Interview: Sophie Loren Moran

Preferred Pronoun?
She/Her

Why did you choose to enter this work?
SMOOCH has been my biggest and most ambitious work to date, and honestly my favourite. I'm proud of writing and illustrating everything myself and really wanted to try and get it out into the world.

What’s your favourite thing about your shortlisted project?
I love the vibrancy and joy I managed to get into every page. I adore animals and being able to spread this message which I'm so passionate about while having fun and creative freedom was the best.

What excites you most about being shortlisted?
Honestly just being a part of this alongside other crazy talented artists is more than I expected! It's just so exciting and I'm hoping some good opportunities come along but this has made my year!

Where do you usually work?
I work from my desk in my bedroom! I tried really hard to make it bright and inspiring so it's my favourite space to be whether I'm sketching, doing admin tasks or some late night gaming haha.

How long did it take to complete your project?
I think it took around 6 months from brainstorming to having the final printed magazine. From January to June 2023. I had other bits to work on at the time in University but SMOOCH was always ongoing.

What is your dream commission?
I'd love to work on some children's non-fiction, I'm not too picky about the topic, animals or something character-based would always be amazing but anything fun and engaging I'd be happy to do.

What’s your favourite thing to draw?
Funky, fun characters and animals, mostly dogs and cats are things I always gravitate to drawing. There's something about a cool person with an animal friend, it just feels right.

What is your best tip for other illustrators?
It sounds cliche but I'd say just do the work. Do the work you're passionate about and enjoy and if something comes of it, amazing. If not you've got a collection of work you are proud of still.

What are your plans for the future?
I'd love to get more illustration commissions of course and do lots of different commercial work. Another goal is to get some in-house illustration/design work and see how I get on! Small steps :)


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