Sophie O'Connor
Designer, Brand Designer, Branding Designer, Strategic Brand Designer
About
Independent branding designer based in Manchester, with a focus on typography and strategic design. She previously worked as a senior designer at Mother London.
SourceIn their own words
The whole thing just feels off to me, like two typefaces arguing with each other. The 'r' feels like a z and doesn't flow as true cursive would.
Follow your gut: if it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.
As someone with chronic health issues working for myself, I have to be super-careful not to burn out, physically and mentally.
Client work seems a lot slower and more difficult to land jobs.
I'm currently working on repositioning myself as a 'studio' rather than a freelancer.
Nowadays, success is more about doing good work for good people whilst retaining a healthy work-life balance.
Success is more about doing good work for good people whilst retaining a healthy work-life balance.
Never take on any big projects in December, push them back to January. Be super clear on your finishing day.
My biggest win is finally launching my online print shop.
The one thing I wish I'd known when I started was how to plan and budget better, and how to use a spreadsheet properly.
Articles & interviews
- Company Policy Marks Five Years of Constant Reinvention
Tom May examines the divided creative response to Instagram's 2026 visual identity refresh by global studio Koto. Critics question the wordmark's hybrid cursive and geometric lettering, particularly its potentially misread 'r', while supporters argue that its negative-space construction, heritage cues and personality work within a wider identity system. The article frames the argument as a broader debate about accessibility, brand equity and whether logos should be judged independently or as part of an ecosystem.
- Designers Share Advice on Overcoming Career Drift
Creative Boom’s community shares advice for designers experiencing career drift, offering encouragement and practical steps to reconnect with their creative roots. Contributors emphasize self-initiated projects, embracing generalist skills, and protecting personal energy. The article reframes career drift as a natural evolution rather than a failure.
- "Best Steps for Freelancers at a Career Crossroads"