We are DesignOpp

A not-for-profit initiative championing diversity in Irish design so people of colour can fulfil their creative potential. Our goal is to provide more opportunities for designers of colour, diversify education and create a welcoming community for designers of colour. We are partnered with the IDI and together we are committed to changing the face of Irish design :)

Damn Fine Print x DesignOpp prints available now! Proceeds will be used to fund new projects in 2022.

Opport-unity

There is a lack of diversity in the design industry and studios and agencies do not reflect society. This is why we are here. To provide resources such as mentorships and internships to uplift designers of colour in the country.

Our first step is the DesignOpp Directory. We have connected with a diverse range of designers of colour in many disciplines to create a directory where studios and agencies can easily browse their portfolios and contact info.

View Directory

Comm-unity

We want to create a community to give designers of colour a safe space to talk about their problems and feel less alone in the industry. When the world is safe again we’ll hold offline events too. Talks, workshops and resources like portfolio reviews will provide tangible, real-life experiences where we can strengthen our community and make long-lasting change.

Until then, connect with us online! Our Instagram features other designers of colour both in Ireland and abroad and is our main community hub. We also use LinkedIn to create conversations on race and design.

Reach out and follow us!

Revenue’s best kept secret 👀 If you qualify for Artist exemption you don’t pay income tax on income from projects that have cultural or artistic merit. This is especially useful for children’s book illustrators and artists and phot

June may be over but pride is forever 🏳️&zwj;🌈 We want to highlight and thank some of the incredible organisations run by and for queer Black folks who provide support and resources for the Black LGBTQ+ community in Ireland all year round. Go check

Deidre Darby [@ddarby.studio] is a rising senior at the University of Montevallo in Alabama, USA. Her work reflects her experiences of female socialization and navigating the world being gender nonconforming. Her ultimate goals in the art community i

Education

Diversifying Irish design starts in the classroom so we are working with college lecturers to broaden the curriculum to include more designers of colour and connect with their students.

We want to reach kids in secondary school and show their parents that Design is a viable career choice. We do this not only for the Designers of today but for those that come after us.

Are you an educator in the design world or a secondary school teacher? If you’d like to work with us on achieving our goals or would love to have us in to speak, contact us :)

Email Us

Get in touch!

Are you interested in joining the DesignOpp team to help make these dreams a reality? Maybe you’re a studio or agency looking to provide opportunities to POC, or a business looking for a CSR partnership? Or maybe you’d just like to have a chat about a big idea. If so, we’re always happy to talk, so pop us a mail.

Email Us