Conor Maguire is currently in his first year of studying Visual Communications (Graphic Design) in DIT.
Why did you pick Visual Communications?
I chose VisCom because I wanted to do something creative in college that incorporated photography, drawing and the odd bit of painting – but I also really wanted to learn some technical skills, such as how to use tools like Photoshop and Illustrator to problem solve and create works of art. I didn’t want to be stuck in the same school environment, doing written exercises all the time and studying for exams; I wanted to do something I was passionate about and interested in.
Who are your current influences?
I love the Spectral Nation screenprints that the graphic design group Heretic makes, they’re abstract pieces of art that use a lot of geometric shapes and beautiful neon colours. I’m also influenced by Picasso and Adam Hale (The Daily Splice).
What sort of themes and mediums do like to work with?
I love working with geometric shapes, especially triangles; a lot of my work is heavily influenced by geometrical shapes because of their aesthetic. I love working with watercolour and fine line pens. I generally illustrate with fine liners and then add watercolours after – it’s such a relaxing and satisfying process. I have a deep love of photography as well and I enjoy editing photographs and maybe mixing two or more together, sort of like a double exposure effect, to create interesting images.
Best thing about the course so far?
I realised that if I practise some digital skills regularly, I can actually create work on various applications like Photoshop and Illustrator without too much trouble. I was so worried about my lack of experience with technology before starting my course, but you get to grips with the software quickly.
What’s your favourite piece that you’ve done so far?
I made a collage of an eye, using different colours of broken glass. I love how the stroke of the lines become thicker as you move your gaze from left to right, and the colours are beautiful and clear.
