Sophie Douala: How Literature Shapes a Berlin-Based Graphic Designer's Creative Process

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ART DIRECTOR BASED IN BERLIN

THE READERS

I recently had the pleasure of discovering the work of Sophie Douala, a graphic designer based in Berlin.

Originally from Cameroon and raised in France, Sophie's art is a beautiful reflection of her cultural and social background.

I discover her works while visiting Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and was struck by her exhibition called "Follow The Black Rabbit" where she examines the impact of current social and political events on our collective consciousness.

The exhibition features a series of immersive wall prints and videos that creates a dreamy Alice Wonderland world that is both joyful and melancholic.

With her striking visual imagery, Sophie's art captures the complexities of our world and the struggles we face.

I'm excited to have the opportunity to speak with her and learn more about her creative process and inspiration.

How has literature influenced your creative process as a graphic designer? / Is there any books, essays or biographies that you find essential and wanted to share with us ?

Growing up, I was never the kid who got lost in books. I always wished I had that passion, and with time, I am learning to evolve around that channel. I'd recommend books like "We Should All Be Feminists" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie or "All About Love" by Bell Hooks, which are quite accessible for entry-level readers.

In my work, I think I am always inspired by anything I experience. The book "Bread and Roses" by Andrea d'Atri has been quite influential in my working process. It helped me better understand the structure of society and inspired me to discover women who have had an impact. Sometimes it's worth reminding ourselves that change can happen by better supporting each other, and this is something I try to constantly remind myself of in my practice.

Have you ever created designs specifically inspired by a literary text? If so, can you tell us more?

There is 2 projects that comes into my mind — 

Working in collaboration with musicians can lead to amazing explorations between sound, text, and visuals. I have particularly fond memories of working on the “Tastes Like Freedom” release by 30/70, written by their lead singer Allysha Joy.

When I was commissioned, Alicia explained how the lyrics were connected to the exploration of intimacy, and how love may take time to be understood and grow.

I found myself very inspired by these lyrics, which touch on themes of self-love, desire, female empowerment, and gender fluidity. It's powerful for anyone to open up about something personal, especially women, considering how our bodies are constantly shamed, used, and owned. It's important for us to reclaim our own narratives.

Working on my book "In Memory Of The Present" was another very special experience of interacting with text. I asked ten creatives and relatives who inspire me to write on some societal constructs such as patience, kindness, humility but also pride, envy and lust. I drew from sources such as the seven virtues and sins, but allowed the narrative to be more diverse as those terms have evolved from religion into society. It was humbling to receive those stories, which ranged from childhood memories to experiences that were overcome, to lessons learned along the way.

I then illustrated those texts and compiled them into an anthology, which together become poetry. Each story is quite emotional because they touch on something personal. The process of working on this was fluid and instinctive, and I believe the result showcases that energy.

Have you ever collaborated with authors or publishers to create designs for their books? If so, what was the process like?

I recently collaborated on a trilogy of books for Sonsbeek→24 and Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, entitled "Abstracting Parables." The books were published in conjunction with an exhibition and sonic journey that brought together the artistic positions of Sedje Hémon (1923-2011), Abdias do Nascimento (1914-2011), and Imran Mir (1923-2011).

The three books contain essays by several cultural contributors and authors who explore the artistic language, work frame, and context of these three artists. Working on this project made me delve into each artist's life and narrative, and intrinsically, made me think and learn. Despite coming from a different time and location, you realize how some struggles and hopes can be universal.

As an anecdote, it was funny that, towards the end of the project, when the book was nearly finalized, I stumbled upon a photo of Sedje Hémon's front studio door. On it, I saw a sign with her name hand-painted, and I noticed how the typography was very similar to the one I had chosen to design her book. We all wondered if this was a coincidence, but I personally think that it is a testament to being aware and receptive to someone's story.