Illustrator Sophy Louise Smith is a tour de force in the art-merchandise world. Yet this talented artist started her flourishing business from her bedroom wardrobe.
By Tracy Mukherjee
Artist Sophy Louise Smith is a self-effacing 26-year-old. But in her professional life, she is anything but. Starting her business whilst studying at Edinburgh College of Art, Sophy was drawn to print design at the age of 20. With a small-scale run of her creations, this talented illustrator now has her art across Central Scotland, as well as partnerships with some of the biggest names in Scottish Industry. Westender speaks to Sophy from her studio in the Gorbals.
In six years, you’ve come such a long way. Where did it all begin?
I always worked throughout my time at Uni. Making prints, I got some things out online. In 2020, I bit the bullet and bought a printer, creating from my bedroom. Smaller productions of prints and stuff at first; it was very small-scale to start.
Most artists would want to lean towards showcasing their art, galleries, unique pieces. What was it about print that appealed to you?
I like the fact that design is universal, that anyone can come into my shop and be able to afford something. That it isn’t that elitist space that you can only sell to certain people. I think that’s a much more interesting way to create art. That it’s not necessarily about the value of it being a single edition. That it can go on anyone’s walls.
That’s a mature and moral angle. Where do you think that ethos comes from?
I think my parents were very grounded, they grew up in the East End of Glasgow, and they did very well for themselves, but I always just felt that there shouldn’t be one type of person who could afford something, who should have access to something. Art is a universal experience, and it’s been instilled in me that you don’t need to have much to make something nice
Your art is universal — with a Scottish edge. You have fun memes on tees, totes with bold illustrations, stunning prints of architecture and the Scottish landscape. Eclectic and then some…
I’ve always seen illustration as broadly visual storytelling. I’m interested in story and people and culture and that is all encompassing and there are so many places you can go with that. It starts with a feeling, in a landscape that feeling of calm, of place. Pop culture — it’s something I’m swept up in at the time. I’m caught up in a moment
Your merchandise range is ever-growing. Do you design specifically to merchandise for an event/time of year, or does the design come first?
It’s been a huge learning curve. Where art school teaches you to draw, nothing prepares you for business. Year on year, I’ve been able to curate my designs and now I can think ‘Okay summer’s coming up maybe I should make caps. Oh, winter’s coming up, what will people use.’ It’s been trial and error, something that I haven’t done so well, you just have to pick yourself up.
You are so busy. Where do you get the moments for the still art, the landscapes, the calm in among the merchandise, the fun?
It’s really hard. I’m also running a business as well as being an illustrator. Finding those little pockets of time. I have a big mood board, but I try to consciously make pockets of time to draw, without having to make something to sell. When I’m making things that I enjoy without thinking about the final product, is when the good stuff really comes out.
From this illustrator, from producing these illustrations in your bedroom, how did you become a businesswoman?
I think I’ve always liked the idea of being self-sustaining, able to support myself with what I make and I think there was a lot of people who probably thought you can’t make money from art. That frustrated me, because it’s one of the biggest sectors in the UK.
So, part of me wanted to prove people wrong — that it was attainable. It can sustain you. From the flat, it was chance; my first studio was at the Barras market. I ended up in situations where it made more sense to sell directly to customers rather than business-to-business or freelance work. I threw stuff at the wall and saw what stuck. I didn’t have masses of experience rather than retail jobs at uni.
Do you get a lot of time for one-piece commissions or is it more brand work — you’ve worked with Scottish Ballet, Scottish Rugby and now Luss Distillery for Ben Lomond Gin?
I think I’ve shied away from personal commissions, it takes a lot of time, it’s a huge responsibility taking on someone’s heart and paying myself a decent wage. But when you are working with brands, you can approach them with a fair business rate and they appreciate that and take you seriously.
And as well as selling direct to customers at your shop at The Barras and online, you’re now stocking across Scotland?
Yes! I’m now in five or six shops in Glasgow, a couple in Edinburgh and Fort William. It would be great to crack the highlands and the islands
How do you feel about being a Glasgow-based artist; there’s an honesty about Glasgow isn’t there?
I love it. There’s a great community here. Being able to be in Glasgow, there are more spaces here that are accessible, there is more of a ground-up community that, when you leave art school, a lot of places that you can insert yourself and are welcomed. A lot of people respect independent creators here too. Even at the Barras where you might think people would barter, the people are lovely and kind.
You’ve accomplished so much in such a short time. What’s next?
I want 2026 to be about expanding my range; focus on consolidating a really good range that I’m proud of. I’ve worked with some amazing Scottish brands and can curate who I work with
Talking of which, you’ve recently designed an exclusive line at Luss Distillery for Ben Lomond Gin.* Can you tell us about that? (Sophy was commissioned by premium Scottish gin brand Ben Lomond Gin to create an exclusive illustration for new merchandise — hoodies, tote bags and t-shirts — available only at the Luss Distillery shop. The design features ‘the beacon mountain’.
*Luss Distillery is a vibrant new destination for whisky and gin connoisseurs in the heart of Luss village. Just one hour from Glasgow, it is one of the most exciting new visitor experiences in Scotland.)
We started a project early in the year designing some merch for their new distillery — it’s a riff on their logo. They are a great team; they let me go wild, and it’s also now a mural in their café. I’m so happy with the end products. It’s lovely to see another brand represent a collaboration so nicely.
At the end of the day, you clearly still love your craft. Do you manage to find time to illustrate for pleasure?
I’m taking next month off and I’m just going to draw for fun. And it’s in those moments that I can make stuff for me, for friends and family’s birthdays. I used to think I needed to appeal to as many people as possible, but now that I’ve zoned in on really celebrating that identity, I’ve found I really enjoy what I make.
