Papaya Spotlight: Illustrator and Animator Sophia Sala

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Papaya Spotlight: Illustrator and Animator Sophie Sala

How Sophia channels her love of art and racing into a creative exploration of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES paddock

We said it once, and we’ll say it forever – we have some of the most creative fans in the paddock. This Pride Month, we worked with up-and-coming illustrator, animator, and BIG papaya fan, Sophia Sala, to bring in a creative element to our celebration. Known for her quirky, hand-sketched pieces highlighting drivers across all of motorsports, her art has brought together communities of fans from all backgrounds to celebrate the fun moments, on and off the track.

Artist Profile

Sophia Sala (but her friends call her Sophie!)

22 years old

She/Her

Illustration and Animation Graduate from Maryland Institute College of Art

Social Handles: @BC1ARTS

"My name comes from the number I was assigned in high school marching band – Bass Clarinet #1"

Hooked to motorsports since 2023.

Illustration of Nolan Siegel, Pato O'Ward and Christian Lundgaard carrying a mannequin

How would you describe your artistic style?

"I love drawing the shenanigans the Arrow McLAREN drivers get into in their TikToks!"

"I feel like I work in a range of styles. Sometimes, I lean into my passion for painting, inspired by concept art for animation. In other pieces I’ll work simpler, channeling my childhood love of comics and anime. I always love to add a million little details (especially in my background work for animation) to support the story I’m trying to tell, or Easter eggs as little inside jokes. I realized I wanted to be an artist when I went on a family vacation to France in high school. Being surrounded by those masterpieces in The Louvre and Orsay Museum really captured me and solidified my career choice. After graduating from art school last month, I’ve been looking for opportunities in animation and motorsports. A few of my favorite artists currently working are Angela Sung, an art director at Sony who creates gorgeous plein air (“from life”) paintings, and Deanna Marsigliese, a legendary character designer at Pixar."

As a queer fan and artist, how have you found community within the motorsports space?

What helps to make the space feel more inclusive?

"Posting my art on social media and finding this online community of other queer motorsport fans has really changed my life. Through our mutual interests, I’ve found other creators and friends who have truly inspired me to keep creating and sharing my work."

"Visibility helps the motorsport space feel more inclusive, both in the community and on the teams! Seeing posts expressing support for our community also helps me feel welcome to be myself. We have a long way to go, but seeing more and more women and queer folks in motorsport fills me with so much pride and hope for the future."

If there’s one thing you would tell your younger self regarding self-expression, what would it be?

"Don't be afraid to put yourself out there!"

"When I was younger, I wouldn’t share my art with people because I was scared that they would think it was “bad” or “silly.” Sometimes I still struggle with this — sharing my art feels like sharing a little bit of my soul — but the response that I’ve received from people both in real life and online has helped strengthen my confidence. It’s OK to be yourself, and while you won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, you’ll find your people. Four years of art school will certainly help you get rid of some of those fears too!"