This is the last of our #TakeThePressureOff series. Over the last few weeks, we’ve looked at self-care, video calling, ghosting, and self-doubt. 

Today, we talk to illustrator Sofie Birkin about what it’s like living with a partner while quarantined, how to deal with anxiety, and how we can still be intimate during these unprecedented times. 

Please tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:

I’m a queer British illustrator living in Denver Colorado with my wife Erika and dog Arthur, who are both very tall, very fast and very clever. I draw bright, playful and contemporary illustrations which represent a diverse range of characters and prioritize inclusive representation.

Describe your Badoo isolation artwork - why you chose this topic, how it relates to you personally, and why you think it’s important right now

I’ve been married for five years, so while I am a bit past it on the online dating front, I can definitely relate to navigating a cohabiting relationship in quarantine. 

My wife and I usually work really long hours, so it’s actually been really lovely to have all the extra time together, and I wanted to bring a little joy and romance to my Badoo isolation artwork. 

I wanted to show some of those intimate moments - even the ones that aren’t quite so romantic - that I think are relatable to a lot of people spending 24hrs a day together right now.

What are your top isolation tips?

Just be gentle with yourself (and others). I think most people are experiencing more anxiety than usual right now, and that can be compounded by all these messages we’re getting about being super productive and healthy in quarantine. 

None of us have a context for this experience, so if you feel more inclined to lie on the couch playing video games in your pajamas than do yoga and start a YouTube channel about breadmaking, that’s totally fine. 

How are you navigating being together in isolation?

My wife and I are trying to find creative date ideas since of course we can’t get out much. 

We shoot cans in the back garden with an airsoft gun (zombie practice), play card games, make margaritas for video dates with friends, garden together. 

We also give each other space if we need it without any questions or judgement. 

What’s the first thing you’re going to do once out of isolation? 

Go for a massive brunch with all my friends and then thrift my heart out! 

As soon as it’s safe to do so I’ll be hopping on a plane to London - I was meant to visit in March, and I’m missing my parents and my friends back home like crazy. 

Where can we see more from you?

I’m most active on instagram, my handle is @sofiebirkinillustration. My website is sofiebirkin.com although I’m afraid it’s hopelessly out of date because I haven’t had much time to work on it!

A big thank you to Sofie for collaborating with us on this series, and for taking the time to answer our questions.

You can see all our #TakeThePressureOff artworks on our social channels, so follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see the rest, as well as to stay up to date with what we’re up to.