Meet Sophie Holt the creative behind Studio Soph!
Ever since I was a young girl, drawing was my favourite thing to do (besides climbing trees, building huts and making up my own fairy tales) I was born in Christchurch (New Zealand) but I grew up in the Netherlands where I got my degree in Graphic Design. I came back to New Zealand nine years ago and moved to Motueka.
Here I'm living my dream; being a full time artist.
Keep reading to learn more about Soph and her creative journey, working with Tikitibu, what product she's super excited about and see her stunning work in action!
Tell us about yourself!
I’m an artist living in beautiful Motueka, where I work full-time creating playful, illustrated ceramics and more. I was born in Christchurch, but I spent most of my childhood in the Netherlands. Art has always been a huge part of my life - I come from a very creative family. Both of my grandparents were potters, and my opa (granddad) had his own pottery studio on a canal in Utrecht, the Netherlands. My mum is also a full-time artist, and I grew up watching her work with clay, first on the kitchen table, then in her studio. I feel incredibly lucky to have been surrounded by creativity from the day I was born.
Tell us about the turning point in your creative journey!
Though I was born in Christchurch, I spent most of my childhood in the Netherlands. Around the age of 18, I started making things to sell — sewing, screen-printing t-shirts with my own illustrations, and experimenting with different creative projects. When I moved back to Aotearoa at 21, I kept making and never stopped. After years of hard work and growth, I was able to turn my passion into a full-time career. My journey began at local art markets, then I started stocking work at The Little Beehive Co-op in Nelson. From there, my business really began to grow. One of my most recognizable pieces is probably the grumpy cheetah, about ten years ago, I made a cup featuring him with the words “F%$K off.” At the time, rude words on everyday items were non-existent, but people loved it, and it’s still my best-selling cup to this da
When did you start working with Tikitibu?
A few years ago, I started working with Anneliese and it’s been a real turning point for my business. Collaborating with her has been such a positive experience, she’s full of ideas and so supportive. As someone who usually works alone, building collections with Tikitibu has brought a sense of connection and fun into the process.
What is your favourite product from your collection at the moment?
One of my all-time favourite items is a drinking bottle we’ve just finished! Designing one has been a dream of mine for years!
Shop the complete Studio Soph collection HERE!
