Claire Dillon

What do you wish you’d known now when you started your design course?

Opportunities don’t always come knocking; sometimes you have to kick down the door.

What originally lead you in to design, and how has that changed - what do you want to do/are doing now?

Growing up, my dad was a huge marketing wiz and an art history guru. He definitely influenced me to have a strong work ethic and make opportunities for myself. Combining my love for fine art and marketing, graphic design seemed like the natural progression. Since then, I’ve had amazing tutors at LSAD that have pushed me to constantly challenge myself.

In my third year, I moved to Rome for 6 months as a design intern. My incredible mentor, Paola, gave me opportunities to grow as a designer, but also make mistakes and learn from them. There I learned that the best design isn’t necessarily aesthetically centered — how an audience interacts with your work plays a huge role in the success of a project. Good design is like a good relationship; communication is key, great things take time and you can’t be afraid to punch above your own weight. Right now, I’m getting ready to graduate and looking for a job that will challenge me.

Any hot tips for getting ahead at uni?

It’s easy to look around a room and have major design envy, but you can’t equate their finished project to your work in progress.

Don’t be afraid to step into the unknown, you can’t achieve anything in the comfort of certainty.


Be a design sponge. Taking pictures of swoon-worthy beer labels in the supermarket is worth looking like a weirdo for.

1 hard drive = 1 life saved.

Get a desk beside a power socket. Your archaic 2014 MacBook will thank you later.

What do you love about the design scene in your city and what companies are on your dream list to work or collaborate with?

Limerick is really thriving creatively, with LSAD at the heart of it. From tutors, students to buskers on the street, you get a sense that everyone is willing to collaborate, share ideas and push towards a greater goal.

After graduation, my plan is to move to London, Amsterdam, Dublin or anywhere with a thriving creative scene. The dream is to work in an agency that is friendly but really focused and passionate. Right now, I’m looking for opportunities in places that share the same values as me and where I feel I can contribute to the team. I’m a geeky fan of agencies like Here, Together, Mother, The Yard Creative and Ragged Edge to name but a few.