Visual Arts Passage Alumnus, Shane Cluskey: A Show-stopping Career in Editorial & Publishing Illustration
Shane completed the Illustration program at Visual Arts Passage, studying under artists such as John English, Dale Stephanos, and more.
Shane Cluskey is an award-winning Irish illustrator and designer based in Galway. He completed studies at Visual Arts Passage in 2020 and has set off to build an impressive career as an editorial and publishing illustrator.
Shane’s clients include, but are not limited to:
The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Atheneum books / Simon & Schuster, Sony Music, O’Brien Press, Vinyl Moon Records, Rare Bird Lit, Totally Dublin, The Dublin Enquirer and Google.
“…edgy, stylish, black-and-white illustrations that have a retro feeling and enhance the drama.” – KIRKUS REVIEWS
Learn more about the artist
Shane took a moment to answer a few fun (and serious) questions about art, his career, inspirations, and more.
What song comes up first on your studio playlist?
At the moment, I’m listening to a lot of Peter Broderick – a great musician from Oregan, who lives in my hometown, Galway. ‘And It’s Alright’ is the first song to pop up.
What movies, TV, books, video games etc. are inspiring you to create art right now?
I’ve just finished watching Ripley on Netflix. I loved the cinematography. Every scene felt like a really well crafted composition.
If you could jump inside a piece of art and walk around, what style of art would you pick (rwd this a bit, but like what genre, art period etc. would you want to “walk around in” kind of thing)
I would walk around any of Mary Blair’s pieces. I love her whimsical style.
If you had a magic wand that would fully complete one step of the image-making process for you, which step would you pick?
I sometimes use tracing paper to transfer my final compositions, which can be quite time-consuming. If the magic wand could handle that task, it would be great.
What art supply would you pick to have an unlimited supply of?
FW ink please!
Are there artists who helped you figure out your path to a career? If so, who and what was that like?
Ed Kinsella, Sterling Hundley, and John English were great mentors for me. They could see aspects of my work that I couldn’t at the time and gently guided me in the direction that felt most authentic and right for me.
What is an achievement you are most proud of as an artist?
I’m really proud that I stuck with it. Figuring out a process that works best can often feel alienating, with no clear path in sight. Patience is key!
Where do you find community as an artist?
There are a few illustrators in Galway, where I live, and I do the odd trip up to Dublin.
What’s your go-to non-studio spot to get work done?
The Galway Distillery has a café that I work from. It’s currently closed for a few months so I’m on the lookout for something new..
What artist makes you the most excited about making art?
Can I name a few?? Ed Kinsella, Sterling Hundley, Gary Kelley, Jeffrey Alan Love, Ping Zoo, Jillian Tamaki, Taylor Dolan and Harry Conway.
What’s the most profound thing you’ve learned in the past few years?
The less attached I am to my work, the more enjoyable it becomes.
What’s the most excited, emotional, or inspired you’ve ever been about a piece of artwork? What was that like?
When I was in New York for the Society of Illustrators exhibition, I visited the Al Hirschfeld Museum in Manhattan. Even though it had recently closed down, the two curators allowed me in to see his original work. It’s hard to choose just one piece—they all had such personality and craftsmanship. I came very close to buying one but opted out. Biggest regret!
Visual Arts Passage: The Best Online Art School
Visual Arts Passage is renowned for fostering a supportive community of passionate artists and educators. Our online courses provide art students with invaluable guidance, constructive feedback, and a competitive edge in career development. We offer personalized mentorship and guidance typically found in traditional education, but at a fraction of the cost. Our mentorship tracks are designed to help students succeed in various corners of the visual arts with real opportunities.
Visual Arts Passage offers a broad range of hands-on resources for artists at all levels of experience around the world. From personalized mentorship services to interactive lectures and demonstrations delivered by industry professionals, we create opportunities for artists to further their understanding of illustration and design, build a career-ready portfolio, and network with passionate artists globally.
Our classes maintain a small teacher-to-student ratio, ensuring every student receives extensive hands-on guidance and personalized coaching. Each course provides access to seven guest speakers and immersive sessions focused on developing skills for the industry.
Why Take an Illustration or Fine Arts Class at Visual Arts Passage…
- Access to Expertise: Learn from Leslie Cober Gentry and other industry leaders.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Our courses cover essential skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in the visual arts.
- Supportive Community: Engage with passionate artists and educators dedicated to your success.
- Affordable Quality Education: Receive personalized mentorship and guidance at a fraction of the cost of traditional art schools.
- Exclusive Discounts: Save $200 with EarlyBird enrollment using code CHIRP.
Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to learn from one of the best in the industry. Mark your calendars for May 21 and secure your spot for an enriching summer at Visual Arts Passage.
