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Michael O’ Riordan


Design, Brand Strategy, and Innovation

      Hi, I’m Mikey. With extensive experience in Brand Strategy and Design, I bring a versatile skillset that allows me to excel in dynamic, interdisciplinary environments. I’m passionate about collaborating with forward-thinking individuals and organizations—innovators and thought leaders who embrace disruption and challenge conventional boundaries.

    Whether it’s creating a brand identity, developing scalable global products, or designing impactful experiences that foster meaningful connections, my mission is always the same: to create work that not only inspires but also educates and empowers. My ultimate aspiration is to contribute at the intersection of design, education, and innovation, where creativity and learning converge to shape the future.

Get in touch with me here:
hello@michaeloriordan.net

Minerva University
  1. Ascent
  2. Civitas
  3. Elevation
  4. Foundation Week
  5. Sapientia Critica
  6. Graduation
  7. Meridians
  8. Quinquatria
  9. Website

Minerva Project
  1. Consequent
  2. Advertising

Entrepreneur First
  1. Brand Consultation
  2. How To Be a Founder
  3. The Polaris Fellowship

Minerva Baccalaureate
  1. Various Works
  2. Website

Various Projects
  1. Arborfeld
  2. Anam Ceol Music Therapy
  3. Paul Quinn College
  4. Kayla
  5. BSKC
  6. MINT
  7. REC’D
  8. Miscellaneous

Experience

Minerva University - 2023 - Current
Interim Design Director,
Senior Brand Designer,
Strategy & Planning Manager

Entrepreneur First - 2022/2023
Brand Strategy Consultant

Minerva Project - 2019/2022
Designer

Freelance - Current

Studio93 - 2017
Junior Designer

Education

Moate Business College 2013 - 2014
Art & Design Portfolio

Technological University of the Shannon:
Midlands 2014 - 2017
BA Graphic Design
First Class Honours

Technological University of the Shannon:
Midlands 2017 - 2018
BA Honours Graphic & Digital Design
First Class Honours

MSc. Design Innovation
2023 - 2025
In Progress and on track for First Class Honours

Accolades

TUS BA Graphic Design - Student of the Year 2017

Featured in Design Research Society 2018 Exhibiton ‘Best of Emerging Irish Design’ for the self-directed project ‘Recd’ and also for work produced in Ryan Hoey’s project ‘ZINEGIRLZ’

Featured in the 100 Archive’s “In with the new” article series.

Part of the team that helped Minerva University get listed as WURI’s “Most Innovative University in the World” in 2022.
Mark
Civitas

2024
Brand Direction: Michael O’ Riordan
Product Designer: Michael O’ Riordan
Developer: Joel Dickinson
Junior UX Researcher: Naseem Sayed-Talebi
            I played a pivotal role in rebranding a small hedge care company into Arborfeld.co.uk, transforming its identity into a modern, customer-focused brand. Leading all aspects of brand strategy, market strategy, and design, I ensured the new identity aligned with the company’s vision while appealing to a broader audience. From logo creation to color palettes and typography, I crafted a cohesive branding system that reinforced trust and professionalism. I also developed a market strategy to position Arborfeld as a down to earth, community focused, hedge care provider, emphasizing quality service and sustainability.

            Beyond branding, I managed the UX design process, ensuring an intuitive and engaging user experience. I delivered high-fidelity Figma prototypes, mapping out user journeys and refining interfaces to optimize usability. Overseeing a UX research intern, I provided guidance and feedback to enhance their contributions while maintaining design consistency. Finally, I worked closely with a developer, delivering well-structured prototypes and assets, ensuring a seamless transition from design to implementation, and a hugely successful launch.

Find the website here: arborfeld.co.uk

Brand Strategy
Market Strategy
Product Design
UX Design
IxD Design
Mark

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