Sophie Smith
Sophie Smith shares how studying illustration at Solent helped prepare her for her career as a freelance illustrator.
Job title:Freelance illustrator
Studied:BA (Hons) Illustration
Why did you choose Solent?
I knew wanted to attend Solent after I saw the degree show online and was drawn in by the variety of final major projects. Outside-the-box thinking is praised and encouraged – I knew this would help me to grow as an artist.
What was the best thing about your course lecturers?
I found my lecturers to be very passionate about illustration, with real world expertise. The entire art and design department supports each other well which made for a really open environment for learning and allowed for interesting conversation across different disciplines. One of my lecturers helped me to realise not every illustration needs to take hours and hours, and some of the best ideas can come from a 10 minute sketch – it changed the way I think and work!
What about the facilities?
There are so many opportunities for experimentation and you can really benefit from utilising the facilities available to you. The technicians are friendly and willing to help you figure things out if you ask! I participated in some great workshops in the print room and would absolutely encourage anyone to take the time to try it out. I also used the photography studio to capture one of my projects - everyone was very willing to help me not only take the photos but also offered support when it came to editing later on.
Studying illustration at Solent provided me with a communal studio space full of people to bounce ideas off, plus the resource and space to experiment with different ideas and processes.
Do you feel like your studies helped you prepare for a career in the industry?
Absolutely! Studying illustration at Solent provided me with a communal studio space full of people to bounce ideas off, plus the resource and space to experiment with different ideas and processes, not to mention the advice and guidance of my lecturers. All of this helped me to feel confident enough in the work I was producing to pursue a career as an illustrator.
Can you talk a bit about any opportunities you had to get practical experience?
I secured my first paid commission because my lecturer put me in touch with someone who had seen my uni project in Southampton City Art Gallery which was very exciting. I was also put forward for a freelance project by my lecturer which spiralled into more work. This helped me to learn the less glamorous side like invoicing and setting client expectations! I also got to participate in Ripe Pears, an art collective of new graduates, where I designed and executed exhibitions and workshops.
Tell us a little about your career so far
For the last few years I’ve been freelancing as an illustrator alongside working in hospitality - another way I gained commissions, clients love to chat over coffee! An exciting project I have recently worked on is The Ostomate Journal by The Good Bowel Company, a meal planner and symptom tracker for stoma patients post-surgery. I produced a series of small watercolour spot illustrations and hand letterings which feature throughout. I’ve continued to collaborate with the company’s founder on upcoming projects, too. I often get requests for personalised artwork which is so fun to make! I no longer work in hospitality and my new job combines illustration with sales. I still engage in freelance work in my free time.
What do you enjoy most about being an illustrator?
I love how broad illustration is and how much I can do with it. Personally, I think the back and forth with clients when solving a brief is so much fun and getting to put my name on something I’ve worked hard on and care about is the best feeling! Drawing is a great way to document life and it also helps me to slow down and appreciate the world around me. I think it’s a very mindful practice.
How did university prepare you for your career?
I learned to juggle a part-time job, full-time studies and freelance work so my time management skills were well and truly finetuned by the time I graduated! I used to worry that my illustration style wasn’t streamlined enough but after my three years at Solent I learned that a diverse portfolio is not something I should worry about but instead embrace. It means I can work with a range of clients.
What tips would you give to someone wanting a career in your industry?
Find the time to keep creating. It doesn’t matter what and it doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad, just keep making because that’s where inspiration hits and the lightbulb moments appear. Fresh out of university you might not be exactly where you want to be career wise but be open to every opportunity, however big or small - enter competitions, talk to people about your passion and fight the imposter syndrome (everyone feels this, some are just better at hiding it!). To follow on from this, experience is important but it doesn’t pay the bills, so don’t be afraid to place value on your work because someone will want it.
Start making your own waves
Course studied
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
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BA (Hons) Photography
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