Cover image for Dublin Inquirer print edition #119

There have been some great additions to the city centre in regards to kids, including some lovely new playgrounds and more pedestrianised streets (unfortunately often focusing on people being served rather than just being).

However, it pales in comparison to desolate, and often even absent outdoor spaces within apartment blocks, communal amenities padlocked to keep some people out, threats to precious sporting facilities such as football pitches daring to stand in the way of housing or new laws (or lack there of) to encourage more shoebox apartments. Alas, Dublin’s key measure still remains profit per square metre.

Space for kids, just like affordable housing and culture, should be a fundamental part of Dublin’s planning. It should be on their doorsteps. It should be safe. It should encourage kids to play. It might even encourage us adults to follow suit. Looking at nostalgic pictures of Dublin in years gone by, you see that kids don’t need a huge amount to make their own fun. Such pictures (including those of Swede Jean Hermanson from Dublin in the 60s) are the inspiration behind this front cover.

Neil is my name and I am a freelance illustrator and graphic designer, originally from Dublin but now living in Malmö, Sweden for the last 13 years. Collective Productions started as something to do while at home with my second child during Covid. It was a chance to create stuff outside of football, where my artistic side found its first public expression at Bohs matches. It grew into a graphic design and illustration project, which has now turned into my job. My work is heavily based in “pride of place” (whether that be Dublin, Ireland, Malmö or Skåne), where solidarity, openness and colour stand in focus.

For commissions and collaborations, please reach out by email at contact@studiocollectiveproductions.com, or to see more of my work, check out my page on Instagram @collective_productions_.