From Cork to the Studio Floor
I'm originally from County Cork but have been living in Limerick City since 2014. My route into design wasn't a straight line — I started out studying Fashion Design before realising it wasn't the right fit. Around the same time I joined a band and became part of the local music scene. Making gig posters, vinyl designs and merch is still my favourite thing to do. That involvement led to a group of us starting a music festival called Féile na Gréine, which deepened my relationship with graphic design. I design the festival merch each year, and I love seeing the wider visual identity evolve over time. Freelance work followed, then a stint taking on a range of design work from menus and logos for a hospitality company, and eventually a decision to go back to college as a mature student — the best decision I ever made.
I'm currently two weeks into my placement at Unthink and already settling into a rhythm. Days begin with some planning — filling in the calendar, mapping out the week, getting a clear picture of what's on everyone's plates — before getting stuck into the work with some tunes on and a good coffee in hand.
Inspired by Happy Accidents
I find inspiration everywhere in a new city or town — my camera roll is full of pictures of ripped posters from walls, interesting textures and hand-painted signage. I like to find inspiration in the mistakes and happy accidents. I also hoard printed ephemera wherever I find it. Nothing beats a good bookshop or record shop when I need something more tangible. Outside of design, I play music, go to gigs, love games, and get out into nature when I can.
Why Three×3
I first heard about Three×3 through my tutors, who regularly encouraged the class to apply. I'd already completed an eight-week internship at Zero-G during third year, which gave me a solid introduction to studio life in Dublin — but having spent a long time in Limerick, I was ready to push myself further. I honestly didn't expect to be selected, but I saw it as a great opportunity to learn, challenge myself, and work on real projects with some incredible studios whose work I had been following throughout college. I decided to go for it, and I'm delighted I did.
More Than Just the Creative Side
One of the biggest surprises about working in a professional studio was seeing how projects actually move through it — from the tender process to managing the different scales and stages of a brief. It made me realise there's a lot more to the job than just the creative side, and that organisation, presentation and communication play a huge role in making everything run smoothly. I was also struck by how different each studio's workflow can be, each with its own individual processes and approaches.
In terms of tools, I always start with pen and paper — getting every thought and idea out of my head and onto the page before going anywhere near a screen. I've also been using Miro for the first time, which I've found really useful for collaborating and sharing ideas while a project is still in development.
Learning to Bring Ideas to the Table
Working across multiple studios has shifted how I think about collaboration. I've become much more aware of the value of checking in regularly, asking for new perspectives early, and staying active in conversations. There really are no stupid questions — everyone I've worked with has been incredibly supportive. Having lots of opportunities to research and ideate across different projects has helped me build real confidence in developing and sharing ideas within a team.
A key turning point was learning to bring ideas forward without waiting to be asked. I realised that ideas don't need to be fully formed or perfect to be valuable, and that simply sharing them early can spark interesting conversations and directions. It gave me more confidence to trust my own thinking and contribute openly, rather than holding back until I felt completely certain.
What's Next
I'm excited to work on more brand identity projects, particularly in hospitality, cultural and music-related spaces — areas that feel closest to where my interests have always been. I also have a strong interest in motion design and illustration, and I can't wait to keep developing my skills in those areas.
Advice for Anyone Thinking of Applying
Absolutely go for it. There will be challenges and things to figure out, but that's all part of the process. Try to be as open as possible from day one, get stuck in, and don't be afraid to express your point of view. Pay attention to how the people around you work and communicate — there's a lot to pick up just by observing. Take advantage of the design books in each studio and step away from the screen when you need inspiration. And make the most of any opportunity to meet designers outside of a work environment. You never know when a familiar face or a designer you follow online might turn into a friend or lead to a future opportunity.
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Website: racheldrennandesign | Instagram: @rachaeldrennan
Three×3 is a Dublin-based graduate intern programme. Applications for next year are open till 07.06.2026