Ian Holohan: BA Hons Graphic Design

Ian Holohan

BA Hons Graphic Design, 2003

"I am now a graphic designer."

Ian Holohan can boast of having HRH Prince Charles as one of his first customers – though he is unlikely to, as he’s quite modest.
He is now working from his Luton home as a ‘virtual tenant’ of the University of Luton’s Innovation Centre following a slight hiccup in his planned career.

Ian did a foundation course at Barnfield College, followed it up with an HND in graphic design and did his BA at the University of Luton.
But after seven years working full-time for an advertising agency, Ian was made redundant. “The company was sold and our part of the organisation was shut down,” explained Ian. Following a business planning course at Business Link, he decided going alone was the answer. “I think that following my own path is a good idea, if daunting. So I’m going for it now,” he said.

One of his former clients was delighted Ian was back in business and he is now working on literature for The Castle of Mey, the former holiday residence of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Prince Charles is the president of the Trust involved in opening it up to the public. Ian is also working on a website and brochures for another historic site, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe.

His other clients have included P&O, Champneys Health Resorts, the Yorkshire Tourist Board, The Environment Agency and London Luton Airport.

“People have said to me that I have had some great customers and I am trying to be less modest,” Ian joked.

Ian said he wanted get his degree while he was living and working in Luton. He said: “It was very handy and allowed me to study without incurring a lot of expense. Ed D’Souza, the BA Graphics program leader, helped me a great deal personally, and I think he has worked hard to put together a very respectable graphic design course at Luton."

“My degree has proved both relevant and useful, the Professional Practice element in particular. It showed that the University and course lecturers recognise the fact that more and more people are choosing to set up on their own, and that with new technologies it is become easier to do successfully.

“All the lecturers I had dealings with were great, and gave a lot of support and encouragement at a time when I really needed it. The facilities were good, but since I have left they have replaced everything. I have been down to have a look and I have to say, even compared to working in a fully equipped design studio, they are excellent! Also, the learning resources centre is fantastic - I really was amazed at the range and number of graphic design books they held. The University must now surely rival some of the top universities and colleges on the country. As graphic design is generally such a London-centric industry, Luton could perhaps make more of the facts that it is only 30 minutes away."

“If you are coming to study graphic design in Luton, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. The facilities are generally excellent and seem to be getting better all the time. With London on your doorstep, and some lovely people in Luton, you could have a really great time here.”

Interview took place in May 2005.