Derek Drymon is a multi-talented individual with a wide range of skills in the animation industry. Born and raised in the United States, Drymon developed an interest in drawing and making comic books during his childhood. He attended Jefferson Township and Dover public schools, and later graduated from Jefferson Township High School in 1987.
After high school, Drymon enrolled in the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York, where he majored in illustration and honed his drawing skills. He graduated from SVA in 1992, and subsequently obtained an internship with Disney on the strength of his life drawings.
Drymon's big break came in 1993 when he was discovered by Nickelodeon. He moved to California and began working as an animator for the network, where he met future collaborators Tim Hill, Chris Savino, and Stephen Hillenburg. Drymon worked as a storyboard artist and writer for the popular Nickelodeon show Rocko's Modern Life, and later became a key member of the team behind SpongeBob SquarePants.
Drymon played a crucial role in the development of SpongeBob, serving as a writer on all episodes, creative director, and supervising producer. He also worked on other notable shows, including Camp Lazlo and KaBlam!, and received an Emmy Award nomination for his work on the CatDog episode "Doggone".
Drymon's collaboration with Stephen Hillenburg on SpongeBob was particularly significant, as the two worked together to approve episode ideas and outlines, and controlled the creative and production process. Drymon's creative direction and supervision helped shape the show's unique tone and style.
After leaving SpongeBob, Drymon went on to become an executive producer on the popular television show Adventure Time, and worked as a lead writer and director for various animation studios, including DreamWorks Pictures, Illumination Entertainment, Sony Pictures Animation, and Rovio Animation.
Throughout his career, Drymon has demonstrated a unique ability to adapt to new roles and projects, and has worked with a wide range of talented writers and directors. His contributions to the animation industry have been numerous and significant, and he continues to be a respected and accomplished figure in the field.
