Spotlight
Talking all things creative with Sophie Heywood
This week, we’re saying a big hello to Sophie Heywood, of @Sophmog.
At Printed.com, we’re lucky enough to help thousands of people boost their businesses with print. We work with brands and companies from all sectors – from business services to charities, creatives to retailers.
We’re passionate about print, and even more passionate about helping each and every customer succeed. So, each and every month, we’ll be talking to our very own customers, asking them the questions you want to know the answers to. Whether you’re just starting out, or you’ve already found your feet in the industry, get tips, tricks and inspiration from people just like you with our Customer Spotlight series.
Image Credit: Sophie Heywood – as featured in the #ProudlyPrinted, positivity edition
Earlier this month we took some super positive prints for a spin over on our #ProudlyPrinted weekly blog – and we thought we’d catch up a little more with one of our lovely customers, featured in the blog. So, without further ado, meet Sophie Heywood! She’s an illustrator, based in Manchester and she likes to draw and make things. She takes inspiration from everyday life, pop culture and animals and if you catch her, you’re bound to find her with a brush and ink in hand.
She creates a lot of handmade and printed products and she sells in all kinds of places including fairs around the country, several stockists and in her Etsy store.
Image credit: Sophie Heywood
Sophie, tell us a little bit about you and your business to get us started!
I started doing freelance illustration and set up my Etsy store back in 2013. 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. I’m based in Manchester and sell all manner of illustrated goods and gifts. I make limited edition prints, greeting cards, badges, pins, stationery, tote bags and much more.
Where did it all begin for you?
Like a lot of creative businesses it started back when I was in uni. I studied Illustration and with the guidance of tutors I realised I could print my work onto products. I did my very first fair in my final year and opened my Etsy shop alongside it. I actually split the table with a friend because I didn’t have enough to fill a whole table! I’ve since done many fairs around the country and now have over 100 items in my Etsy store!
Image credit: Sophie Heywood
What do you print with Printed.com?
I get my Greeting Cards and Postcards done with Printed! I love that there is a recycled paper option, plus the turnaround is super-fast. I also get Thank You Cards and Stickers to add the finishing touches to my online orders.
How do you find being a creative in today’s industry?
Honestly, it can be really tough. There’s a lot of comparison and self-doubt. It can be really hard to crack the industry and the work isn’t always there. However, I feel like nowadays with social media it doesn’t feel as lonely. 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.
Image Credit: Sophie Heywood
What does the future hold for you and your business? Where do you see your business going over the next year?
The most exciting thing coming up for my business is that I’m moving out and will soon have a whole room to dedicate to a studio space! At the moment I’m working from a corner in my flat, so having more room to be creative and store my stock will be ideal. I plan to make some more investments in equipment for my business, so lots of new and exciting products will be on the horizon.
Do you have any advice for creatives looking to get set up in your industry?
You have to work really hard but also not be scared of failure. If things don’t work out, that time is not wasted and you have new work for your portfolio. During quiet patches, make up your dream briefs and create the work you would want to make for clients. Don’t compare yourself to others too much and make your art a reflection of yourself and the things you love!
Image credit: Sophie Heywood
Loving Sophie’s work?
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About the author
Caitlin is our Social Media guru and lover of all things food and travel. When she's not scrolling through TikTok you'll find her meticulously planning her next adventure abroad.
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