Visual Communication

April Reilly

I’m April Reilly, a final-year Visual Communications student with a strong interest in how design can inform, engage, and connect. My work often explores the balance between clarity and creativity, finding ways to make complex or serious subjects accessible through thoughtful, well-crafted visuals. 

I enjoy working across print and film, creating pieces that are not only visually engaging but also meaningful and useful. I’m particularly drawn to projects that educate or tell untold stories, using design as a tool for insight and impact. I believe visual communication plays a vital role in how we understand the world around us, and that good design doesn’t just look good, it helps people think, feel, and connect more deeply. 

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From Trash to Trend

From Trash to Trend is a how-to publication designed to raise awareness about the harmful impact of fast fashion and inspire more sustainable shopping habits. Aimed at young Irish consumers, the book combines informative content with an approachable tone, offering practical steps and alternatives for reducing reliance on fast fashion. The design balances visual appeal with clarity, using bold colour choices, green for sustainability and orange for urgency, to emphasise key messages. Thoughtfully chosen typography, impactful imagery, and clean layouts enhance readability and emotional engagement. A standout feature is the use of sewn thread throughout, reinforcing themes of repair, craftsmanship, and reconnection. The book also includes strong visual statements, such as the logos of brands linked to the Rana Plaza disaster, to provoke reflection and accountability. From cover to content, the design challenges consumer habits and encourages readers to value quality, slow fashion, and more ethical choices. 

The Teardrop of Ireland

The Teardrop of Ireland is a short film that explores the emotional and historical significance of Fastnet Rock Lighthouse, often referred to as the 'Teardrop of Ireland.' This project delves into themes of departure, memory, and maritime legacy, highlighting the lighthouse’s role as a symbolic landmark for Irish emigrants. Through a combination of archival footage, contemporary visuals, and voiceover narration, the film aims to evoke reflection on the stories of survival, loss, and resilience tied to the lighthouse. The project’s objective is to deepen viewers’ understanding of the cultural importance of this landmark and its emotional connection to Irish emigration. The primary deliverable is the film, accompanied by supplementary materials such as storyboards, concept sketches, and a project write-up. The Teardrop of Ireland is intended for those interested in Irish history, emigration, and the power of visual storytelling to preserve cultural heritage.