What kinds of themes can be found in
your work?
I work predominantly as a children’s
book illustrator and author, and I try
to pick projects that centre around
equality and social justice issues. Illus-
tration is an act of interpretation: you
can choose how to refl ect back the
world we live in. Picking projects that
lift up and contribute to discussions on
prejudice, kindness or equality is how I
choose to refl ect the world as a more
beautiful place.
Why are you driven to explore these?
It’s my bid to, as Scott Hutchison of
Frightened Rabbit said, make tiny
changes to Earth. Hopefully my work
can help little kids or even parents see
the world as a bit brighter and kinder!
How would you describe your style?
Chaotic, messy, a colour explosion,
graphic, bold, mid-century inspired.
What does your average day look like?
I work from my home on the Gold Coast,
so an inordinate amount of time is
spent brewing tea and chasing my cats
away from lying across my keyboard.
I’m a night owl, so I’m usually working
late into the night with an audiobook or
a podcast for company.
Who inspires you?
I’m dazzled by teen climate activist
Greta Thunberg: her strength of con-
viction and perseverance in the face of
ignorance is astonishing. I also adore
anything LM Montgomery has writ-
ten. Her books abound in wonder and
gratitude, which is how I try to approach
each day.
sophie-beer.comwags on, wags off
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