Working independantly as a creative for the last ten years has encouraged him to broaden his skillsets and never stop learning, something he regards as a great privilege.

Having initially dropped out of art college, he found his way back to graphic design by way of a job at a printers. Learning desktop publishing programs as a pre-press operator helped him build a portfolio to gain entry to an undergraduate graphic design degree course in England.

After graduation he worked at a number of studios across Ireland (mainly Belfast and a short stint in Dublin), over the span of 5 years. 

While working in a design studio, the problem of finding a sign painter to reproduce identity work would be the start of the journey he now finds himself on. 

Having asked himself ‘could I do that?,’ has lead to countless projects large and small, for councils, museums, universities, charities and more. 

It’s introduced him to gold leaf work, a world within itself. Facilitative work has also been part of the journey, introducing him to many fantastic people.

His design education has always played a role in guiding him through a project, helping to make informed decisions about how words should live within any given environment. That education and knowledge would be the catalyst to pursuing further training and guidance within the area of hand lettering. 

Constructed letterforms, for Tony, are the perfect middle ground that enable him to draw from both graphic design and sign writing skillsets.

Where the journey with letters will take him next is uncertain, but that’s ok. 

Have fun
Be kind
Draw letters