Sophie Ward
As first jobs go, drawing witty fashion portraits onto T-shirts for Henry Holland is a good way to start, which is exactly what illustrator Sophie Ward did. The following year Sophie graduated and Selfridges chose her as one of 25 talents to watch, giving her free reign on her own window display and an in-store life drawing class. Sophie’s launched her first self titled T-Shirt line with LA label Blood is the New Black which was stocked In Urban Outfitters.
In 2012 Sophie became a mother and after reading the children’s book ‘Oh the Places We’ll Go’, she subsequently shifted her focus away from fashion and towards text based artworks, These early pieces acted as private reminders to herself to roll with life’s punches, later as they gained more recognition the artworks became public service broadcasts for the soul, promoting balance and sisterhood. Ultimately exploring the existential anxiety felt by women today – from the masks we employ, to finding acceptance within – by taking traditionally feminine, aesthetics and reclaiming them in her unique style.
The change in direction and a return to painting brought about her first ever solo show held at House of Vans, a collaboration with Topshop for their catwalk show accompanied by an in-store customising event over LFW and an on-going relationship with East End Prints. Sophie’s prints and cards can now be seen in the Turner Contemporary, Habitat, Oliver Bonas, French Connection and Urban Outfitters as well as releasing small collections available to buy from her website.