Amy McGrath

Artworker

Perigord Dublin, Ireland

1. How long have you been working with Perigord?

Close to 3 weeks now! I’ve started during a pandemic as well, probably a good story to tell people in the future. I’ve seen the Dublin building once, during my first day, so it’s been interesting joining while working from home. I’m getting to know people through my screen.

2. What is your role at Perigord, can you tell us about it?

I’m an Artworker. I prepare artwork for pharmaceutical packaging. I work primarily with Adobe Illustrator and InDesign.

3. What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?

I haven’t been here very long, so I’ll say getting an internship after college last year. Competition was cutthroat and the interview process was very taxing. 100 graduates applied and I was one of three to be awarded the internship. It was probably my first professional realisation that I shouldn’t ever undersell myself.

4. Can you tell us a little about where you live? Did you grow up here?

I live in East Wall, close to Dublin City Centre – it’s about 10 minutes on the Luas until you’re in the centre of town. I love it because there’s so much variety in terms of nightlife, normally. Even during the pandemic, I’m spoiled for choice. I grew up in Coolock, on the north side of the county. Family are about 30 minutes away, so

I’m lucky.

5. Have you any staycations planned over the coming months?

I’d prefer to go abroad, to be honest! I did go to Glendalough last September, which is really beautiful if you have a good camera. I hike the odd time and I’m looking to learn how to drive to make staycations easier to plan.

6. What’s one item you can’t leave your house or apartment without?

My airpods and my prescription sunglasses. I’m 100% that person.

7. What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?

Playing video games! I find it very relaxing and it helps me to reconnect to my childhood self. My favourites right now would be Skyrim or Assassin’s Creed. I’ve been playing games since childhood.

8. What’s one of your favourite memories from the past year?

Finding out that my brother is having his first baby. That was last April and it was fantastic news while the outside world seemed to be doomed. It’s my first time being an Aunty.

9. Do you have any hobbies or interests?

I like to draw in my spare time. It’s something I like to keep up as another way of reconnecting and staying grounded. I would take part in open call exhibitions and occasional print fairs. I’ve been doing it for a while – it’s a lot of fun, especially when you meet other artists. I’m also into photography, but purely in the amateur

sense. I’m terrible with camera settings.

10. What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?

Japan, either Tokyo or Osaka. I’m making a long-term plan of going to Japan for when the Studio Ghibli theme park opens in 2021. That’ll be some memory to have once the pandemic ends.

11. If you could only eat one item for every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Toast. It’s cheap, you can switch it up with different toppings, and it’s quick. Not too savoury that you’ll get sick of it.