Sophie Kirkpatrick is the founder of Atlas & I, a unique gift company that creates personalised vintage maps, all printed with your bespoke design. Sophie established the company in 2011 and now offers leather stationery, fashion accessories, wall art and greeting cards. Her silhouette artworks are made using laser cut outlines of an iconic scene or memorable event overlaid on reproduction vintage maps. Her products are now being printed on cushions and chairs too. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Sophie Kirkpatrick.
Image Credit: 1) NKUKU 2) Rebecca Jewel 3) Victoria Secret 4) Vince Camuto Robyn 5) Neil Williams
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
We specialise in creating unique silhouettes that are laser cut and laid over a reproduction antique map anywhere in the world. Likewise our leather printing technique is one of a kind and “tattoos” the ink into the leather to create a permanent map.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
When we receive an order from a customer we first have to source the map for their commission, we have an extensive database of digital maps that then need to be sourced and resized to fit the product of choice.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I sell my products through notonthehighstreet.com who are an incredible company that offers support, inspiration and help to all their sellers. Although it is now a HUGE company it feels like it’s a very personal service and like you are dealing with one person although you are dealing with a company. So I respect this company.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
My customers are my inspiration. When a customer calls up loving the concept of what I do but not sure what they want to order they tell me the story of the person they want to buy it for. I then chat to them about different options we could make. Normally a new product or silhouette comes out of this, which I can then add to my range.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
Listen and learn from anyone and everyone. You can learn something from a waitress in a café or the MD of a huge company and both points can be equally as valuable. Never dismiss someone because their industry is totally different to yours. A tree has many roots in the ground that all connect to one trunk that then sprouts into many branches and twigs. Listen to other people, they are the roots which help you and your company grow.
