Colin Byrne - Totem

Colin Byrne is the founder and creative director of TOTEM Visual Communications based in Dungarvan County Waterford.
 
"After qualifying from WIT in 1990 I moved to Dublin to find work. At that time I couldn’t have imagined returning to Dungarvan to run a design studio. Conventional wisdom at the time decreed that such businesses only flourished in cities. But conventional wisdom and the business landscape in Dungarvan changed over the next twelve years. " "When I returned to set up TOTEM in 2002, Dungarvan was thriving – multi-national organisations stood beside indigenous businesses, both large and small. Diverse and innovative restaurants further enhanced the bustling nightlife. Internet access [not even invented in 1990] is imperative to our business and “Cablesurf” offers a second to none broadband service. Equally important is location and Dungarvan is unique among Irish coastal towns, in that it is within easy reach of three cities – Cork, Kilkenny and Waterford. This is vital for TOTEM as it provides us with opportunities to grow our business.

What hasn’t changed is the physical landscape around Dungarvan and west Waterford. The spectacular coastline, great beaches and other wonderful natural and recreational amenities all laid out before the majestic Comeragh mountains.

That is why we moved home – a better quality of life for our young family, and an opportunity to run my own business. The best of both worlds!"

Colin Byrne
Totem