INSIDE HQ: A Day In The Life with Our Creative Lead

If you’ve watched our Head of Creative’s day in the life, you may have caught sight of a certain co-pilot behind the campaign shoot. That would be Mika, our Creative Lead. As part of her role here at Saint + Sofia, Mika works alongside Michael to capture all the photos for our campaigns, as well as leading accessory imagery, ghost mannequins, and designing our catalogues and web pages. It’s a busy role, and every day is different, but for a peek at what a typical shoot day on location looks like, watch her video below.

How long have you been at Saint + Sofia?

I was there at the birth of Saint + Sofia back in 2020 – initially as a freelancer – and began working full-time just over four and a half years ago. It’s been amazing to see the company grow from a start-up into an established brand with a physical store in one of the coolest areas of London – Covent Garden.

How did you get into photography?

I’ve always been intrigued by printed photographs. As a child, I would climb up the wardrobe to reach the box of family photos – I’d sift through the negatives and loved seeing all the moments captured by the camera. I got my first camera when I was 13, and since then, it’s always been with me. It’s pretty much the only thing I carry in my handbag when I’m out.

What is your favourite part of your role?

Seeing the final result of all our hard work in print – it’s incredibly satisfying! I also absolutely love travelling abroad for our campaign shoots; I often have to pinch myself to believe this is really my job. And of course, working with my colleagues – who are also my friends – is a big part of what makes it all so special.

Any tips for people looking to get into the career?

Connect with other creatives and collaborate on test shoots. Create moodboards and think carefully about the creative direction. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lighting setups and camera settings. The key is to keep trying and learning from every experience – your signature style will follow naturally.

What are the three must-haves in any kit bag?

Spare batteries and SD cards are an absolute must, you never know what might happen, and you need to be prepared. Then, of course, a selection of your favourite lenses, mine would be the 50mm f/1.4. And I can’t forget my coffee KeepCup filled with an oat latte – and a little healthy snack to keep me going throughout the day.

What is your favourite thing to experiment with on shoots?

I love placing different materials in front of the lens to create interesting effects without relying on post-production – for example, using women’s stockings to add a beautiful, grainy texture to my photos. I also enjoy experimenting with different lighting setups. Light is everything, and mastering it can completely transform an image. I love shooting on film too; it’s always a wonderful surprise to see how the photos turn out.

Want to learn more about the team?

Watch more Day-In-The-Life videos:

– Michael – Head of Creative
– Danielle – Senior Designer
– Lily – Supply Chain Lead