Gemma O’Brien Keynote Speaker

Internationally renowned designer, artist and calligrapher
Commissioned by Apple, Nike and Google
Work held in the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum

Gemma O’Brien's Biography

Gemma O’Brien is an internationally renowned designer and artist celebrated for her bold graphics, expressive calligraphy and large-scale wall paintings. Known for transforming language into striking visual art, Gemma’s work spans commercial illustration, brand collaborations and contemporary studio practice, earning her global recognition across the worlds of design and creativity.

Her work has been commissioned by leading international brands including Apple, Nike and Google, and is held in the permanent collection of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City. Through her distinctive visual style, Gemma explores the relationship between words, meaning and human connection, elevating typography and lettering into immersive artistic experiences.

Alongside her commercial and artistic projects, Gemma continues to develop new creative work and research-driven practice. In 2026, she is creating new work for a solo exhibition, developing a wallpaper collection, and speaking on her research into neuroaesthetics and flow states in visual artists, examining the connection between creativity, cognition and visual expression.

Gemma brings audiences unique insights into creativity, artistic process, branding and innovation, drawing on her experience working across art, design and global commercial collaborations.

Creativity, design and visual storytelling

Typography, language and contemporary art

Branding and creative collaboration

Neuroaesthetics and flow states in artists

Innovation and the future of visual communication

She is an internationally recognised artist and designer whose work transforms typography and language into powerful visual experiences.
She translates creativity and artistic expression into fresh insights on branding, innovation and human connection.
She brings exceptional creative credibility through collaborations with global brands including Apple, Nike and Google, alongside museum-recognised work.
She is an engaging speaker who explores the intersection of art, design and neuroscience, including research into creativity and flow states.
Her insights equip organisations and audiences to think more creatively, communicate visually and unlock new approaches to innovation and expression.