Sophia Georgopoulou

Specialized in Design.

Sophia Georgopoulou

About Sophia Georgopoulou

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs

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Interview with Sophia Georgopoulou

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
I grew up in Athens in a total artistic environment. My grandfather was an artist and my parents are both architects, so I knew since I was a child that I wanted to do something that would involve art and colors in any way! My childhood dream was to play with colors and brushes…Forever! Becoming a graphic designer was my goal since high school. I studied BA (Hons) Graphic Information Design in the University of Westminster (London, UK) and when I came back to Greece I was very fortunate to start my working experience and my career in a worldwide known and awarded branding and design agency in Athens. This was my first job. While I was working there, I realized that I wanted to specialize in branding, logo design, corporate identity and packaging.The last 6 years I work as a freelance graphic designer and I am based in Athens. I am specialized in a series of design fields that include: corporate identity development, logo design, branding, visual communication, illustration & package design while my clients are both of Greek and international origin.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
My home based design studio is the place where I create. It is located in Athens, Greece.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Creating visual identities for companies and brands of all sizes is my passion, but this passion comes hand-in-hand with a good mix of rational thinking and professionalism. My benchmark is to create brands that have a reason of existence, that generate strong emotions to the targeted consumers while my definition of success is to see the brands and the projects I handle flourish and grow!
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
Every project is different so I cannot say that I have one favourite. I love all of my projects.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
The first thing I designed ever as a junior designer in my first work was a series of sketches for an Athenian magazine.
When do you feel the most creative?
Creativity can hit you in the head at any time. I feel most creative when fter all the research that I do in every project, I find the "idea" and the concept. I feel happy when I know what I am doing.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I work upon brief. So based on the brief and the needs of the client, I focus my design and find the necessary means of expressing it.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
Usually I feel happy when what I what I have in mind actually works.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
i feel happiness when I see my clients happy with my work and that they have a positive outcome for their product.
What makes a design successful?
A design is successful when it meets its clients needs, and at the same time is aesthetically pretty.I admire the designers who make an impact, embrace the message in a unique way and create emotions.I believe that creativity is the ultimate seed for a great work, but strategy and rational thinking are prerequisites for things to 'click'. Every brand or company has a message and a story that needs to be said. I believe that the combination of passion, creativity and aesthetic simplicity do the job. Be simple and “to the point” and don’t create unnecessary noise.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
it depends on the category of design. I consider if the design is based on the clients needs and if this happens, aesthetics and design quality and execution is after.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
My inspiration can be anything really. The lyrics of a song, a nice talk, my friends, a walk in nature, a big smile, the Greek sun. Of course before starting working on a project I do my research so I get inspiration from other great designers and their work, through art books and design blogs.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
My motto is “Think with your heart”. In my work I am trying to combine logic and… magic! I favor the combination of creativity and aesthetic simplicity that does the job without unnecessary noise. I believe that creativity is the seed for great work, but also in the importance of strategy and planning as a prerequisite for things to 'click'.Creating visual identities for companies and brands of all sizes is my passion, but this passion comes hand-in-hand with a good mix of rational thinking and professionalism. My benchmark is to create brands that have a reason of existence, that generate strong emotions to the targeted consumers while my definition of success is to see the brands and the projects I handle flourish and grow!
