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

Sophia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Whenever someone asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The answer was always simple: an illustrator! There were many moments that contributed to my desire to pursue an artistic profession, but it always felt like the path I was meant to be on. From as far back as I can remember, creating has been my passion, my way of expressing myself and communicating with the world.
The first time I truly realized this could be a professional path for me was when I started to see how deeply art shaped my perspective on life. Art is everywhere, and growing up, I was surrounded by it in different ways. I spent a lot of time visiting museums, going to the beach, and playing soccer. I remember standing in front of works by incredible artists like Michelangelo and Donatello, completely captivated by their realism and attention to detail. Seeing how they conveyed ideas and entire worlds through their work left a lasting impression on me. That’s when I began to appreciate not just the technical skill, but also the narrative embedded in each piece. Art wasn’t just a hobby, it had the power to be deeply impactful.
Soccer was a significant part of my life, and through it, I had the opportunity to travel and experience different places. I can still recall the fresh smell of grass and trees before a game, the stunning sunsets at Bradenton Beach in Florida, and the architectural beauty of Savannah, Georgia. These moments, full of little sensory details, became lasting sources of inspiration. By the time I was in high school, I was already thinking about my future as an artist, but it wasn’t until I began studying illustration and playing soccer at the Savannah College of Art and Design that it truly hit me: I could absolutely continue to do what I love and turn it into a career! It was there that I realized the discipline and focus required to be an illustrator, and I was excited to dive deeper. My curiosity about the world, along with my love for creating, has made this journey feel like a natural and fulfilling progression.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a freelance illustrator with the belief that art is more than just a visual experience, but a way to tell stories, evoke feelings, and connect with others. Drawing has always been something I’ve turned to for peace, clarity, and self-expression. Whether I’m working on portraits, murals, storyboards, or brand designs, I see each piece as a chance to capture not only an image, but emotions that speak to people.
I enjoy working with various mediums, from traditional tools like graphite, charcoal, and gouache, to digital tools such as Procreate. I would say that my creative process is adaptive, using the skills I’ve learned while trusting my instincts to guide me. Experimenting with different styles and materials allows me to push the boundaries of what I can create. For example, Procreate has allowed me to combine the feel of traditional brushstrokes with a variety of digital techniques, opening up avenues I had not explored before. While painting traditionally or digitally, I like to focus on all of the details and things that might not be immediately noticeable. When combined, you get one cohesive composition!
My goal is to deliver work that feels authentic and insightful. In the future, I dream of merging my passion for art with my love for 90s culture by starting my own skate brand, where I can design skateboards, surf boards and apparel. I hope to inspire others and ignite their imagination. I believe that creativity thrives when it moves freely, and taking risks are essential to the process.

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

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is simply the joy I get from doing something I love every single day. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to turn my passion into a career. What truly makes it worth it, is creating art that is purposeful to someone else and seeing the impact my work can have on them.
I’ve gained a clearer understanding of both my strengths and areas for growth as an illustrator. I can be a perfectionist at times, often overworking a piece and thinking I’ve ruined it. In reality, it’s all just part of the process. Although I agree less could be more sometimes, everyone sees art and life through different lenses. What I might view as a flaw, someone else might see as intriguing. There’s something truly special about recognizing the beauty in imperfections. In both moments of inspiration and overcoming challenges, these things become part of a larger story. The reward isn’t just in the finished piece, but in the lessons learned along the way. It’s about the growth and satisfaction that comes from expressing ideas in ways that resonate. Ultimately, the journey itself becomes as meaningful as the final outcome.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In order to better support artists and a thriving creative ecosystem, society should be more open to collaboration. This includes businesses embracing opportunities to work with artists through murals, packaging designs, window displays, and more. It’s beneficial for both sides in ways like attracting potential customers or clients. By incorporating art into public places and products, businesses can stand out and cultivate a more engaging atmosphere. At the same time, artists could gain valuable exposure which can unlock new ways to showcase their talent and message.
Being open minded with artists and promoting their work provides an innovative environment where unexpected possibilities can take place. Galleries and exhibitions can also help artists communicate and connect with audiences. Additionally, online platforms offer artists ways to reach new viewers and post photos or videos of their creations. Engaging with artists on social media is a great way to show support, including sharing their work, leaving feedback, or buying their art. A more diverse, creative ecosystem enables a broader range of ideas and perspectives to emerge.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sophiarose.art
• Instagram: sophiarose.art
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-valentin