Meet Lisa Breslin, the creative force behind Imagine Lab Design, a multidisciplinary studio in Donegal. With over 20 years of experience spanning branding, motion graphics, and corporate design, Lisa has worked with global names like BBC and Google. Inspired by her passion for design, she launched Imagine Lab in 2021, helping innovative businesses grow through bespoke branding, animation, and creative solutions.

Meet Alan Davis, a seasoned designer who traded the bustle of Dublin for the dynamic landscape of County Clare back in 2015, well ahead of the remote work boom. With over 24 years of experience in branding, web design, and UX, Alan established his own Design Studio – Ultra Design, working with clients across the country. Today he works closely with the SEAI – the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, bringing design expertise and UX design skills to a critical area of the public sector.

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Kerry Eugenie Prendiville is an illustrator and designer whose career has spanned Scotland and her home in County Clare. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire, she has worked on diverse projects, led art classes, and is now launching her own illustrated product line. Inspired by Clare’s natural beauty and creative community, Kerry’s next chapter promises exciting new creations.

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Conor Buckley, founder of Piquant in Limerick, leads a team of 21 creatives blending strategy, design, and technology from their studio space on O'Connell Street in Limerick city. Originally from Dublin, Conor’s career spans print, motion design, film, and UX. Conor shares his journey from Dublin to Limerick, first studying at Limerick School of Art and Design to founding Piquant, a full-service creative agency. Piquant thrives on collaboration and evolving practices, from co-design to accessibility. Conor is passionate about purposeful creativity, sustainable design, and embracing challenges like AI in the design industry.

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Lisa Breslin, Animator
Imagine Lab Design, Donegal

 

I’m Lisa Breslin, Creative Director and founder of Imagine Lab Design, a creative studio based in Donegal that offers a wide range of design solutions. Imagine Lab came from my love of all things design and my 20 years of experience in the creative industry. Over the years, I’ve worked in various design studios across the North West, where I focused a lot on branding projects, with much of my early career centered around print. I became very familiar with managing print projects and understanding the ins and outs of that process.

But the turning point in my career came when I completed a Master’s in Motion Graphics at LYIT (now ATU). After that, I was offered a position at a London-based TV production studio with offices in Derry. It was here that I worked on motion graphics for BBC, Channel 5, Yahoo, Google, and YouTube. I had the chance to create animated maps for documentaries that featured the likes of the late Len Goodman. I was also a lead designer on the motion graphics for James May’s Things You Need to Know – a BBC show with heavy graphic content and camera cuts featuring James. This show was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award and won the Golden Sheaf Award in the UK. I also had the opportunity to lead a creative team on a spin-off YouTube channel, James May’s Head Squeeze, funded by BBC Worldwide. This was one of the first YouTube channels with produced content, which feels quite common now but was groundbreaking at the time.

Then, I took a bit of an unexpected turn and moved into the corporate world, joining a cybersecurity software company. There, I built a growing creative team of designers and animators and produced eLearning content for big names like Energeia, Next, Lloyds Bank, and Bridgestone. I also worked closely with the marketing team to create graphic content for campaigns, websites, and events.

However, the next major shift in my career came in 2020, when the impact of COVID-19 changed many careers, including mine. After being made redundant, I quickly found another role in a software company, but the desire to start my own studio had been growing. In 2021, I finally took the leap and left full-time employment to set up Imagine Lab. It’s been three years now, and I haven’t looked back since.

The wide range of experiences I’ve had in the creative industry now allows me to offer my clients a truly holistic approach to branding and design. At Imagine Lab, we provide multidisciplinary services that include:

• Visual Branding
• Digital Asset Design for both online and offline use
• The Production of Animated and Video Content

We work closely with innovative businesses to help them grow through bespoke graphics. We build branded assets that meet goals, build trust, add value, and generate growth. For me, as Creative Director, the most important thing is the creative partnership with each client. We collaborate closely with every client to produce bespoke content that truly reflects their brand. It’s about building a strong relationship and understanding each client’s specific needs. This, I believe, is something that AI can never replace in design.

Since we opened our doors, Imagine Lab has worked on a variety of exciting projects, including:

• Branding for start-ups
• Helping established SaaS businesses with animated and video content for funding applications
• Creating content for online marketing campaigns for SaaS-based companies
• Building front-end web designs
• Supporting clients with event graphics, from stands to promotional materials
• Illustrating and creating marketing materials for published books, including animated videos
• Producing and animating explainer videos for websites
• Directing, filming, and editing short promotional videos

We’re proud to serve clients across Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, Switzerland, and the United States, with plans to continue expanding. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead for Imagine Lab.

 

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Alan Davis, Graphic & UX Designer
Ultra Design, Ennistymon, Clare

 

I’m Alan Davis. I’m a graduate of the National College of Art & Design (NCAD) and have spent the last 24 years working in brand and web agencies, freelancing, running my own small studio, and more recently contracting as a designer. My journey from Dublin to Clare was something I’d been thinking about for a while. While I enjoyed many aspects of city life, I increasingly felt the pull of a more rural lifestyle. The space, the peace, and the connection to nature that living in Clare offers were big factors in my decision to make the move. It’s been a huge change, but one that I’ve found incredibly rewarding.

