David O’Keefe
Visual Communication Design, 2021
I have always thought of myself as a creative, not simply just a graphic designer. My passion for design led me to studying at UC, but since then my passion has evolved into all things creative, whether it’s vibrant street art that stops you in your tracks, or a beautifully scripted TVC that pulls at your heartstrings.
From these examples I’m sure you can gather that I naturally love to work in the visual space, but I think it’s really important to understand creative strategy and know how to apply this in visual communication. Great design comes from the combination of problem solving skills and genuine creativity.
As a designer I enjoy working with motion graphics, typography and illustration on brand identity projects. But I also love conceptual projects and art direction, something I regularly explore with designing personal album covers. I relish both the opportunity to design with freedom and create meaningful communication.
I look forward to working with exciting people and brands to develop communication that breaks boundaries.
Selected Portfolio
Aviate Branding
This activewear client was seeking a unique and bold brand identity that would stand out in an over saturated market. The product's major point of difference is its lightweight and flexible design, which attracts young, hyper active and sporty consumers. The final logo concept depicts two triangular forms reflected against each other that encompass the themes of flight and motion, whilst mimicking the form of the first two letters of the brand name. The triangular shapes represent flight and aviation and are positioned as if they are sliding across each other, which is reinforced by their skewed forms.
Truth & Lies Zine
In August 2021, Curieux Magazine sought submissions fitting for their third print edition of the year titled ‘Truth & Lies’. I partnered with a local writer for this project to bring to life her short collection of romantic poems. Our submission was a cherry-picked collection spread over years of heartache, reincarnation and the reintroduction to breaking down walls. A whirlwind of truths and lies between warranted red flag realisations and subjective trauma response from a crushed heart. Our submission was successful and the collection can be found in Curieux Magazine third edition 2021.
FADx Branding
A distinctive trait of the FADx brand is the combination of creativity and sophistication. Students are encouraged to have fun and experiment with their work, but show professionalism in their presentation and quality of work. The challenge then for this brand was to represent these contrasting themes throughout a single identity system. The minimalist typography in the logo marks, vibrant colour scheme, and fluid forms create a visually striking combination that breathes life into this brand.
Conceptual Album Covers
During recent lockdowns I decided to explore art direction through my love of music. I have always loved all types of music and dreamed of designing album covers, so I thought why not? These pieces are a great way for me to explore designing with freedom and expand my creative thinking. Throughout the ongoing collection I challenge myself to visually represent the way a song makes me feel, what it reminds me of, or if an individual idea from one song could be developed into its own.