Sophie Heywood describes herself as a nerdy gal making illustrated goods. Based in Manchester, UK, she creates a lot of handmade and printed products that she sells in all kinds of places including fairs around the country, several stockists. and her own Etsy store.
“I like to draw and make things,” she writes on her website. “You’ll usually find me with a brush and ink in hand.” Inspired by pop culture and animals, as well as the mundanities of everyday life, her designs and illustrations can be found on limited edition prints, greeting cards, badges, pins, stationery, tote bags, and more.
“I started doing freelance illustration and set up my Etsy store back in 2013,” she shared in an interview with the Printed blog. “Back then I didn’t have many products or sense of direction, but my business and portfolio has since continued to grow more and more.”
Having graduated from the University of Central Lancashire in 2014 with a degree in illustration, she also takes commissions, with her selected clients including Walker Books, Arts Council England, and The Guardian. “I feel like nowadays with social media it doesn’t feel as lonely,” she says. “I’m part of a lot of online communities now and feel much more connected to my peers. I think it helps to understand that even the people you look up to are also struggling.”
Follow her creative journey through Instagram: