Young Creatives: Ruan Van Vliet (Illustrator)

Ruan Van Vliet is a Dublin based illustrator working with top brands with his bright, playful designs. Starting out designing newsletters and business cards, Ruan fused his passion for music with his art by working on gig posters and album artwork on the side. This allowed him the space to explore his craft and try out different ways of doing things, in addition to building up a solid portfolio.

He gained a FETAC Award in Media Studies from Dún Laoghaire College of Further Education Dublin and made the move from graphic designer to illustrator; he now works with well-known clients who are hungry for his whimsical and playful designs. These include shoe giants Vans and Dr. Martens, and Airbnb, along with some names a bit closer to home, including Totally Dublin and popular Dublin coffee spot Kaph. You can also see Ruan’s art across Dublin shop windows, printed on T-shirts, jumpers, pins, patches, album and book covers, as well as featuring in the National Print Museum.

Hugely passionate about music, when he’s not working on the art scene, Ruan is a drummer in Dublin-based bands Squarehead, Cryboys and Lie Ins. His studio is based on the banks of the river Liffey which he shares with a bunch of fellow creatives including fellow illustrator Fuchsia MacAree, costume designer Saileóg O’Halloran, photographer Cáit Fahey and designer Conor Lumsden.