Phelo is the design and research practice of Joe Phelan.

Phelo explores how design can distill concept into cultural encounters, purposeful dialogue, and speculative futures. Working across printed environments and digital spaces, he helps shape narratives that resonate, provoke, and imagine new possibilities.

Open to work, challenge and exchange.

Get in touch!

Experience

Freelance
Designer & Researcher

Freelance
Designer & Researcher

Freelance
Designer & Researcher
Collaborators include: Peroni Ireland, The Royal Irish Academy of Music, The Experience Agency, The Hive Agency, Started Marketing & PR, IADT, Aalto University

2023 -

2023

Institute of Art, Design and
Technology, Dún Laoghaire
UX/UI Designer & Researcher with the Digital Mythologies Project, led by Aalto University and funded by the EU

Institute of Art, Design and
Technology, Dún Laoghaire
UX/UI Designer & Researcher with the
Digital Mythologies Project, led by Aalto
University and funded by the EU

Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dún Laoghaire UX/UI Designer & Researcher with the Digital Mythologies Project, led by Aalto University and funded by the EU

2024 - 2025

Red&Grey, Dublin
Junior Designer

Red&Grey, Dublin
Junior Designer

Red&Grey, Dublin
Junior Designer

2023 - 2024

Bad Apple Creative
Design Intern (Part-Time)

Bad Apple Creative
Design Intern (Part-Time)

Bad Apple Creative
Design Intern (Part-Time)

2021 - 2022

Education

Education

Education

Institute of Art, Design and
Technology, Dún Laoghaire
Bachelor's Degree in Design
and Visual Communications
Grade: First Class Honours

Institute of Art, Design and
Technology, Dún Laoghaire
Bachelor's Degree in Design
and Visual Communications
Grade: First Class Honours

Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dún Laoghaire Bachelor's Degree in Design and Visual Communications Grade: First Class Honours

2019 - 2023

Bray Institute of Further Education
Level 6 Portfolio Course
Grade: Distinction

Bray Institute of Further Education
Level 6 Portfolio Course
Grade: Distinction

Bray Institute of Further Education
Level 6 Portfolio Course
Grade: Distinction

2018 - 2019

Workshops & Affiliations

Workshops & Affiliations

Workshops & Affiliations

Member of the International Society of Typographic Designers
Student Assessment Scheme

Member of the International Society of Typographic Designers
Student Assessment Scheme

Member of the International Society of Typographic Designers
Student Assessment Scheme

2023

Young AGRAFA Conference,
Katowice, Poland
Participant/Speaker

Young AGRAFA Conference,
Katowice, Poland
Participant/Speaker

Young AGRAFA Conference, Katowice, Poland Participant/Speaker

2022