Institute of Art Design + Technology
Dún Laoghaire

Lauren Mc Govern 

BA [Hons] Visual Communication Design

Hello there! I'm Lauren Mc Govern, a passionate and dedicated graphic designer currently based in Dublin. I love working with storytelling for big concepts through image-making, copywriting and typography. I have collaborated with up and coming musical artists such as the Fae and Anie Valentine. I'm constantly seeking to push boundaries in my work, striving for innovative and unexpected outcomes that not only surprise me but also captivate my audience. By blending various design techniques and principles, I aim to create memorable and impactful visual experiences that resonate on a deeper level.

Project Description

Now more than ever our every minute is commodified. From the moment we wake up to when we go to bed the pressure to optimise our time has never been higher.

24Ours is a general union fighting for the right to rest. They have been using an extensive print and screen campaign commenting on toxic productivity to draw crowds at rallies and protests across Ireland and to recruit new members. The union is funded by members dues with members receiving the Idle Bible - a guide to resting without guilt - after registering.


"My Lockdown Summer of Rest and Relaxation": The Rise of Cottagecore during the Covid-19 Lockdowns

This thesis explores the emergence of cottagecore as a popular trend in the wake of the Covid-19 lockdowns, with particular attention to the regions of the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland.
Cottagecore and crafting emerged as a coping mechanism and hobby for some stuck at home during lockdown. This thesis will examine the appropriation of rural living and the dynamics of inequality within crafts during the Covid-19 lockdown. This thesis will then assess the aesthetics of colonialism and geographic dynamics of cottagecore. These arguments will be supported by visual evidence from social media platforms popular with cottagecore enthusiasts - including TikTok and Twitter – and journalistic responses to the growing popularity of cottagecore.