The Sofianer
Poster, illustration
“The Sofianer is a collaborative art project that invites artists from Bulgaria and the world to create a collection of covers of the imaginary magazine The Sofianer as a tribute to the iconic covers of The New Yorker magazine. The project aims to celebrate our love for Sofia, to show its bizarre, funny, or absurd sides, to give a poetic or unexpected look at the present day, to reveal our dreams for the future, and to initiate a public debate about what city we (want to) live in.” – The Sofianer
The Sofianer, Multi Kulti, and Credo Bonum Foundation organized a poster competition, in which I participated for two years in a row. They selected 25 artworks out of more than 120 who participated. There were exhibitions with the selected artworks in the City garden of Sofia (September 2023, 2024).
Photographer: Zdravka Boudinova
My role:
• Idea
• Illustration
• Pre-press
The Sofianer competition
My poster consists of stylized and playful illustrations depicting popular landmarks, our culture, our traditions, our delicious dishes, mountain Vitosha, urban activities, and Sofia characters. From mothers with children in the parks, strollers in the streets, adult chess players in the garden in front of the National Theater, people running with their dogs, artists carrying their canvases, the sounds of the bagpipe and the tickle, folklore songs and dances and other interesting things for every foreigner and traditional citizen of Sofia. I love my beautiful hometown Sofia as it is and I believe it will be remembered as it was.
Sofianer 2024
One of the most priceless things for me in Sofia is that I feel like a discoverer and explorer of new wonders, places and images in my hometown, every day.
Sofia is vast and when you are willing to search, you can find and meet many inspiring places and people.
Sofianer 2025
I’ve created 2 posters for this competition year.
My first poster offers an eagle’s eye view of Sofia. Born and raised here, I’ve walked its streets, felt its rhythm, and watched it grow alongside me. I’ve always found inspiration in cityscapes, and drawing buildings is my way of preserving and celebrating the places that shape us. Through this detailed landscape, I aim to share my deep affection for Sofia, its past, its energy, and its evolving charm. This artwork is more than a visual; it’s a personal tribute to the city that built me.
The second poster is dedicated to the “Rivers of Sofia” festival and reflects its vibrant spirit and festive atmosphere.
Through fresh colors, dynamic shapes, and playful details, the illustration presents the city as a place of encounters, art, and joy.
Inspired by my love for Sofia, the artwork captures those special moments when people gather under the open sky to share music, smiles, and creativity.
This poster is a personal invitation for everyone to experience Sofia in a new,
freer, and more emotional way, as I see and feel it.
Similar projects
Want to work with me?
Email me
at zdravka.budinova@gmail.com
Call me
+359887408888
