1. 2010- 2014 Product Design: First Class Hons BDes.
National College of Art and Design, Dublin.
2009 - 2010 Art Portfolio preparation: 912/1000
Bray Institute of Further Education.
2003 - 2009 Leaving Cert
East Glendalough Secondary School.
TARA O’REILLY
31 La Touche Park,
Greystones,
Co Wicklow.
086 050 1077
taraoreilly91@gmail.com
www.behance.net/Tara_O_Reilly
instagram.com/taraoreilly91/
Jan 2015 Portfolio Preparation & Lecturing at BAEC.
Hosted a presentation for prospective students,
advising on career paths.
Sep - Dec 2014 Freelance Fine Art Work.
- Managed social media presence daily across multiple platforms.
- Successful sales during Christmas (17 paintings & prints) through competitive pricing & negotiating with suppliers.
Voluntary WorkEducation
Mar 21st 2015 Design Consultation for the Solas Project.
- Provided design perspective for outreach programmes targeted at disadvantaged youths in the Liberties.
- Suggested implementation of co-creation techniques in the development of branding.
- Recommended cost saving strategies such as skill-sharing and the use of local assets.
Freelance Work
2014 ‘Connecty’ (Self Directed).
A speculative project emphasising the importance of immersive conversations in an age of digital separation.
- Designed and crafted a non-traditional tea set from wood, using a lathe and CNC machine.
- Researched, developed and implemented an original brief to be executed over a short amount of time.
2014 ‘Patchwork’ (Group project).
A product designed to improve mental health by encouraging face to face communication amongst friends.
- Designed and led co-creation workshop activities.
- Maintained a research blog, documenting idea development and unique design process.
2013 ‘Slainte’ in partnership with St. James’ Hospital (Group project).
A micro-brewery service, for an ageing, working class population - “like men sheds, but with booze!”
- Actively worked with the local community to ensure the service met user needs.
- Project was runner up in Active Age Week 2012 service design competition.
2012 ‘Packaging’ in partnership with My Volts (Group projects).
Sustainable coconut packaging for an online power supply company, suitable for posting.
- Collaborated regularly with client to discuss cost strategies, concepts and materials.
- Commended for innovative, environmentally friendly and quirky design.
Tutoured a student on preparing her portfolio for
Fine Art Education at NCAD.
College Design Experience

2. REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Skills
Jul 2011 - Sep 2013 Michael Doherty’s School Supplies.
Implemented various floor layouts between seasons,
arranged window displays and designed shop signs.
Maximised the sales of the store to achieve growth by
arranging promotional materials accordingly.
Trained in new staff during busy periods whilst
simultaneously dealing with customers.
Regularly worked six day weeks to relieve pressure
during busy periods.
June 2011 The Beach House Pub, Greystones.
Provided a visible presence to ensure that all customer
requests and queries are responded to promptly and in
a friendly manner.
Worked efficiently managing several tables at once,
delivering customer and business satisfaction.
Effectively collaborated with other staff members,
sharing various duties and roles equally.
- First class honours degree in Product Design.
- Helped design & curate final year graduate exhibition.
- Commended in Thesis: “Please Keep off the Class,
The Gentrification of Public Parks in Ireland.”
- Came first place in a live project for ‘Trulife’, a leading
medical company.
- Awarded one of the highest marks in Ireland in NCAD
application process (2010).
- Successful end of year exhibitions in BIFE and NCAD.
- Took part in GRAPE - Greystones Art and Photography
Exhibition 2013.
- Set up ‘Tara O’Reilly Paintings and Crafts’ on Facebook.
Culture, Art, Service & Speculative Design,
Visual Culture, Education, Research, Film & Music.
Employment History
InterestsAchieviements
Technical
Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, Microsoft Word,
Powerpoint, Graphic Design, Wood preparation
and Turning, Model making, Fine Art Painting,
Drawing and basic Photography and Video skills.
Abstract reasoning and problem-solving
Ability to analyze information, detect relationships,
and solve problems on a complex, intangible level
and apply this to Products developed in college.
Multitasking and Project-management
Researching & writing a 12,000 word thesis while
simultaneously working on final year projects in
fourth year.
Organisation, Management and Leadership skills
Group projects in college necessitated active
engagement in group discussions, democratic
decision-making, and efficient teamwork in the
construction and achievement of specific goals.
Effective project-management as evidenced in final
year projects, the purpose of which was to develop
self-direction, discipline and effective
time-management.