We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sofia Ballestin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sofia below.

Sofia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

There isn’t one single source from which I can attribute my design knowledge. I tend to hyper-fixate on topics that spark my interest, so even while obtaining my formal design education, I was also learning through YouTube videos by industry experts and taking on small projects wherever opportunities arose. This trial-and-error method transformed the fun little doodles I initially made for friends and family into illustrations for a music festival on the beach featuring some of my all-time favorite bands.

A critical part of my journey has always been the mentors in my life who took me under their wing and shared their well-earned knowledge. Growing up as an immigrant far from extended family, I had limited contact with adults outside of my parents and teachers, so I was painfully shy and assumed they wouldn’t want to talk to me. Looking back, I realize that one thing that might have accelerated my learning was seeking out mentors earlier. While self-teaching and practice were essential, having an experienced mentor to guide me could have helped me avoid certain mistakes and shortcuts.

Building a network of people I enjoy and trust has been the most rewarding part of my career, and I believe a mentor would have been a great addition to that process. However, it’s never too late to start working with people in your community or even to become a mentor yourself. The only true barriers to growth are isolation and a reluctance to pursue opportunities.

Sofia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey into graphic design and creative direction began with a love for art and storytelling. Growing up, I was constantly drawn to visual creativity—whether through drawing, designing posters, or experimenting with digital media. I pursued a formal education in design, which provided the technical foundation I needed, but my true growth came from working directly with clients and collaborating on real-world projects. I discovered a particular passion for working with musicians and artists, helping them develop cohesive visual identities that align with their sound and message.

Many musicians and brands struggle to visually define their identity consistently across platforms. I help them build a cohesive brand that feels authentic and stands out. I work closely with artists and entrepreneurs to create visuals that not only catch the eye but also foster engagement, whether through designing a campaign to build anticipation for a release or crafting social media graphics that increase audience interaction.

What sets me apart is my deep understanding of both the creative and strategic sides of branding. I’m not just focused on making things look good—I’m always thinking about how design can drive engagement, grow a fanbase, and enhance the overall brand experience. Having worked with a wide range of brands, I know how to tailor my approach to fit each client’s unique voice.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Before I started making an effort to create regularly, I would hit major holidays or birthdays and struggle to remember the year. Everything became a blur. When I began channeling my thoughts and feelings into tangible creations, time seemed to slow down again. My life grew richer, adorned with crafts, drawings, posters, animations, new supplies, and completed projects. I could look back on my year and trace my thought process, each feeling and idea made concrete. This, to me, is fulfillment—undeniable proof that I am always living, reflecting, and evolving.

Now I have a wonky skull and flower painting from when I picked up painting after a 10-year break, rugs decorating my house that I designed and tufted myself, ink drawings on the walls of loved ones, merchandise, and even tattoo designs on the skin of people I care about (and a few strangers, too). Creation feels like a superpower, and as long as I can create, I know I can find purpose and meaning in my experiences.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking is a book that changed how I view my work and what it means to be an artist. It reflects on the true nature of making art and explores the ways we can hold ourselves back from reaching our full potential.

Another favorite of mine is the documentary series Abstract, which I believe is a Netflix original. Each episode follows a different professional creative through their daily life and work, showing me that there are many ways to make a living as a creative—and that it’s an attainable path.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sofiaballestin.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sofdesigns