Colmcille 1500
A Multimedia Tribute to Saint Colmcille’s 1500th Anniversary
In 2021, I was proud to help mark the 1500th anniversary of Saint Colmcille, one of Ireland’s most significant historical figures. My role was to create a commemorative booklet and a short video that would both inform and engage audiences across Ireland, blending historical accuracy with modern, accessible design.
Process
Research and Concept Development
To ensure authenticity, I started by researching Saint Colmcille’s life, focusing on his most influential moments and his lasting cultural legacy. This groundwork shaped both the visual and narrative direction of the project, making sure every detail was rooted in real history and relevance.
Booklet Design and Layout
For the booklet, I prioritised clarity and visual appeal. I used clean typography and a balanced colour palette to evoke a sense of heritage while keeping the content easy to read. Strategic use of imagery and icons helped guide readers through Saint Colmcille’s story, making the booklet suitable for quick distribution at busy events and easy for all ages to understand.
Video Production and Storytelling
The video was designed to complement the booklet and reach a wider audience online and at live events. I sourced high-quality royalty-free footage and combined it with custom content to create a seamless visual narrative. To add a genuine local touch, I worked with a voice-over artist from County Donegal, Colmcille’s birthplace, whose narration brought warmth and authenticity to the story.
Collaboration and Community Focus
Throughout the project, I worked closely with content creators, designers, and local talent to ensure every element felt true to the community and the occasion. This collaborative approach helped maintain a consistent tone and message across both print and video.
Outcome
Results and Impact
The Booklet
Distributed at various commemorative events, it served as an accessible and informative guide to Saint Colmcille’s life, engaging audiences with its clear narrative and visually pleasing layout.
The Video
Broadcast across social media platforms and showcased at events nationwide, it captivated viewers by merging dynamic visuals with a narrative deeply rooted in Irish heritage.
The project received positive feedback from attendees and cultural organisations, demonstrating how thoughtful design and multimedia storytelling can make history accessible and engaging for everyone.