Over the years, my design work has definitely evolved. I’ve always enjoyed finding new challenges, and when I became self-employed in 2008, it really pushed me to think differently about my work. Being responsible for both winning new projects and delivering them made me take a more entrepreneurial approach. It’s also made me much more client-focused in how I approach design, as I had to think about their needs, their goals, and how to best meet them while keeping the creativity flowing. The balance between creativity and business has definitely shaped my career and kept me excited about the work I do.

Establishing my business in Clare has been surprisingly seamless, mostly thanks to reliable broadband and the growing network of rural digital hubs. With these resources, I’ve been able to deliver high-quality work on time, without the added stress of a daily commute to Dublin. That said, working in a more rural area does have its downsides. While remote working has opened up many opportunities, there’s no getting around the fact that the design network here isn’t as strong as it is in Dublin. When everything went online during COVID-19, it was a great way to stay connected, but as things have returned to in-person events, I find myself being a bit more selective about which ones I attend.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Clare has been the improved work-life balance. The cost of living here is much more affordable than in Dublin, and that was a huge factor in our decision to settle in the area. I wanted to own a home and have the flexibility to be there for my family, without needing to rely on full-time childcare or the daily grind of a 9-5. Having more time to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, the coast, and the slower pace of life has been a great bonus.

Currently, I’m working with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), where I’m the first UX designer in the organisation. It’s been fantastic to get involved with SEAI’s mission to decarbonise Ireland’s energy systems. I’m really passionate about this work, and I’m enjoying connecting with different stakeholders across the organisation. I’ve also been focusing on building a strong UX design capability in-house, which has been a great challenge. It feels good to be part of a team working on something that will have a real impact on the future.

As for Ireland as a whole, I definitely think the country needs to embrace design thinking and strategic design principles, especially in the public sector. While there’s been progress, especially with the government investing in design for public services, I believe there’s still a lot of work to be done to elevate the role design plays in shaping public policy. Design thinking can be a powerful tool in improving how services are delivered and in making sure they meet the needs of people across the country.

Having moved from running my own agency to working within a larger organisation again, I’ve found it really rewarding. I’ve missed the collaborative environment of being part of a bigger team. It’s exciting to see a range of different skills come together to deliver larger projects. It’s something I hadn’t realised I was missing until I experienced it again.

Looking at the design industry in the regions, I do think there’s room for more support and growth. The industry in Ireland can still be very Dublin-centric, and while remote working has made it easier to connect with clients across the country, I’d love to see more events and opportunities for designers in places like Limerick, Cork, and Galway. The value of design is growing, but there’s still a long way to go in helping the regions realise its full potential. I’m hopeful that with more focus on regional development, we’ll see an even stronger creative community across the country.

 

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Kerry Eugenie Prendiville, Illustrator & Graphic Designer
Kilrush, Clare

 

After finishing school, I felt pulled in all sorts of career directions—something I now know is entirely normal at 17! It wasn’t until the summer after my Leaving Cert that I felt a compelling call to design and illustration. I pursued a BA Hons in Graphic Design and Illustration entirely online through the University of Hertfordshire and the Interactive Design Institute in Scotland. 

At the time, there wasn’t an option beyond Level 5 in Ireland for illustration, and I wasn’t ready to venture further afield just yet. Over the years, I’ve worked on diverse client projects and commissions across various design and illustration specialties. Alongside this, I lead guided art events and have recently begun teaching art classes in County Clare. 

After creating bestselling products for clients, I’m now preparing to launch my own range of illustrated goods under the name Kerry Eugenie. Watch this space!

After graduating, I moved to Edinburgh to work at Red Door Gallery on Victoria Street, a magical experience that gave me insight into the design and illustration industry from both stockist and customer perspectives. The gallery showcased work from over 150 makers, providing invaluable inspiration. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I returned home to County Clare. The slower pace gave me the time and space to dive back into creating. I began taking on commissions and client work, while also working part-time as a designer and content creator for an Irish company until earlier this year. Now, three years on, I’m focusing on launching my own range of illustrated products. The creative energy of the west of Ireland has been a constant source of inspiration. Clare is home to a vibrant community of talented makers and incredible events, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Over the past few years, my work has transitioned from being entirely client-driven to a more personal focus as I develop my own range of illustrated goods. The pandemic prompted many of us to reconnect with the natural world, which remains at the heart of my creative process. While technology like AI and platforms like Canva are increasingly accessible, I believe nothing can replicate the collaborative magic between a client and designer or the impact of intentional, professional design. 

Establishing myself in the west of Ireland has been an organic process so far. Word of mouth and community connections have been invaluable—I haven’t done much formal advertising, yet opportunities have naturally come my way. As I prepare to launch my own range and develop an e-commerce platform, I’ll need to navigate the business landscape more formally. Thankfully, the support and sense of community here make me optimistic about taking this next step. The west also offers a fantastic work-life balance and a creative community that energises me. The natural world provides endless inspiration, and the slower pace of life here allows space for ideas to flourish. 

