Sophie Thompson

Multidisciplinary graphic and 3D designer specialising in motion, visual world-building, typography, and immersive digital design. Experienced in creating branding, promotional campaigns, animated visuals, and creative direction across music, arts, cultural, and organisational sectors. Passionate about combining storytelling, experimental design, and emerging digital aesthetics to create bold, emotionally engaging visual identities.

Alongside independent creative practice, I have in-house design experience delivering projects across print and digital media, working within established brand guidelines, managing stakeholder feedback, and producing clear, accessible communications for diverse audiences.

Lead Graphic Designer, The Percy Hedley Foundation (2021-07 – 2025-12)

• Delivered creative projects across multiple platforms while managing competing deadlines and stakeholder feedback.
• Produced social-first content and promotional campaigns for Instagram, TikTok, and digital communications.
• Contributed to a full organisational rebrand including logo development, colour systems, and brand guidelines.
• Designed visual materials supporting funding applications, policy communication, and annual reporting.
• Collaborated with senior leadership teams to develop accessible and audience-focused communications.

Graphic and 3D Designer, Freelance (2025-12 – Present)

• Develop 3D motion graphics, animated promotional visuals, and branding for music artists, events, and cultural projects across the UK.
• Design immersive visual worlds combining typography, motion, animation, and storytelling using Blender, Illustrator, Photoshop, and TouchDesigner.
• Create narrative-led animations and social campaigns from concept through to final render, including storyboarding, modelling, compositing, and editing.
• Designed and built a bespoke portfolio website in Framer to showcase multidisciplinary creative work and freelance services.
• Produce promotional assets for social media campaigns across Instagram, TikTok, and digital event platforms.
• Collaborate directly with clients to develop visual identities aligned with their artistic direction, audience, and brand aesthetics.
• Self-taught advanced 3D and motion design workflows, continuously expanding technical and creative skillsets.

Founder & Event Programmer, club cetera (2023-10 – Present)

• Founded and independently run club cetera, a grassroots club series focused on platforming femme artists, experimental electronic music, and underrepresented creative communities.
• Lead creative direction across branding, visual identity, promotional design, animation, and social media campaigns.
• Produce and coordinate live events from concept through to delivery, managing artist bookings, scheduling, budgeting, logistics, and venue relationships.
• Designed all event branding and promotional assets including posters, motion graphics, digital campaigns, and animated content.
• Successfully delivered three funded events, including sold-out shows and fundraising initiatives supporting grassroots venues such as The Lubber Fiend.
• Built collaborative relationships with artists, promoters, venues, and creative organisations across the UK music community.
• Received multiple Resident Advisor Picks for club cetera events.

Venue Coordinator, Cobalt Studios at Cobalt Studios (2023-10 – 2024-06)

• Designed promotional artwork, posters, and campaign visuals for events, workshops, and community projects across print and digital platforms.
• Created 3D visual assets and promotional materials for the LADS mix series using Blender and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Produced experimental printed materials using Risograph printing techniques and editorial-inspired layouts.
• Assisted with live event programming by identifying and researching regional artists for electronic and live music events.
• Coordinated artist bookings, scheduling, and event logistics within a grassroots live music venue environment.
• Conducted outreach with community organisations to better understand accessibility barriers within nightlife and grassroots music spaces.
• Developed working knowledge of venue operations including licensing, health & safety procedures, staffing, ticketing, lighting, and live event support.

Music Producer / Performer at Self-employed (2022-06 – Present)

• Develop independent music and visual projects combining sound, branding, artwork, animation, and creative direction.
• Design all visual identity materials including EP artwork, promotional assets, artist branding, logos, and press materials.
• Create cohesive visual campaigns across music releases, live events, and social media platforms.
• Released original music accompanied by self-directed visual worlds and animated artwork.

MA in Politics – Newcastle University (2022-09 – 2023-09)

BA (Hons) in Graphic Design – Manchester School of Art (2018-09 – 2021-05)

Art and Design Foundation in Art and Design – Newcastle College (2017-09 – 2018-05)