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I live in Athens, Greece. I love living in Greece because is where my family & friends are. Greece is my country, a country full of history, culture, passionate people, great food, a great sun and the best summers!I am very proud that Greek graphic design (and design in general) is of a very high level. Competition is very high and that makes me try harder and wanting to become better and better.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
My suggestion is that companies should choose a designer to work based on their work experience, talent and portfolio work.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I work in a per project basis. Upon a given brief from the client, I do my research and start designing my ideas. I present to the client 2-3 different design concepts at first presentation. Then, upon selection of the chosen concept, the next step is finalisation and further development of the design and final stage is the delivery of final artwork files.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
my iMac, my moleskin, my paintings and framed posters I collect from design museums around the world, my design books.
Can you describe a day in your life?
First thing in the morning is to go for a big walk with Cookie, my dog! Then I have a big cup of coffee, I go to the gym and then my day starts! Usually I work at home or go to meet my clients, new business meetings etc..
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
-Believe in yourself and your talent.-Get personally involved in the project no matter the size of the client.-Don’t think of money when you create. It is a bad influence and it affects your creativity. Work from your heart! -Find your strong points and use them.-Focus on the message and on what truly matters to be communicated.-Embrace the message by creating emotions through your designs.-Don’t copy. Get inspired.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
I don't find negatives. I am a designer and I feel like this. This is who I am so I support that :-)
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Embrace the message, be simple and “to the point” and don’t create unnecessary noise. Keep it simple.Less is more.
What skills are most important for a designer?
To be able to design for his client and not (only) for himself. What is challenging is to be able to combine his aesthetics and knowledge but respecting his clients vision. The designer doesn't design for himself. He designed for the others.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
I always have my sketchbook, I collect inspirational images from design books or Pinterest of other related projects
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
You learn to manage your time because you need to respect the needs and the deadlines.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
How I managed to work as a freelancer in the beginning of Greek Crisis :-)
Who are some of your clients?
My clients come from many different fields. At the moment I work with clients from Greece and abroad, mainly (but not only) in the food & beverage sector.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I really enjoy branding, logo design, packaging and visual identity projects that start from scratch.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I want to continue to work on interesting projects and meet unique people, embrace their messages, make an impact and create emotions.My ultimate desire and goal is to continue inspire people through my work, make them smile and try to make them see things in a different perspective.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
Usually I develop the designs my self but its the project is more demanding I have other designers that I work with in a per project basis.
How can people contact you?
Website: www.sophiag.com-E-mail: hello@sophiag.com-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sophia-Georgopoulou-Design/172724902814608?ref=hl-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/sophia-georgopoulou/30/150/161-Behance: https://www.behance.net/SophiaGeorgopoulou-Twitter: https://twitter.com/SophiaGdotCom
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
I believe that creativity is the ultimate seed for a great work, but strategy and rational thinking are prerequisites for things to 'click'. Every brand or company has a message and a story that needs to be said. I believe that the combination of passion, creativity and aesthetic simplicity do the job. Be simple and “to the point” and don’t create unnecessary noise.