Working in a rural area like Clare does have its challenges. Many job opportunities in the design industry are still Dublin-centric, with remote roles becoming less common post-pandemic. However, the lifestyle benefits and creative inspiration make up for these difficulties. Meeting clients face-to-face or collaborating over coffee always brings a new spark to my work, even if most of my time is spent in my home studio. 

What would make a difference here is the creation of dedicated co-working spaces for creatives. Having studied online and worked alone for most of my career, I’d love the opportunity to collaborate with others. Working alongside other designers and illustrators would bring fresh energy and help combat the isolation that can come with freelance work. 

The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Clare has been a valuable resource. I completed courses in 2023 and 2024 and successfully applied for a Priming Grant to help launch my illustrated product range. The process was detailed and time-consuming, but the LEO team and my appointed mentor guided me through it. The grant covers 50% of approved costs (excluding VAT) in three drawdowns and can contribute to expenses like equipment, salaries, and advertising. As part of the grant, I’ll also receive mentorship from a marketing specialist, which I’m excited to take advantage of. 

The design industry in rural Ireland has so much potential. I’d love to see more support for creatives in the form of funding, festivals, and dedicated workspaces. A shared creative hub in County Clare would be a dream—a place where designers and illustrators can collaborate, share ideas, and inspire each other. The west is brimming with talent and creativity, and with the right support, I believe it can continue to grow as a thriving hub for design. For me, there’s no better place to live and create than here in County Clare.

 

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Conor Buckley, Creative Director & Founder
Piquant, Limerick City

Hello, my name is Conor Buckley, and I’m the creative director and founder of Piquant, a full-service creative agency based in Limerick City. At Piquant, we collaborate with ambitious brands and organisations to align their identity, technology, and strategy, bringing cohesion and purpose to their work.

I’m a “jack-of-all-trades” creative, I have worked in print, motion design, web development, film, photography, and sound. These days, my focus has shifted towards strategic Brand and UX digital projects. While I admire designers who specialise deeply in one or two disciplines I enjoy moving from space to space. I’m fortunate to work with a talented team at Piquant, where diverse perspectives allow us to develop and test ideas across disciplines quickly.

Our approach evolves as the industry changes. For example, five years ago, motion design often followed brand identity work. Now, we frequently conceptualise ideas in motion from the outset. Similarly, accessibility considerations, once an afterthought, have become a guiding principle in everything we do.
 
I moved to Limerick to study design at the Limerick School of Art and Design as a mature student. After a few years of travelling and working abroad, I purposefully picked Limerick; it didn't have the distractions of my life in Dublin.

Those college years were transformative. I relished the luxury of immersing myself in full-time creative study. After graduating, I worked as a contract designer while lecturing in multimedia design and communications. Though I loved teaching, I eventually stepped away to focus on Piquant as the agency grew and my family life expanded. It was a tough decision, but it allowed me to devote myself fully to building Piquant, which has grown over the past 11 years into a 21-person team.

As a full-service agency, depth and expertise across disciplines are crucial. Personally, I’m passionate about design systems and how considered design can enhance efficiency and cohesion within organisations. A well-executed design process not only brings rationality to decision-making—especially when multiple stakeholders are involved—but also creates space for purposeful creativity. I’m enjoying the growing interest in Co-Design as a practice to include divergent voices in the design process. Other interests that inform my work are sustainability, urban design and music.
 
Originally from Dublin, I have a deep affection for the city, but Limerick’s quality of life is hard to match. My daily commute by bike takes less than 10 minutes and includes crossing Ireland’s largest river, the Shannon. The river’s tidal nature makes it dynamic and wild. —it’s never the same twice.

Limerick offers a rich cultural life and an abundance of family-friendly opportunities. It’s also conveniently connected to Dublin, Galway, and Cork, with quick access to the Atlantic coast.

While Dublin may be the epicentre of design in Ireland, I’m more interested in defining our identity as a creative studio rooted in Limerick. It’s not about “us versus them”; instead, it’s about exploring the unique opportunities that come from working outside the capital. Geography is increasingly irrelevant in a post-pandemic world. Our team members work from diverse locations, including London, Lisbon, Krakow, Valencia, and Tipperary, but our Limerick studio remains a central hub for collaboration and inspiration. The studio is well attended and is always a good learning and creative environment.
 
The design industry faces a transformative future, with AI poised to change everything. While this presents challenges, it also offers exciting opportunities. As the world becomes more connected and data-driven, the impact of design can be validated more effectively. This shift promises more focused, challenging, and meaningful work.

The merging of disciplines is another trend I see accelerating. Brand building, UX, marketing, and web presence have always been interconnected, but advancements in technology are enabling more holistic approaches. If harnessed correctly, these changes can elevate the role of design as a strategic driver for businesses.

At Piquant, we embrace these shifts with optimism and curiosity. Our mission remains the same: to help ambitious brands and organisations achieve their goals through creativity, strategy, and innovation.