An advocate for progress and experimentation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Stephen Lohan is a multifaceted professional who has made significant contributions to the world of digital art, technology, and education. His journey began with a strong academic foundation, as he pursued his studies at the College of Marketing and Design, culminating in an honors degree that laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. His passion for pushing the boundaries of visual expression led him to Middlesex Polytechnic, where he pursued a master's degree in Image Synthesis and Computer Animation, immersing himself in the technical and creative aspects of his craft.

 

During his master's studies, Stephen embarked on a groundbreaking project, conceptualizing the London Underground's first multimedia journey planner. This ambitious endeavor showcased his innovative thinking and foresight, setting the stage for his future work at the intersection of technology, art, and practical applications. From 1992 to 2001, Stephen made a significant impact in the entertainment industry as part of Windmill Lane Pictures. His standout contributions included playing a pivotal role in U2's iconic Zoo TV, Zooropa and Popmart tours, where his expertise in image synthesis and computer animation added a new dimension to the band's groundbreaking performances. Beyond the music industry, Stephen's commercial work with global brands such as Guinness, Heineken, British Airways, Vodafone, Coca-Cola, and 7UP (creating another first when he generated the "digital water" used in Halford Hutchinsons 1992 commercial for Ballygowan, "Still Life"), further solidified his reputation as a trailblazer in the field, showcasing his ability to marry artistic flair with technical proficiency. Driven by a vision to democratize high-quality visual effects (VFX) education, Stephen took a bold step by opening ImageIreland, a dedicated school of VFX aimed at providing affordable education to a new generation of artists. His commitment to nurturing talent and expanding access to industry-relevant skills underscored his dedication to fostering the next wave of creatives and professionals in the field of digital art and technology. In 2017, Stephen joined the faculty at Technological University Dublin, where he began teaching Imagemaking and Photography, sharing his expertise and insight with aspiring artists and tech enthusiasts. This role allowed him to continue shaping the next generation of creative minds while imparting his wealth of experience and knowledge in the realm of digital art and technology. Continuing to push the boundaries of digital art and technology, Stephen has immersed himself in the realm of artificial intelligence, exploring how it intersects with digital art and how it is perceived by audiences. His work in this arena represents a pioneering effort to harness emerging technologies and apply them to the creative process, shaping the evolving landscape of digital art and its relationship with artificial intelligence. Not content to confine his impact to the realm of academia and technology, Stephen has also ventured into the world of sports technology. His development of an advanced augmented reality football training app showcases his ingenuity in leveraging technology to enhance athletic performance and training. This innovative app serves a dual purpose, as its success will fund a soccer academy aimed at providing an education pathway for players who may not have secured professional football contracts, illustrating Stephen's commitment to using technology to benefit and uplift communities beyond the confines of art and academia.

 

Throughout his career, Stephen Lohan has continually sought to break new ground in digital art, technology, and education, traversing diverse spheres and leveraging his expertise to drive positive change. His multidimensional impact spans the realms of academia, entertainment, technology, and community development, solidifying his standing as a visionary force at the forefront of creative innovation. With a steadfast commitment to advancing the frontiers of digital art and technology, Stephen continues to leave an indelible mark as a pioneer, educator, and advocate for progress in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.