I live, luckily and happily, in Co. Clare in the west of Ireland, although originally I’m a Meath man (Hup the Royal).
I am an avid enthusiast of many things, but these are some: illustration (obv), the Atlantic coast, graphic design, art, story-telling, plays, strange stories from science, films, sport, friends, music, walking, taking pictures, writing, swimming in the sea, Irish myths, family and space. Not necessarily in that order.
In terms of technique, my work is a mixture of traditional and digital methods, but these days it’s mostly digital – I use pencil, ink and paper to start, and I do all my colouring and texturing in Photoshop with the odd dash of Illustrator.
In terms of subject matter, it can vary greatly, as can the types of client I produce work for. But generally, I would hope, a common sense of humour and aesthetic prevail throughout.
If you’d like to see a more detailed article on my process, you can see a step-by-step guide I made for the Punt magazine cover I created in October 2010. It’s over on the Illustrators Guild of Ireland blog: Scamp.
If you’d like to get in touch you can go to my contact page or just email me on matt@matthewjgriffin.com
Here’s what some clients were kind enough to say about me:
“Matt Griffin had the touch of a genius when it came to understanding what direction we wanted to go with in Pichet, with our vision of creating a funny cartoon story to fill our walls and make it personal – a very talented illustrator with a colourful mind.”
Nick Munier, Restauranteur and Masterchef Judge
“Matthew is highly adaptable as well as being very personable and easy to work with. He delivered ahead of schedule and is a really talented illustrator.”
Sarah Burke, Art Director, RMG Target/MacConnells
“Matthew has worked with Caboom on numerous occasions. He has a great eye for illustration & design, bringing new looks and fresh ideas to Caboom’s work. Great creative mind! Highly recommended.”
Damien Farrell, CEO & Creative Director, Caboom Dublin & LA
‘Matthew worked with us as the illustrator for five eBooks based on traditional Irish stories for the Ask about Ireland website. He was reliable and flexible to our needs, and was very easy to work with. Matthew’s work is innovative and creative and the illustrations he created for the eBooks were witty and contemporary-looking. He is clearly a talented illustrator.‘
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna
“Matt is an excellent illustrator and communicator, who can provide a variety of styles to fit any brief”
Jody Smith, E4
“Matthew has custom-designed our font, logos, letterheads and all of the illustrated elements on our website. He worked within tight deadlines, for picky clients, and has always surpassed expectations with his innovative and well-received work. Our Media Coop branding has gone down a storm in the media world and has helped to make Media Coop stand head and shoulders above the rest in a crowded marketplace. Media Coop will continue to work with, and recommend, Matthew J.Griffin.”
Stuart Teehan, Director, Media Coop
Member of the Illustrators Guild of Ireland (IGI)
