Meet the Creative Force Behind Pixel Canvas – Shayne Mangan

If you’ve wandered into St. John’s Theatre & Arts Centre lately, chances are you’ve been greeted by the warm smile and creative spark of Shayne Mangan.

What you might not realise is that behind that welcoming face is a design powerhouse with a remarkable career that spans decades, continents, and some of the biggest names in the industry.

PHOTO: Shayne Mangan showcasing a selection of his Listowel inspired canvas, prints and cards. Photo Credit: Louise Lynch. 

Introducing Shayne Mangan of Pixel Canvas

My journey into the world of art and design began like many others — sketching in the margins of school books, dreaming up imaginary posters, and finding pure joy in making things by hand. After finishing school, I landed my first job in a print and commercial art studio, which laid the foundation for a career that’s been full of unexpected and rewarding turns.

I went on to work in some of Dublin’s busiest advertising agencies and top-tier graphic design studios, gaining invaluable experience along the way. Eventually, I became art director for one of Ireland’s largest textile companies — a role that brought exciting challenges, from managing licensing contracts with global brands like Walt Disney, D.C. Thompson, and Saban Power Rangers, to collaborating on international projects that stretched both creativity and deadlines.

Over the years, I also designed collections for major retailers including Primark, Dunnes Stores, and C&A Europe. 

In August 2023, everything shifted again. I attended the very first meeting of the Listowel Visual Artists’ Collective with my colleague and co-founder, Louise Lynch. That moment was a catalyst. The energy and encouragement I found in the group gave me the push I needed to bring Pixel Canvas to life — a project rooted in creativity and inspired by my new home.

Since then, I’ve had the chance to showcase my work in new and exciting ways. My Listowel-themed artwork featured on the poster and programme for the Collective’s June 2024 exhibition and Art Trail, and I also designed the window graphics for the LVAC pop-up shop on Church Street — a brilliant opportunity to connect design with place in a very visible way.

PHOTO: Shayne Mangan with his Listowel-inspired artwork, featured in LVAC promotional materials in June 2024. Photo Credit: Louise Lynch. 

Pixel Canvas is now my main creative focus. It’s a vibrant venture that blends photography, illustration, and digital art to celebrate Listowel’s charm in bold, graphic form. The aim? To create artwork that feels familiar yet fresh — where retro aesthetics meet modern expression, and where every piece sparks a bit of nostalgia and joy.

When I’m not creating prints, I’m often at St. John’s Theatre, supporting exhibitions and helping bring other artists’ work to life. It’s a privilege to be part of a space that champions creativity so passionately.

Most recently, I had the honour of designing the artwork for this year’s Listowel Literary Festival programme — a collaboration between Kerry Writers’ Museum, Listowel Writers’ Week, and St. John’s Theatre. Projects like this remind me why I love what I do: creative storytelling, rooted in community.

I’m proud to share that a selection of my work will be on display at Kerry Writers’ Museum during the Listowel Literary Festival and will remain available to view and purchase until the end of June.

It’s been a colourful and fulfilling journey — and I’m just getting started. I’m incredibly proud to be part of the creative rhythm of Listowel, and I look forward to what’s still to come.

PHOTO: Shayne Mangan at the Listowel Visual Artists’ Collective Pop Up Shop on Church Street in June 2024. Photo Credit: Louise Lynch. 

Contact Details

To learn more about Shayne and his work, contact:

Shayne Mangan: 087 740 1995

Facebook: Pixelcanvas4060

Instagram:Pixelcanvas4060