Riding Shotgun in Sofia: Sunshine, History and Collaboration

Here at Ride Shotgun we’ve got teams world wide, from the UK, to Sri Lanka, to the US. Our matra is Ride as One, ready and raring for international collaboration whenever we can.

So when our Mid-weight Stylist, Emma Bradley, wanted to take full advantage of our international roots we couldn’t say no. She took a three-month trip over to our Sofia office in Bulgaria and loved every minute of it. We sat down with her to get all the goss about her trip:

I have a great relationship with the CGI artists in the Sofia team, they’re really relaxed, friendly and we have a similar sense of humour. This was the chance to get closer to that team too. We work together so closely day-to-day, they’re making my vision a reality so being a part of that team and working together was a good opportunity. Plus the weather looked amazing too!

What’s the best thing about working in another country?

My love of travel combined with the security of a job was the perfect mix. I love not having to choose between living in Europe and keeping my current role. And that the business was very supportive of it, especially my manager Jo.

The Sofia office is a relaxed environment, it felt like working with friends. The team sits down for breakfast together every morning and do things on the weekend together. So, I felt really welcome and at ease right away.

There’s also the boost of inspiration that comes with living somewhere entirely new. I felt really inspired creatively and it really showed in my work.

You already collaborate with the Sofia team remotely, how did working with them in person change the dynamic or process?

It was way more hands-on. Marking up PDFs and jumping on Teams isn’t the same as working together in the same office. Working together on-screen in person is more collaborative and creative, it’s also quick, efficient and more fun than remote working.

I enjoyed seeing their process, styling and CGI artists use different skillsets – they are far more technical. It was really interesting to see the set up for 3D images, the clay renders and how numbers-based the process is. It really surprised me as the styling process is so visual and colourful. With the deeper understanding of the artists day-to-day, creating the roomsets definitely feels like a more collaborative process.

How do you think the experience has grown you as a creative?

I have more of an understanding of the Sofia team’s process. Changes that may seem small to us can be time-consuming for a CGI artist, knowing the process inside out makes you a better stylist.

I also learned more about knowing what to ask for and how to ask for it. Bulgarians are more direct so creative feedback is given and taken differently. I can then share this with the UK team too, so we learn how to work with the Sofia team more efficiently. I also found getting closer with the team over there means now that I’m back, we reach out to each other much more too.

Got any favourite finds, places or styling inspo from the trip?

There were far too many but, if you’re headed to Sofia, check out:

Boyana Waterfall is a lovely place to hike to. It’s great for history buffs with a beautiful old church at the base. I did this walk practically every weekend. It also has a meadow on the way which is perfect for picnics, beers and sunbathing.

I love the Kvadrat gallery, huge and right opposite the Nevsky Cathedral – perfect place to spend a rainy day sketching.

Plodviv is definitely worth a visit – full of old merchant houses with gorgeous murals.

What would you say to someone wanting to give working in a new country a go?

Go with no expectations, but book a few things to do or see before you go. You need to make the most of where you are as three months goes quickly. I did a TimeLeft dinner which you book onto and have dinner with strangers which was fun. I’d also been keeping an eye on events or classes I’m into before I went and had a pottery class booked for my first weekend there. The friends I made at it became friends that I still have now!

Oh and try and learn a bit of the language – the locals will appreciate it.

Let’s finish off with some quick-fires:

Three words to describe your time in Sofia?
Fun. Busy. Inspiring.

Best hidden gem in Sofia?
I can’t choose! There are too many. I’d love to go back soon and I was always doing stuff but feel like there’s loads left on my list.

Where’s next on your bucket list?
Tbilisi, it gives me Sofia vibes – a mix of east and west, personable and friendly.