Making Murals with Sofahood

I met up with my dad mid-afternoon in the heart of downtown Atlanta and came across two ladies painting a large mural on side of a building. 

With camera in hand, I introduced myself to both women as they organized their materials and asked if they’d be willing to discuss what they were working on. 

Both, Sophia and Ash, agreed and ended up Dropping Jewels with Julien Virgin. 

Sophia @sofahood is a 23 year old black and afro-latinx artist in Atlanta who, “Creates content for the marginalized through loud colors and even louder subject matters.”

Her lead assistant for this project is Ash McNamara @ash_mcn_. Ash is an Atlanta based, New Orleans bred artist and designer who frequently collaborates with artist throughout the city. 

Sophia is in the process of completing her fourth full-scale mural in Atlanta.

“It’s been such an amazing experience. I really like that my art has been blown up throughout the city.”

Commissioned by music platform ‘Audiomack’, this mural — located on the corner of Marietta and Simpson St. — will highlight notable artist from Atlanta including Gucci Mane, Young Thug, Andre 3000, Summer Walker and The Migos.

“It’s such pleasing work, if nothing else because people see it and interact with it, take pictures, tag me in it — it’s amazing.”

When asked what would 10 year old Sophia think about Sophia today?

“She’d probably think that I was really cool, and having a lot of fun because I’ve always wanted to do art full time, and with projects like this I’m lucky enough to make that my reality.”

Growing up drawing since the age of four, Sophia says that without art, she would be ‘silent’ adding, “Whenever I can’t work on art, I’m really sad — really quiet. I think that’s because art is a good way to express myself and relieve a lot of stress.”

Sophia’s expression through art has enabled her to turn childhood dreams into reality, and encourages inspiring artist to continue creating.

“If you like drawing, if you like painting — do that,” said Sophia adding,  “Whether you’re making money from it or not, make time for it and just put the energy into it because it will pay off — whether it’s financially mentally or emotionally, expressing yourself through art always pays off.”

#supportahustla and follow Sophia @sofahood and visit Sofahood.com