Student celebrates Britain’s love of butterflies

BA (Hons) Graphic design student Sophie Atkins, from Southampton, has created Lepidoptera - an educational project exploring the science behind butterflies and moths, aimed at engaging teenagers and young adults.

Have you ever wondered how a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, or why moths display such intricate wing patterns? Sophie’s work brings these questions to life through a creative collection of interactive books and visual design.

“I created a wooden container inspired by a butterfly house, containing five books that slot inside,” Sophie explains. “Each book explores a different topic, from metamorphosis to conservation, with all five folding out in unique ways.”

Alongside the books, Sophie has produced animations, posters and social media content (@fascinating_lepidoptera), creating an immersive and engaging experience designed to make science accessible to a wider audience. Her butterfly designs have also been used to promote Southampton Solent University’s Summer Degree Show (5, 8-10 June), where graduating creative students showcase their work to the family and friends, the public and potential employers.

Sophie says her inspiration came from childhood and her love of nature. “When I was younger, I had a big book of different butterfly species, which I loved reading in the garden. I also work part-time in a garden centre, and the wildlife I see there encouraged me to focus my project on nature.”

Her stunning final project combines a range of techniques developed during her degree, including bookbinding, screen printing, and reprographics.

Following graduation this July, Sophie hopes to begin her career in a graphic design studio -something she feels well prepared for thanks to her course’s strong focus on professional practice.

“Our professional practice module helps create websites, portfolios and business cards. We will also be going up to D&AD New Blood Festival at the end of June where we can showcase our work to a wider network of industry professionals and potential employers, who will review our portfolios and give us advice on how to carve out a career in graphic design,” says Sophie.

The University's Summer Degree Show 2026 is open to the public on 8-10 June at our East Park Terrace campus.

The exhibition showcases a wide range of work from graduating students across the School of Creative Industries, including art, design, fashion, architecture, interiors, media and digital creative disciplines.

Across the exhibition, visitors will be able to explore creative work, experience our facilities, and gain insight into the breadth of practice taking place across the School.