Creative to the core, Sonya Popova has spent her career in the design industry.

Based in Sofia, Bulgaria, she has studied the arts extensively, and has more than tens years experience working for agencies and studios.

Her expertise in logo design has seen her win dozens of competitions on DesignCrowd, which has elevated her to one of the Top 100 designers on the site.

Beyond the pen tool invited Sonya to share her story.

Sonya's winning entry for Pink Models.

I live in...Sofia, Bulgaria, and I work from home

The view out my window...Is of an old pine. There are sparrows, jays, and a squirrel family living in the branches.

My passion for...Logo design began when I was studying at the National Art Academy.

I have...Studied for six years at the National Art Academy in Sofia, in the Faculty of Fine Arts, and the Department of Poster and Visual Communication. I hold a Bachelor and Master's qualification.

I also have more than 10 year's experience in different advertising agencies and creative studios as a graphic designer and art director.

Sonya's Winning entry for a translation company.

I come up with creative ideas...Unexpectedly. I can think of an idea at any time, any place.

My favourite designers are...Omee and Raicho.

Sonya's winning for Indie Fiberworks.

My design style can be described as...Flat Design.

I specialize in...Logo Design.

I’m most creative when I’m...Happy.

When I'm working I like to listen to...Alternative rock, electronic and experimental music. Some of the bands I love to listen to are London Grammar, Chvrches, and Sigur Rós.

What do you think of the new Google logo? I don’t love, and don’t hate, the new Google logo. It just doesn’t make a big impression on me.

Sonya's winning logo design for a kids party furniture company.

I discovered DesignCrowd...Four years ago, when I was still working as an art director at my last agency.

My top tips for designers to succeed is...You need to put in a lot of hard work. You should also always look to participate in more competitions.

The winning logo from Sonya's favorite competition.

My favorite contest on DesignCrowd was...The LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION because the idea came to me very quickly, and I could see a clear and strong symbol. There were no comments or corrections, and you can see the logo just as I designed.

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Written by Kevin Bradford on Thursday, October 29, 2015

Kevin Bradford is a content editor at DesignCrowd with a background in journalism and digital production. Experienced in both writing and videography, he loves combining his skills to create captivating content across all multimedia channels.