SONJA TERI
Sonja Teri is a rare Washington D.C native raised in the city by artist parents. After high school, she moved to Philadelphia to study architecture but changed course shortly after. Relocating to Los Angeles at the ripe age of nineteen, Sonja’s eyes were open to the world of fashion. She held the position as US Marketing Director for a large European fashion brand and then began wardrobe styling. After delving in a little deeper and styling for various magazines, look books and catalogues…she eventually became “bummed out” about the LA fashion scene and changed course again. In 2004, Roger Gastman and partners Amanda and Shepard Fairey asked her to work at Swindle Magazine where soon after the first issue launched, Sonja became the Brand Director and later the magazines Director of Operations.
During her time at Swindle Magazine, Sonja oversaw all advertising initiatives, developed multi-platform media proposals, and produced and executed all events and promotions. She worked extensively with brands such as Asics, Campari, Honda, LeSportsac, Mini Cooper, Motorola, Nike, Toyota, Vans, W Hotels Puma, and Zune. Sonja worked on the publication’s 20 issues until it closed in 2009.
During that same period, Sonja built the boutique media agency, R. Rock Enterprises (RRE) from the ground up with partner, Roger Gastman. As the Director of Business Development, Sonja was implemental in bringing the agency’s largest business clients to the table. With the agency’s overall focus in cutting edge culture and art related influencer-marketing campaigns, she worked with clients and developed full-scale customized proposals. She supervised on-site projects including book and artist signings, press and special events, site-specific wall murals, pop-up shops, national graffiti tours, art shows and custom publishing projects. Sonja worked hands-on with artists such as Adam Wallacavage, Claw Money, Banksy, Chris Yormick, Cool Disco Dan, Gary Panter, Greg Lamarche, Jim Houser, Kime Buzelli, Mike Giant, Mr. Brainwash, Pose, Retna, Revok, Richard Colman, Saber, and Shepard Fairey.
Working with these artists and understanding the audience and demand for their work gave Sonja the idea to start a print business focusing on selling high-quality limited edition screen-prints making art accessible to collectors of all stripes — from novice art enthusiasts to established connoisseurs. In 2009, Sonja started Poster Child Prints (PCP). With over 30 artists on the roster within a year, the website has grown rapidly with a large fan base.
After leaving RRE in 2009, Sonja embarked on her own on a path of art related PR and marketing services helping artists produce and promote their exhibitions to public masses. With her strong personal relationships and extensive list of contacts, Sonja uses non-tradition PR tactics to garner press attention for artists, art galleries and other creative establishments worldwide.
