Illustrator Spotlight - Sophie Of Bread
Here at Doodle Bag we have a core client base of creative and passionate individuals that run their own businesses by selling their own work online. One of those customers is Sophie Lloyd, an illustrator who celebrates feminist icons through her work.
We caught up with Sophie to get to know her a little better and find out what she's been up to recently.
Who is Soph Of Bread?
It’s just me, Sophie Lloyd!
I did a degree in Fine Art at Birmingham City University, but my lecturers told me I wasn’t a “drawer,” I was a photographer and that’s what I should do to be successful. It was only after I graduated in 2013 and could finally focus on making the kind of art I enjoyed that I started drawing seriously. My first attempts were terrible as I hadn’t drawn in so long, and it was another two years before I created anything I was proud of and felt was worth putting out there. I decided to try digital drawing as I followed a lot of other illustrators on Instagram and loved the bright, bold colours and strong lines. It was then that I really started to develop my own style and felt brave enough to apply for exhibitions and open my own Etsy store.
I recently quit my job in marketing to focus on freelance writing and illustration full-time, so hopefully I’ll still be doing this! For the last few years my focus has been on celebrating feminist icons from history and pop culture, but I’ve recently decided to start going in a new direction with my artwork. I’m hoping to incorporate more mythical and classical female figures that receive less exposure alongside my more modern heroines, so watch this space!
Most people like my Frida Kahlo design, but the one I’m most proud of is my Tracey Emin. It took forever and it was the first thing I ever sold in an exhibition. Not to mention she’s one of the more obscure figures I’ve drawn, so the fact that people recognise her is a big compliment.
Other female digital illustrators, in particular Lauren Callaghan, Louisa Cannell and Robin Eisenberg. I follow so many female artists on Instagram and every time they post I’m inspired. I also love 60s pop artists Kiki Kogelnik, Majorie Strider and Evelyne Axell, and obviously the women I recreate in my work are a big influence at the moment.
Any advice for emerging illustrators out there?
Well, I still class myself as emerging, but if anyone asked me for advice on this industry I’d tell them to keep trying. I have lots of friends who are immensely talented artists and illustrators, and we’ve all been knocked back tons of times. For every single success you can guarantee tons of rejections. It’s hard to not get down on yourself but it does make you appreciate the successes more!
Where do you sell your products?
Mainly on Etsy, but also craft fairs. My next one is at the Waterside Centre in Lincoln on 9th June which I’m excited about!