Sophia Pitts reimagined a classic for a 2026 Vogue scholarship

Some creatives spend years talking themselves out of the thing they love. The latest Vogue Australia Design scholarship winner is proof of what happens when you finally back yourself. Her entry, a modern take on the Mona Lisa, captured a prominent question for designers right now: how do you make the most of AI while keeping your work honest and human?

Sophia Pitts Trimester 2 2026 Vogue scholarship recipient

Sophia Pitts is the newest Vogue Australia scholarship recipient at Billy Blue College of Design, enrolled in the Diploma of Graphic Design. Sophia came to design with a love of fine art and painting, and a growing sense that creativity deserved a bigger place in her life. 

She took the scenic route to design, and it made the decision feel all the more her own:

“It took me a while to get here, so I can say it’s liberating choosing something that really feels like you, and pushing past all the noise and self-doubt.”

Choosing to study design at Billy Blue

For Sophia, the scholarship turned up right when she was ready for it.

“I had come across Billy Blue a few times before, and one day, I was looking up design courses, and I saw that Billy Blue offered this Vogue Australia scholarship.”

For her, studying design is about giving creativity room to grow while building the structure and technical skills to support it.

“I always knew I should lean into my creativity more, and a career in design felt like the best way to bring that creativity to life.”

Design thinking and technical know-how, she says, were the pieces that had been missing.

Vogue Australia scholarship creative inspiration

The application asks for an original Vogue Australia or Vogue Living cover, paired with a short rationale of around 100 words. The format is open, so applicants can submit anything from a hand sketch to a moodboard or an animation.

Read more about how the Vogue Australia scholarship works here.

Sophia went straight to fine art. Her submission was a modern take on the Mona Lisa, a nod to Leonardo da Vinci as both an artist and a designer.

Sophia's Vogue Australia cover concept

“I used Procreate and played around with different layers, textures and brush strokes, and just let my creativity flow. I had so much fun with it.”

Behind the playful approach sat a clear point of view about where creative work is heading.

“Creatives are needed now more than ever, to experiment and master AI in creative ways while keeping things beautifully human and authentic.”

The Vogue Australia scholarship experience

Applying was a natural yes. Beyond the prize, Sophia liked the idea of designing the cover for the fun of it.

“This is like an opportunity wrapped in a bow for me.”

Winning came as a genuine surprise.

“I didn’t expect to win, so when I found out I did, I was so excited. It really felt like the affirmation and confidence boost I needed to keep moving forward, and a reminder to go after the things you want in life."

Now she is looking ahead to the work itself and to the portfolio she’ll build along the way.

“I’m excited, and curious, to find out what I love and don’t love about the design process, and to see how my eye for design will sharpen and how my thinking will evolve.”

Tips for the next Vogue scholarship applicants

Sophia's advice is refreshing and simple. If design keeps pulling at you, listen to the call.

• Treat a recurring pull toward design as a signal. In her words: “If you find yourself coming back to the idea of studying design time and time again, it probably means you should.”
• Back yourself and apply. “If you’re considering applying, do it. You don’t have anything to lose.”
• Make something that means something to you. “Create what resonates with you, and be bold about it.”
• Let your character lead. “It’s not about talent or artistic skills. Think outside the box or keep it simple, but either way, be true to yourself. You never know what will stand out, but your authenticity will always shine through.”

Sophia at Vogue Codes Summit 2026

Ready to put your own spin on a cover? Start by checking the current intakes, eligibility and application steps on the Vogue Australia scholarship page. Accepted domestic students receive 50% off their course fees for the length of their course, along with event and networking opportunities connected to our Vogue Australia partnership.