Issue 29
Sean Atmos
Sean Atmos is a multidisciplinary artist from Dublin, Ireland whose work has undoubtedly caught your gaze one time or another. Seans work is distinct and easily noticeable, using the base of typography as a form of communication. He creatively experiments with chiseled forms and shapes from lettering to build his unique and authentic style.
Sean has worked alongside some of the most prominent street artists and designers to come out of the country. Artists such as Maser and Aches, as well as collaborating with a plethora of brands such as H&M and Google.
Seans reputable voice gives his input on what dedication and the digital impact on his world has had on his work.
- Who are you?
My name is Sean, and I work under the name Sean Atmos. My practice spans original paintings, printmaking, clothing design, large-scale public and commercial murals, immersive art experiences, and curating exhibitions. While my work crosses many boundaries, I find that 'Artist/Designer' best captures the breadth of what I do.
- Where did your journey begin, where did your love for art come from?
I was encouraged from a young age by my nana and my mam, who were both artistic.
My love for art started a couple of years after, when I discovered graffiti in 2006, aged 8. I started reading books on Graffiti, and through them I discovered various artists and movements that had influenced their work.
Graffiti, in an abstract way, was a gateway drug to Art and design, and made the idea of taking art seriously feel exciting and cool, to an 8-year-old. After leaving Secondary school, I worked from a tiny studio, which I paid for by working in a bar. I then worked painting murals with a collective in Dublin and went on to set up my own business in 2021. I received great encouragement from people like Maser, Aches and James Earley, who saw my potential.
- What influence has social media had on your career so far, and what impact do you think it has had on the creative/ art industry as a whole?
Social media has enabled me to work more independently. I can market myself, sell my work, research, chat with people that are interested in my work and basically stream my entire creative practice online, more or less for free.
It's had a huge impact on my career so far, and it has revolutionized the wider industry. We are so fortunate to have such a valuable tool in our arsenal.
- What does “Dedication’ mean to you?
To me, Dedication means sacrificing the things that make you feel temporarily fulfilled, in order to really give yourself to the things that enrich your life for the long run.
Nowadays, Dedication online looks like 5am starts and nonstop working, but it doesn't always have to be that way. Dedication is just being honest with yourself and giving something your best shot and not taking any of it for granted.
- What motivates you to continue learning and creating, how do you stay creative?
I'm motivated by ideas and the potential for some ideas to become a reality. How do I stay creative? I sometimes struggle finding that creative mindset. When you run your own business, you spend 80% of your time doing a lot of less-creative stuff, and maybe 20% of your time working on the fun stuff.
Being ready for that 20% window is important though. I don't drink alcohol at all and I avoid things that drain my energy. Certain types of Music and people bring out my creativity too, but spending too much time in busy environments drains me.
- What advice would you have for anyone else looking to get into your space?
Ask questions! If you're lost and want to know about something, reach out to the people who are doing it. Worst case scenario they just don't have the time and they say no, but generally people will try their best to help you out if you're genuine.
- What is your biggest milestone to date?
I painted a 214ft mural for Google that I'm still really proud of. For me, large scale commercial projects are a good measure of what I'm capable of and how far I have come. You really get to flex your skillset, as there's often a lot of project management and pre/post production work involved, a real labor of love.
I was honored that a global giant like Google wanted my work on their building and there was a lot of work involved. I also painted a giant piece on a rooftop in Dublin for The Wu-Tang Clan. Seeing them share my piece online felt like such an achievement. Like many, I grew up listening to them, so to connect with them through painting was mad.
- Who inspires you the most in your industry?
The people that inspire me most are the people that are genuine. I always answer this question with Maser. I've seen first hand just how much work he takes on, and he somehow always finds the time and energy for people who need some sort of guidance and he's inclusive in who he supports.
He's a good role model for younger artists. I'm also inspired by people across the wider creative industry and particularly those who are marginalized. I love seeing people setting up their own club nights, clothing brands, design studios etc. It's a buzz seeing other people flourish. It's all connected and it feeds each other.