Graphic design alumna and now visual designer for the University of Portland, Sophie Peterson still relies on skills she learned in CLA’s graphic design program
Sophie Peterson
By Colin Bowyer, Communications Manager - March 12, 2025
Sophie Peterson, ‘18, grew up in SW Portland to a family of Beavers. After a solo visit to OSU with some friends from high school during her junior year, she would follow the footsteps of many other members of her family. Always a “doodler” and an active member of her high school’s yearbook class, Peterson also knew she wanted to pursue graphic design.
“I just loved the beauty of campus and the small town vibe of Corvallis,” said Peterson. “I also knew CLA’s graphic design program was going to be the right fit for me to help further my design skills.”
When arriving at OSU, Peterson loved the small cohort of students in the graphic design program, as well as faculty and instructors, all who created a welcoming and supportive environment. Some of Peterson’s favorite classes included Typography (GD 327) with Associate Professor Jun Bum Shin, Professional Practices (GD 420) with Sr. Instructor Christine Gallagher, and Digital Illustration (DSGN 281) with Sr. Instructor Marianne Dickson. Peterson explained that the most valuable skill she learned as part of the program was how to accept and interpret critique from faculty and peers.
“In this profession, it’s so important to take critique well and understand how to thoughtfully respond,” explained Peterson. “The professors fostered a humble atmosphere that allowed for me to figure out how to separate myself from critique and come to a productive solution.”
Peterson wanted to stay in Corvallis after graduating, so she began working as a graphic designer for Stahlbush Island Farms, a small, family-owned, sustainable farm that specializes in artisan purees and frozen fruits and vegetables. Peterson worked on designing their packaging and creating photography and videography content for Stahlbush’s social media channels.
“I was a one-person team who was busy all the time,” said Peterson. “But to get a job like this fresh out of school was incredibly helpful to building my confidence and skill-level. I learned so many new things, not just in design, but also in content creation and time management.”
After a few years, Peterson and her partner were looking to move on from Corvallis and experience living in a city. Peterson landed her “dream job” working for Whole Foods at their headquarters in Austin, Texas, in a more production-based role. Peterson worked on marketing projects behind the scenes, helping to oversee the design and implementation of graphics used in stores.
“Working at a well-known, corporate company like Whole Foods, I felt that I had finally ‘made it’ as a designer,” said Peterson. “There was a small transition period of me trying to understand corporate structure and identity, coming from working at a small family farm, but I felt that I was able to pick it up quickly. Both jobs gave me such unique perspectives.”
Peterson’s time at Whole Foods was cut short due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. In the latter part of 2020, Whole Foods laid off many of its corporate employees. Unfortunately, Peterson was one of them and found herself unemployed for over six months.
After living in Texas during the initial years of the COVID-19 Pandemic (and surviving the 2021 Texas ice storm), Peterson and her partner moved back to Portland to be closer to family. Peterson began looking for a mission-driven organization that she could join, not necessarily focusing on higher education. Then, a role at University or Portland supporting the college’s marketing department opened up; she applied and began working as a visual designer in their Marketing & Web Services Department.
A majority of Peterson’s role at UP is designing printed materials for the admissions department, including brochures, magazines, SWAG, and supporting materials for events and reunions. She helped to design UP's environmental campaign at Portland International Airport and is currently a part of the effort to refresh UP’s brand identity, something she’d learned to do while a student in OSU’s graphic design program. Perhaps most impactfully, Peterson is able to incorporate her illustration work into UP's marketing materials.
“This position feels the most ‘me’ I’ve ever had,” explained Peterson. “It’s a great balance of production and creative work. It took a few years after graduating to discover that I’m not the person for a super small company or giant corporate entity. Working with my small-but-mighty mid-size marketing team, where we all collaborate and work in coordination, is the perfect fit.”
In 2024, Peterson and her team earned nine awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education for their excellence in design, including one for her illustrations in UP’s admissions materials.
“If you're looking to become a millionaire, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend graphic design,” joked Peterson. “But if you want to have fun and stretch your creative muscles in interesting ways, then I would say graphic design is for you. The best part is that as a graphic designer, you’re not tied to one specific industry. My experience has shown me that, but as long as you’re passionate about your work, go for it!”
