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Sophie Shelh is an Emmy Award-winning art director who relocated to Hollywood independently to pursue her artistic ambitions. She has worked on some of the world’s most significant sporting events, including the Super Bowl and the FIFA World Cup. Her crowning achievement was winning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Art Direction Set Design Category for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Way to go!
Sophie Shelh is an initiative-taking individual. Along with her latest achievement of winning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Art Direction Set Design Category for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, her goal-oriented and people-centric approach, complemented by her exceptional communication skills, has significantly contributed to her success. Fluent in French, Arabic, and English, her energetic personality and openness leave a lasting impression everywhere she goes.
How did you get started?
I earned my Bachelor of Art in Graphic Design from Parsons School of Design in New York City. Throughout my career, I had the opportunity to work on and help elevate major brands in the entertainment industries, such as NBC, the NFL, Fox Sports, and Apple. I also helped Apple TV launch their live sporting event broadcasts for MLB and MLS.
How did you develop your talent? Do you actually believe in talent or in hard work?
Hard work and consistency, along with talent, are necessary for success.
In your opinion, what is the key to success?
Confidence, resilience, consistency, self-discipline, and hard work are the keys to success.
How did you decide to follow your dreams all the way to Hollywood?
Since I was a kid, I have always dreamed of going to Hollywood in order to pursue my artistic goals and get into the entertainment industry. I believe the only way to do great work is to do what you love. I am passionate about art and music as well. It’s the best thing when career and passion come together. I have always been an ambitious person, and that is why I decided to move to the United States.
What were the challenges you faced?
It wasn’t easy being a female designer trying to find work opportunities as an art director in the male-dominated sports industry. Eventually, it was my hard work and creativity that paid off after several years and helped me overcome those challenges.
What do you keep in mind from your peak moments—the FIFA live coverage, for instance, and the Emmy Award?
Being an Emmy Award Winner for the Outstanding Art Direction Set Design Category for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. This is truly the highlight of my career and proves that hard work does pay off. I will forever cherish this moment and will always be grateful to those around me who pushed me and stood by me.
Could you elaborate more on this idea?
As an art director, I came up with the concept of Kufic calligraphy, uniquely created as a detailed script with patterns designed based on the formulated ancient forms of Arabic calligraphy. The creation of the Fox, Qatar logos, and the marks for all 32 countries were systematically designed with this system so that they could be meshed together to form one unified pattern. These patterns and marks were interwoven into the on-air graphics package, insert look, scenic design for the event, and the architecture of the set stage in Doha, Qatar.
What does fame mean to you?
I never intended to seek fame. I just want to be a role model for young artists, showing them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Marie-Christine Tayah
Instagram: @mariechristine..tayah