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Post-Grad Portraits: Joey McAleese

Written byPost-Grad Community
Published date 30 January 2024

A series of interviews with alumni from across UAL, Post-Grad Portraits is a chance to highlight the achievements of postgrads from the last decade. Post-Grad Portraits is part of our celebration of Post-Grad Community's 10 year anniversary.

Joey McAleese

MA Design for Social Innovation and Sustainable Futures, London College of Communication 2020

Hello Joey! Could you introduce yourself?

Hi, I'm Joey McAleese and I graduated in 202o from the MA Design for Social Innovation and Sustainable Futures at London College of Communication and I am orginally from Shrewsbury in Shropshire.

Tell us about what you do now.

I am a Product Innovation Officer at Business in the Community - the UK’s largest and most influential responsible business network dedicated to building a fairer and greener world together, supported by His Majesty The King for over 40 years.

In my role with Business in the Community, I focus on designing and implementing business strategies, plans, and procedures to enhance overall performance. I play a crucial role in evaluating and streamlining processes to ensure the business operates at its optimal level of profitability.

A significant aspect of my responsibilities is the development of long-term relationships with creative clients and customers. I achieve this through strategic engagement in events and leveraging social media platforms. This approach not only strengthens our current partnerships but also expands our network, fostering sustainable connections within the creative sector.

Furthermore, I am deeply committed to instilling a culture of accessibility within our training programs and ensuring that accessibility considerations are integral to the design process from the very beginning. This commitment extends to all aspects of our products and services, creating an inclusive environment that aligns with Business in the Community's values.

On a more personal note, outside of my professional endeavors, I am also one of the minds behind setting up Shrewsbury's first open-access screen print studio. This initiative reflects my passion for blending creativity with community-focused initiatives, bridging the gap between design expertise and accessibility considerations. In this realm, I've found that dungarees and squeegees go hand in hand, showcasing the perfect blend of professional prowess and creative flair.What's your proudest moment?

two people screen printing a tshirt — **Joey McAleese,** **Photo credit: Joey McAleese**

What’s your biggest strength?

My greatest strength lies in my ability to transform intricate systemic problems and their corresponding solutions into visually comprehensible representations. I excel in distilling complex concepts into clear and engaging visuals, making information more accessible and digestible. This skill not only enhances communication but also facilitates a deeper understanding of intricate issues, enabling more effective problem-solving and decision-making processes.

What's your biggest weakness?

One aspect I recognize as an area for growth is that I am not inherently a perfectionist. Rather than aiming for perfection, I lean towards adopting a mindset of building a minimum viable product, allowing room for continuous testing and learning. While this approach fosters agility and innovation, I acknowledge the importance of balancing it with the need for more polished outcomes.

Over time, I have learned to rely on the strengths of others who excel in attention to detail and precision when a polished result is essential. Collaborating with individuals who prioritize perfection complements my preference for agility, resulting in a more balanced and refined end product.

What's the most significant learning experience you've had?

Embarking on the journey of starting our business, Dungarees + Squeegees, has been an ongoing and invaluable learning experience for me. Running a business is a dynamic playground without a one-size-fits-all handbook, and success often feels elusive, defined more by trial and error than by fixed rules. Learning to navigate the unpredictable terrain and accepting that milestones aren't always measured in Instagram followers has been a crucial lesson.

The resilience and adaptability I've developed throughout this entrepreneurial venture are deeply rooted in the mindset cultivated during my master's program. The program not only equipped me with essential skills but also instilled in me the perspective that learning from failures is an integral part of success, fostering a sense of contentment and fulfillment even amid the uncertainties of entrepreneurship.

two people working on a table — **Joey McAleese,** **Photo credit: Joey McAleese**

What's your favourite artwork?

My favorite artworks often come from small, independent creatives who are passionately crafting pieces that resonate with a broad audience. Ellastrated's "Seasonal Depression Bingo Card" stands out to me for its unique and relatable approach, shedding light on a topic that is often stigmatized. The creativity in capturing the complexity of emotions through a bingo card format is both clever and impactful. Additionally, I'm drawn to Ellie Cliffland's detailed linocuts, appreciating the dedication and skill that goes into each piece.

The intricate nature of linocut printing and Cliffland's ability to convey depth and emotion through this medium is truly remarkable. These artworks not only inspire me but also showcase the power of independent creators in making art that is both meaningful and accessible to diverse audiences.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In the next 10 years, envisioning my path is both exciting and unpredictable, given that the past five years have defied my initial expectations. On a personal note, I aspire to build a family, fostering a fulfilling and supportive environment. In the professional realm, my enthusiasm lies in witnessing the growth of our print business, Dungarees + Squeegees, into a thriving hub for the community. The vision is to create a space that not only produces art but also serves as a creative focal point, engaging and uplifting the local community.

Additionally, I am eager to further develop my skills in design strategy and service design. The goal is to immerse myself in these disciplines and eventually embark on a consultancy journey. I envision establishing a consultancy focused on helping businesses design programs that contribute to building a better society. This venture would enable me to leverage my expertise to guide businesses in creating meaningful and impactful initiatives, aligning with my passion for societal betterment.

While the specifics remain uncertain, this vision reflects my commitment to personal growth, community engagement, and making a positive impact through creative and strategic endeavors.

screen printing syudio with sign dungarees and squeeges sign on wall — **Joey McAleese,** **Photo credit: Joey McAleese**

Where can people find out more about your work?

Follow me on Linkedin Joey McAleese or check our my screenprint studio on Instagram @dandsstudio or www.dandsstudio.com