Designer of the Day Interview with Sophia Georgopoulou

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I studied BA (Hons) Graphic Information Design in the University of Westminster (London, UK) and when I came back to Greece I was very fortunate to start my working experience and my career in a worldwide known and awarded branding and design agency in Athens. This was my first job. While I was working there, I realized that I wanted to specialize in branding, logo design, corporate identity and packaging. The last 7 years I work as a freelance graphic designer and I am based in Athens. I am specialized in a series of design fields that include: corporate identity development, logo design, branding, visual communication, illustration & package design while my clients are both of Greek and international origin.
How did you become a designer?
I grew up in Athens in a total artistic environment. My grandfather was an artist and my parents are both architects, so I knew since I was a child that I wanted to do something that would involve art and colors in any way! My childhood dream was to play with colors and brushes…Forever! Becoming a graphic designer was my goal since high school.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
01. Receive a detailed brief from the client is the most important thing. If the client cannot provide a correct brief, I always send a questionnaire. It is important to know what I am going to design, respect the needs of the project in order to be a successful one (for the client).02. I always do Research of the competition03. Trust how I feel about the project.To me, it is important to be able to design for your client and not (only) for yourself. What is challenging is to be able to combine my aesthetics and knowledge but respecting my clients vision. The designer doesn't design for himself. He designed for the others.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I love the part where a project starts. It makes me happy. All the design process makes me happy. My favorite part of this process when after all the research and all drafts I say to myself “This is it!”.I believe that creativity is the ultimate seed for a great work, but strategy and rational thinking are prerequisites for things to 'click'. Every brand or company has a message and a story that needs to be said. I believe that the combination of passion, creativity and aesthetic simplicity do the job every time. My ultimate desire and goal is to inspire people through my work, create emotions and memorable brands, make people smile and try to make them see things in a different perspective.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Intuition, passion, thinking positive, trust my instinct, thinking with my heart.I believe that all these aspects make me a good working partner that together with my team and the client create unique projects.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
I want to continue to work on interesting projects and meet unique people (as clients or team members), embrace their messages, make an impact and create emotions. I want to make people happy through my work. My ultimate desire and goal is to continue inspire people through my work, make them smile and try to make them see things in a different perspective. I also woule like to continue working with people and projects from around the world.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
-Believe in yourself and your talent.-Get personally involved in the project no matter the size of the client.-Don’t think of money when you create. It is a bad influence and it affects your creativity. Work from your heart! -Find your strong points and use them.-Focus on the message and on what truly matters to be communicated.-Embrace the message by creating emotions through your designs.-Don’t copy. Get inspired.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
A design is successful when it meets its clients needs, and at the same time is aesthetically pretty. I admire the designers who make an impact, embrace the message in a unique way and create emotions. Every brand or company has a message and a story that needs to be said. I believe that the combination of passion, creativity and aesthetic simplicity do the job. Be simple and “to the point” and don’t create unnecessary noise.
What is your day to day look like?
First thing in the morning is to go for a big walk with Cookie, my dog! Then I have a big cup of coffee, I go to the gym and then my day starts! Usually I work at home or go to meet my clients, new business meetings etc.. Also if there is a new project involved, I look at inspirational design sites or on Instagram and also my books.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I do follow fellow designers that I admire their work, in Greece and globaly, I read design books and I try to visit design exhibitions and events as much as I can.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
To me, a succesefull design is when the message of the project is communicated easily and correctly, without unnecessary noise. Keep it simple. Less is more.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
A design is ready when both me and my client are happy and when I meet the briefs requirements in a unique way. When something is eye catching, minimal and to the point.
What is your biggest design work?
I cannot select one work. I love all projects, I put all my effort and my love to every single one of them so I cannot choose.
Who is your favourite designer?
In general I admire the good result of a design and what it makes me feel. I admire the designers who make an impact, embrace the message in a unique way and create emotions. I admire many designers and their work. But one example of a GREAT logo and graphic designer is Alan Fletcher. I love his work! He has been a great inspiration to me.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
My work is more recognisable.NetworkingWorking with people around the globe.Being the Designer of the Day is a great GREAT honour!

Extended Interview with Sophia Georgopoulou

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I grew up in Athens in a total artistic environment. My grandfather was an artist and my parents are both architects, so I knew since I was a child that I wanted to do something that would involve art and colors in any way! I studied BA (Hons) Graphic Information Design in the University of Westminster (London, UK) and when I came back to Greece I was very fortunate to start my working experience and my career in a worldwide known and awarded branding and design agency in Athens. This was my first job. While I was working there, I realized that I wanted to specialize in branding, logo design, corporate identity and packaging.
How did you become a designer?
To me design is a means of expression. So I guess the motivation is to express myself through my work BUT always respecting the needs and the brief of my Client.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
My childhood dream was to play with colors and brushes…Forever! Becoming a graphic designer was my goal since high school.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I am specialized in a series of design fields that include: corporate identity development, logo design, branding, visual communication, illustration & package design while my clients are both of Greek and international origin.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Believe in themselves and their talent. Work from their heart! Find their strong points and use them. Get inspired! Work hard and read books.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
I think that a great designer is the one who is a good designer in terms of skills, that always tries to improve himself and evolve, that trusts his journey and respects the needs of the client.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
I believe it is a combination of talent, innovation, skills and production
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
I think with my heart and focus on what truly matters to be communicated.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
In generally I admire the good result and what a project makes me feel. I admire the designers who make an impact, embrace the message in a unique way and create emotions. I admire many designers and their work. But one example of a GREAT logo and graphic designer is Alan Fletcher. I love his work! He has been a great inspiration. Recently I admire the work of many greek designers and especially the work of Dimitris Papazoglou, a great graphic designer from Thessaloniki.
Who is your favourite designer?
I don't like talking about my work. I cannot choose one design since most of my projects I created from scratch, all have a story to tell and I believe I did my best.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
work work work, study hard, focus, read books, visit museums and exhibitions and try to be my self through what I do.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
i have no idea. Maybe I would be involved in something to do with fashion

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