Biography

Sofia Reyes is a Panamanian multidisciplinary artist known for her contributions to the realms of comic art, illustration, and design. Hailing from the tropics, Sofia identifies as a queer BIPOC woman whose work is deeply rooted in the exploration of storytelling and identity.

Her work has been featured in exhibitions, zines, newsletters, and animation-based documentaries.

Work

Sofia's creative journey spans across various mediums, from linocut to digital art, zines, color pencils, gouache, and risograph. She gravitates towards themes such as fantasy storytelling, BIPOC womanhood, identity politics, and biology, drawing inspiration from her heritage and the realm of Latin American magical realism.

Through her work, Sofia aims to explore, challenge, and express the intricate layers of her identity, an invitation to the discussion of lived realties in relation to the aesthetic of fantasy and illusion.

Currently, Sofia's practice is directed towards creating a lasting impact through mural work, gallery exhibitions, artist residencies, and comic/graphic novel illustration—these are the types of projects she eagerly looks forward to as her work remains a continuous journey of growth, storytelling, and a personal connection to her roots.

CV

Education

  • Ontario College of Art and Design, Bachelor of Design: Illustration, 2023.
  • St. Mary School, High School Diploma in Sciences, Humanities, and Commerce, 2018. Panama.

Publications

FEATURED IN

  • GHOST GIRL Zine, "DREAMS",VOLUME 2, 2021.
  • HUNGRY Zine, ISSUE 2: "IT'S COMPLICATED", 2021. 
  •  PILE PRESS,  FALL READING ISSUE 2, 2021. 
  •  MIXED RICE Zine, QUEERING FRIENDSHIPS ISSUE, 2021.

AWARDS

  • RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD), 2022 Career Launcher Fund - Recipient.
  • OCAD University Illustration Program, 2022 ILLU PROGRAM MEDAL - Honourable Mention.

Exhibitions

  • Yonge-Dundas Square Black History Month Digital Exhibition, Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto, Canada, 2023.
  • Almeda Collective “Come As You Are” Exhibition, Ada Sleight Gallery, Toronto, Canada, 2022.
  • GradEx 107, OCAD University, Toronto, Canada, 2022.
  • Out & About Workshop Exhibition, Butterfield Park, Toronto, Canada, 2022.

Projects

Out & About Print Workshop -
“Where Once Stood a Bandstand for Cruising and Shelter” book
Summer 2022-2023

  • Collaborative print project with Hazel Meyer, based on her 2017 project of the same name.Featured an exhibition of apparel designed in response to the project, and the production and publishing of the book.
  • Participated in printing (risograph, intaglio, letterpress, engraving) and book binding.
  • Contributed to the content of the book.
  • Book release event at Art Metropole.

OCAD ILLU PROGRAM -

“Brujería: A Quest for Identity” (fka “OMNES, BRUJX!”) 

May 2022

  •  Final year Illustration Program thesis project exploring Afro-Caribbean faiths and chosen family dynamics.
  • Created an extensive, cohesive body of work over a 12-month period.
  • Tested different print aspects in search for the best match to files, printed materials as risograph, mounted prints on foam boards.
  • Developed the look and feel of 8 paintings and 1 comic.
  • Project presentation at GradEx 107.

NIKE/DESIGN4/DNA DPX -

CAE Project  April 2022 - Feb 2023

  • Worked as an intern for OCAD U/ Dr. Dori Tunstall doing design and illustrative work on a confidential enterprise-wide project for Nike, Inc.
  • Participated as a project team member, attending project meetings with client (Nike), developing and presenting concepts, storyboarding, visual centers, branding, as well as creating badges and name tags for client to support project development and execution.
  • Helped develop an educational curriculum.
  • Created 200 illustrations for a documentary produced by Nike’s associate, DNA DPX.

Professional Experience


  • Illustrator - DNA DPX, July 2022-Feb 2023.
  • Volunteer Sales Assistant - GradEx 107, Toronto, Canada, June 2022.
  • Short Term Designer/Strategist - NIKE / DESIGN4, Toronto, Canada, April - Dec 2022.
  • Graphic Designer (Contract) - OCADU Student Union, Toronto, Canada, 2022.
  • International Student Monitor - OCADU Library Learning Zone, Toronto, Canada, Sept2021 - March 2022.
  • Vendor - OCADU Artist Alley, Toronto, Canada, 2019.

Press


Selected Clients

  • Nike Inc.
  • DNA DPX
  • HUNGRY Zine
  • OCAD University


Using Format