—Apr 2005


Art Director
LabPhilosophy Design Studio
Jan 2001—Jan 2002


Web Designer
Styleaxis.com & Lavish.com.my
Nov 1999—Nov 2000

clients

BMW, Kirin, UOB, Heineken, Johnnie Walker, Philips, Epson, StarHub, FairPrice, Prudential, Maybank, HTC, Citroën, Singapore Zoo, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, BRAND’S, POND’S, Milo, Comfort, Aberdeen, GLOVIDA, Lippo Group, Mandarin Gallery, City Developments Limited, Paragon, Robinsons, Olympus, Fuji, Martell, Mandiri Bank, GlaxoSmithKline and others.

learnings & Education

HFI Certified Usability Analyst (CUA)
IBM I.am-vitalize Data Science & AI (Certificate)
IBM Enterprise Design Thinking (Co-Creator)
IDEO Design Thinking for Innovation (certificate)
university of tasmania Master of Fine-Arts and Design (mfad)

linkedin

Socials

© 2026 once upon a noise