How to bring joy through vibrant colour, bold shapes and patterns with Sofia Ossman

This month at Illo we're pleased to introduce illustrator Sofia Ossman, whose vibrant and quirky artworks bring joy through colour, bold shapes and patterns. Sofia's journey is as unique as her art.  After a decade as a model travelling the globe, she has absorbed a rich tapestry of artistic and cultural influences, which helped her shape her distinctive style. She's now decided to pursue her childhood dream of illustrating children's books, a dream that began with sketches in the margins of her own books. Sofia's engaging and lively illustrations are sure to deeply resonate deeply with children from around the world.

Here's her Q&A:

What would you say is your best piece of work / collaboration to date, and why?

I have a couple of favourite pieces! One is an illustration of a little girl playing in her room. Creating this piece helped me tap into my inner child, and I had a lot of fun with it! Another favourite is the London illustration I made during the ITSMe mentorship. I loved drawing different characters and landmarks and using various patterns in this work, making it an enjoyable project.

Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?

I find inspiration all around me when walking in a park, watching a movie, or exploring new places. I also seek inspiration intentionally, such as by comp-shopping for trends in the illustration market or visiting museums and exhibitions. Travelling is another big source of inspiration for me! 

Is there anything you'd say you would be a good advocate for? Please elaborate if so.

Yes, I would be a good advocate for diversity and inclusion in children's literature. As a children's book illustrator, I am dedicated to creating illustrations that represent children from diverse backgrounds, ensuring every child sees themselves in the stories they read. My portfolio reflects this commitment, showcasing a variety of characters and settings. Additionally, my diverse background and experiences living in different countries have taught me the importance of understanding and celebrating differences. I aim to foster empathy and belonging through my work and am excited to collaborate with those who share this vision. My goal is to contribute to a more inclusive literary landscape where every child's story is valued.

What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators?

Something you feel is unique to you. I think what sets me apart from other illustrators is my unique mix of experiences and influences. Growing up in different countries gave me a chance to absorb various artistic and cultural vibes, shaping my style. I've got a BA in Art History and an MA in Arts Management, and I've done a lot of self-study in illustration. Since childhood, I've always dreamed of illustrating children's books, often sketching in the margins of my books. After building a successful 10-year career in fashion, I decided to finally pursue my childhood dream. Embracing new challenges and prioritising personal and professional growth, these diverse experiences make my work unique and help me stand out.

If you have done paid commissions prior to joining the agency, what would you say is something that clients repeatedly come to you for (up to now)?

Clients usually come to me for children's illustrations, such as those for books or packaging. I am known for creating fun and cute illustrations that resonate with kids. 

How would you describe your style?

My style brings joy through colour, shape, and pattern. It is characterised by its vibrant and quirky nature, making my artwork lively and engaging.

Please give a scenario of a project that would mean the world to you, if you were offered it - something that connects to something meaningful to you.

I would love to publish a children’s book with some of the publishers I admire. My dream project is a fun, bright, and engaging book for kids aged 0-3. It could help children learn about the exciting world around them or teach them about friendship and kindness, understanding different emotions, or simple things like ABCs and 123s—all in a fun and engaging way! I’d also love to include lift-the-flap elements to make the learning experience even more interactive and enjoyable. This project would be incredibly meaningful because it aligns with my goal of spreading happiness and building a sense of belonging among all children through my art.

Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?

Yes! I'm working on a picture book about the friendship between a child and a pet, inspired by my childhood cat. Currently, I'm in the idea development stage, but I want it to be a fun, friendly story for kids aged 0-3 that explores friendship through everyday activities. I'm thinking about adding . pop-up or lift-the-flap elements to make it more interactive. I'm also considering creating a digital version of the book with engaging activities!

Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real life person, who would that be?

I've seen many illustrated children's books about artists in museum shops, and I find them fascinating, even as an adult! If I were to illustrate a book about a real-life person, it would be Frida Kahlo.

If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]

At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.