Kevin is a freelance graphic & website designer, mural artist, and illustrator. From his studio in Dungloe, he has been painting, drawing, and creating since he could hold a pencil!
He uses many different mediums, with airbrush being his main tool for creating murals. He adds; “I have to confess to being a total technology and design nerd too!”
Not one to be shy, Kevin has a great affection for the stage and has performed over the years in many productions with the Balor Theatre’s Balor DCA and Butt Drama Circle. Although he doesn’t get to act as much as he would like to these days, when he does, he is in his element as he revels in the process of bringing thoughts and ideas to life.
Kevin’s motto is “do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life”.
This is Kevin’s Donegal…
(1) What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
It has to be Maghery beach, about 5 miles outside Dungloe. Beautiful for a walk, it can be wild in the winter, but great for blowing of the cobwebs. There’s a nice wee pub called The Strand Bar too, good for a hot whiskey.
(2) If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
Perhaps the temperature could be a little higher at times, but the unpredictable weather is part of it’s charm.
(3) Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
Don’t want to name any one person, but I admire anyone who has ventured into business large or small, they should be encouraged and applauded.
(4) Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?
I don’t follow football, and despise country music so neither really mean much to me. They are both talented in their chosen profession.
(5) What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
I guess the football thing.
(6) What was Donegal’s saddest moment?
The needless tragic road deaths that have such devastating effects on communities all over Donegal.
(7) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Irish Fish Canners from Dungloe, and Donegal rapeseed oil, although any local food producer deserves recognition!
(8) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
I don’t think I can name one single person, I think that many different people in many different ways influence the world some; in small ways, some big.
Musician Rory Gallagher had a big influence in music the world over, and of course Clannad.
(9) Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?
Moya Doherty.
(10) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Dave Gallaher was a New Zealand rugby union footballer best remembered as the captain of the “Original All Blacks”
(11) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
I would have to say Castle Murray. They have this wonderful starter with Langoustine Prawn & Killybegs Monkfish, best dish I have ever tasted, and stunning views, a real nice place.
(12) Donegal’s golden eagles or basking sharks?
Basking Sharks, noble gentle creatures.
(13) What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
“It will be grand”.
(14) What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
I guess we all have our own challenges, feeling good about yourself should be the goal I guess.
(15) What is your favourite Donegal food?
Steak, crab claws.
(16) Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
I have a strong dislike of country music, it scrapes on the brain, there is too much of it.
(17) Do you have a favourite local band?
Can’t say I do, I don’t get out enough! I don’t think I know of any to be honest.
(18) What inspired you to pursue a career in graphic design?
I have alway be in the creative arts in some way or another, be it painting, acting or designing. I enjoy the process of creating something original that has a meaning and purpose. I am passionate about design and art in all its forms.
(19) If you had a million euro to spend improving something in Donegal what would it be?
Maybe spread it among community groups and commissioning a piece of art that tells a positive story about that area.
(20) Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
Donegal has produced some very impressive people who have influenced the art word, it has also inspired song, written word and painting. It has touched people in many ways. I’m proud of that influence and I am lucky to have it on my doorstep.
If you’d like to check out more of Kevin’s work you can check out his website, Facebook page, or Twitter.
