Ahead of her debut appearance at Portsmouth Comic Con this May, Chris Walsh interviews Portsmouth-born graphic designer and illustrator Sophie Cowdrey…
Sophie, a graphic designer and artist based in South Wales, has been working in design across a wide range of exciting and varied projects for over six years, including working in the art department on TV and film productions, and providing freelance design services for a wide array of lovely clients. Using design to tell stories, weave narratives and build worlds for the screen is an incredible sandbox of creativity that Sophie relishes with every project that she’s invited onto.
Your lockdown project, 1944, shows how proud you are of your Pompey roots. How did life in the city lead to you becoming a Graphic Designer?
I found it really inspiring as a teen to learn about creatives who were born in Pompey, or lived in the area. The Doctor Who composer Murray Gold is from the city, I was a huge fan of his work growing up. Famous authors such as Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle come to mind, too. This all served as motivation for me; seeing other creatives find successful careers, having started in the same place as me, surely meant that anything was possible.
You’re part of the Doctor Who production team these days, with your talents highlighted on behind-the-scenes show Doctor Who Unleashed – what’s your favourite piece of work for the series?
I’ve had the absolute pleasure of being on the Doctor Who production team for the 60th Anniversary Specials, and both of the new seasons with Ncuti Gatwa. Easily my favourite piece of work is the huge puppet theatre in “The Giggle”; that was a show-stopping set piece, a really fun and memorable scene, and I was delighted to illustrate it!
It takes a lot of hard work and practice to get to work in Film and TV. How did you start, and do you have any tips?
I found my way into the industry through my university course; I chose to study TV & Film Set Design at the University of South Wales, in Cardiff. That course gave me a brilliant springboard as I found my first trainee position through their connections with Netflix, who were filming the first season of Sex Education in nearby Newport.
My top tips would be to do your research, as there are many different areas within film and TV that you could go into. Networking is hugely important, don’t be afraid to reach out; I’ve found having an active social media profile is helpful in connecting with a much wider range of professionals. And just be keen, friendly and ready to help when you get that first job!
As well as Doctor Who, you’ve worked on projects for DC, Marvel, Star Wars, and the upcoming movie, Jurassic World: Rebirth. It must be fun to dive into icons of entertainment like those. Where can we see your work next?
I’ve had a lot of ‘pinch-me’ moments with these franchises, I feel incredibly lucky! Keep an eye on this latest series of Doctor Who, which will be in full swing by the time Portsmouth Comic Con is underway. I was kept very busy this season and produced a lot of graphic design work that I’m super proud of.
I can’t wait to see Jurassic World: Rebirth in the cinema; I worked on one particular set for most of my time there, it’ll be great to see that on the big screen. I’m also looking forward to H is for Hawk, a book adaptation film that I worked on as graphic designer last year.
Looking through all the fantastic art on your website, I spotted the Portsmouth star and crescent on a well-travelled suitcase – if the TARDIS did return, where, and when, would you recommend?
Good spot! I would definitely go to the past. I’m fascinated by it – how people lived, how we dressed, our societies and cultures were so different to how they are now. I’d love to see how the Tudors lived, or the Romans!
Thanks Sophie!
• Check out sophiecowdrey.com for more, and visit portsmouthcomiccon.com for tickets
• Portsmouth Comic Con 2025 Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th May 2025, Portsmouth Guildhall | Web: portsmouthcomiccon.com
Meet the creators behind your favourite comics, delve into the works behind films, and explore some of the biggest franchises around through an exciting range of panels, displays, workshops and exhibitions. There will also be an incredible selection of merchandise to shop.
• Doctor Who is broadcast on Saturday evenings on BBC One, with each episode available from 8.00am that morning on BBC iPlayer in the UK. It is available on Disney+ outside of the UK
• Find Chris Walsh @cwalshuk.bsky.social
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Categories: Doctor Who, downthetubes News, Features, Other Worlds, Television
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