Alé Mercado was born in Granada. Although he studied and worked as an industrial engineer, his passion always was comics and cinema. That took him to eventually quit his job with a major corporation and focus on graphic design, illustration and comics. Alé has been working in all areas of design and has published his own children’s books and comics. His work is completely digitally created and is graphically striking. His strong, dark, witty style takes inspiration from traditional print and ensures that every images is purposeful to the brief it is designed to serve.

Over the years his work has gathered recognition. Recently he was shortlisted for the prestigious Observer/Comica/Jonathan Cape Short Story Competition and  shortlisted for the IDI Irish Design Awards. Despite his array of experience, Alé continues to create work that flourishes with spark and creativity, keeping it fresh and vibrant. He is based in Kilkenny since 2003 where he lives with Siobhán and their two children.

Alé will be one of the 4 speakers as part of OFFSHOOTS, a new series of 4 x 10min talks in the main stage.