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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
  3. Website

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

Experience

Minerva Project - 2019/2022
Designer

Entrepreneur First - 2022/2023
Brand Strategy Consultant

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

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)

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
The Polaris Fellowship

2022 / 2023
Design & Direction: Michael O’ Riordan
Design Support: Nick Williams
 
            When two folks at Entrepreneur First reached out one Wednesday and told me that they were launching an entirely new Product named ‘The Polaris Fellowship’ the following week and needed help with branding, I nearly handed in my notice.

          Arnaud wanted to start a fellowship for exceptionally gifted people, to support the next generation of world changers. The idea would be to support a peer group forming, people that would encourage and challenge others to do better. The program started in University of Cambridge and Imperial College London, and if successful, would start in other colleges all around the world. The co-ordinators would curate reading lists, invite guest speakers, and give access to EF’s vast network to help nuture a participant and their future. The biggest difference between EF and Polaris was defined as: “Polaris is not an entrepreneurship programme. We are here to help you find your life's work, whatever it turns out to look like.”

            Arnaud wanted Polaris to be a north star for people trying to find their purpose in life. Therein lay the key to the brand, which I based on an astrolabe. Arnaud took the idea and ran with it, making a landing page and some merch. I created some Chapter Monograms and a bit of world building to add mystique, intrigue, and exclusivity to the brand.

Branding
Design Direction
World Building
Mark

Next Project ︎