Sophie Slim (Graphic Design) - Alumni profile

Sophie Slim graduated with a BA (Hons) Graphic Design, and with an MA in Graphic Design. Sophie currently works as a Junior Designer at Girl&Bear.

During the course, we were introduced to The Challenger Academy, an advertising-industry-focused internship programme, which I was accepted onto. Through this internship, I was introduced to Girl&Bear, who later offered me a design-focused placement that subsequently led to my first industry role.

We also had many opportunities to meet industry professionals and participate in portfolio reviews, which gave me the opportunity to showcase my work and practise presentation and interview skills.

With the ongoing support of both my tutors and peers throughout the course, my confidence in my abilities and in myself grew steadily each year. By the time I graduated and entered the industry, I felt well prepared and equipped with the skills needed to successfully begin my career.

Over the duration of the course, we worked on multiple team, sprint, and live industry briefs. These opportunities helped develop my teamworking, communication, and time management skills, which have proven to be helpful in my current role, working in a more fast-paced and collaborative environment.

Working on a range of set and self-initiated briefs means you get to experience many aspects of design. Working to deadlines, taking on feedback, and presenting my work, on both independent and collaborative briefs, allowed me to develop a range of skills, which I have found to have translated well to professional practice.

Interesting, varied, fun, and rewarding.

Since joining Girl&Bear in 2023, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a range of big clients, including Cadbury, Co-op, Walkers, Müller, and Transport for London, to name only a few, as well as projects for charities such as Onwards&Upwards and The Challenger Academy.

Two years into my career, I was recognised as one of Campaign’s Faces to Watch 2025 — it was a lovely surprise; a really meaningful milestone for me that I am really proud of. I also had the privilege of designing a book for artist Rob Pointon ROI, commemorating his time as Artist in Residence for the Household Cavalry & Household Division, during a significant period in the history of the Royal Family and the British Military.