GASP!
Studio Notes | What We’ve Been Up To
We’re just back from Limerick after a delightful day spent at GASP! Ireland, a celebration of digital storytelling in Ireland’s creative industry. Hosted by Piquant and supported by the Institute of Designers Ireland and Design Skillnet, GASP! featured a bill of engaging panel discussions, keynote speakers and plenty of opportunities to connect and continue the discussion with designers from all across the country.
The day saw great diversity in topics covered. Beginning with a discussion around the future of working in design, as we face evolving work habits such as four-day weeks and hybrid working, and emerging tech like generative AI and mixed reality.
We heard from Nora Twomey of Cartoon Saloon, telling us the remarkable story of how her independent animation studio beat the odds – carving out their own authentic style of storytelling which eventually brought them to the international stage with Oscar nominated films such as The Secret of Kells and Wolfwalkers.
Another expert panel discussion saw conversation around growing your creative business, and our own John Lynch took to the stage as part of a rapid fire round of presentations – sharing the story of a peculiar live experience prototype he participated in during his time in London.
Our own John Lynch wraps up his presentation. Photo: Kevin Devine
The day also saw guests share stories about the importance of typography in design, the rise of TikTok as the world’s fastest growing entertainment platform, and the impact influencer marketing can have on a niche business trying to reach its customers.
Despite the diversity of speakers and topics, one topic dominated the day’s discourse – the recent emergence of generative AI and its potential to completely change the game for many in the design industry. Conversations were both ominous and optimistic, with some fearing for their jobs while others were excited for the new creative possibilities these tools can offer designers.
We’ll just have to wait and see!
All in all it was a fantastic day out and a really enjoyable trip for the studio. A big congratulations to the Piquant team for doing an incredible job in hosting such an event – we can’t wait for the next one!