Hi, I'm Sophie! Originally from the Netherlands and raised in Southeast New Mexico, I grew up surrounded by creativity in both obvious and subtle ways. My mother’s background in fashion, my sister’s passion for painting and photography, my father’s entrepreneurial spirit, and my brother’s natural ability to pick up any instrument all shaped the creative environment I grew up in.
However, the less obvious exposures are the ones that I truly believe sparked my interest in design. The way my mom would decorate our living room for our birthdays, or how my aunt would add little doodles and personal touches to the cards she sent me. How my little brother would create stop-motion videos with his LEGO toys when he was young. Even helping my dad tile a pond in our backyard. These moments may not have seemed like creative experiences at the time, but they all influenced the way I think and see the world around me.
My introduction to art began in movement, specifically dance, which I have deep connection to. At five years old, I started training in multiple styles of dance and soon joined competitive teams, continuing through my teenage years. Growing up I was immersed in the principles of performance art and it wasn't until college that I shifted focus to fine art. There, I began to draw connections between the mediums of visual art and the styles of dance, discovering parallels in composition, storytelling, discipline, and expression.
In 2025, I graduated from Western New Mexico University with a BBA in Marketing and an AA in Graphic Design. My marketing education strengthened my ability to think strategically, analyze audience behavior, understand what drives engagement, and position brands with clarity. All of which aid a lot when it comes to design. Branding and identity systems, typography, and layout are my main design passions. I where purpose and aesthetics intersect to create meaningful visual communication.
Professionally, I have helped revitalize the brand identity for The Commons: Center for Food Security and Sustainability and developed collateral for an outdoor marketing grant initiative for the Town of Silver City. In my current role as Public Relations Manager at The Commons, I align messaging, design, and outreach efforts across traditional and digital channels to strengthen brand presence and deepen community engagement with clients, volunteers, and donors.
Today, based in Southwest New Mexico, I approach design with intention. I am especially excited by opportunities to collaborate on projects that merge branding, communication, and visual identity.