Sónia Matos
- Art Director
- Portugal
- Member since 2008
An Editorial and Graphic Designer, currently working as Creative Director at Público (a daily Portuguese newspaper).
With a degree in Communication Design, Sónia started working very early in newspapers. In the beginning with just a x-act in one hand and a spray of glue in the other (the kind that would leave her shoes glued to the floor – but still, not glued enough).
After some initial experiences in local newspapers, the opportunities grew in scale and number. First, working for Diário de Notícias, the most traditional daily national newspaper, where she earned her first international recognitions; then working for O Independente, a weekly newspaper, where she was promoted to a leadership role and headed the design of what became one of the most awarded newspaper of those years, in Europe, while promoting a new generation of photographers and illustrators with her breakthrough work.
Finally, Sónia was hired by Público – not only to become the newspaper’s art director but also to lead the total redesign of the daily and all its supplements. “I just love to work with people who inspire me and know more than I do – so discovering the world of newspapers was quite a happy coincidence. By inviting Mark Porter and Simon Esterson to support me in that move I could realize once more how working with the very best always make the right difference.”
Since then Público has won several major design awards including the D&AD Yellow Pencil, the European Newspaper of the Year by ENA (European Newspaper Award) and the Best Newspaper of the Year by ÑH (The Best of Newspaper Design Spain/Portugal and Latin America). In the past years, Público has also been among the finalists and semi-finalists in the world’s best designed newspaper competition (SND).
Based on the new design cycle, revamping Público’s online presence and apps was just one more step regarding a strong and consistent visual identity in all expressions of the brand.
Among other magazines, newspapers and supplements, Matos redesigned the Jornal de Leiria (twice Best newspaper design by SND-E), the local newspaper where she started her career.
“I love designing for print but the big challenge is to think of good storytelling solutions for digital.”
A keynote speaker and a member of the jury at several national and international design competitions (D&AD, SND, ÑH and European Newspaper Award) where she has seen her work recognized over the years.
Contact Sónia.
