A Sligo illustrator is fulfilling a childhood dream by designing official artwork for one of his sporting idols.
Strandhill-based designer and artist Dan Leydon has been commissioned by US soccer team LA Galaxy to provide official social media artwork ahead of Steven Gerrard’s transfer from Liverpool to Galaxy and his highly-anticipated debut for the club later this month.
“I’ve worked with them [LA Galaxy] in the past, designing a match-day poster featuring Robbie Keane,” Dan told the Sligo Weekender this week.
“It’s a happy outcome for me as I’ve always been a Liverpool fan and to get the chance to provide official artwork in Stevie G’s only ever transfer is mental, to be frank.
“I still can’t believe I can make something in my office in Strandhill that will be consumed globally and have such a direct connection to a sporting hero. I love my job and am really lucky to be doing something I love.”
The 28-year-old studied Industrial Design at IT Sligo and developed a very recognisable style of illustration which has brought him to international attention.
“Over the last few years I’ve exhibited my work in New York and London whilst also attracting a diverse client list. Internationally the likes of Nike, ESPN, Bleacher Report and KICKTV have commissioned me on multiple occasions.
“Closer to home I’ve worked for Setanta Sports, Prozone and Aviva, as well as having my work featured by the Guardian and The Telegraph.”
Dan still has plenty of goals for his illustration business, but the sky’s not just the limit. “My over arching aim remains to have my artwork included on a NASA vessel to Mars (planet negotiable) as an example of what culture Sligo has to offer.”
You can see Dan’s illustrations on his official website (www.danleydon.com) or on his Instagram (danleydon). And you can also buy some of his canvases and prints at etsy.com/shop/footynews
