In conversation with Pilot Projects
Meet Pilot Projects - The Copenhagen-based creative duo of Clara and Sofie, whose distinct visual language has made them sought-after collaborators across the fashion industry. Friends since childhood, the pair combine art direction and photography to create imagery defined by intention, cinematic storytelling, and a meticulous eye for composition.
We sat down with Clara and Sofie to talk about building a business with your best friend, the creative process behind their work, finding inspiration through travel and architecture, and why staying true to your own visual language is more important than following trends.
Can you tell us about the journey that led to the founding of Pilot Projects, and how the two of you came together creatively?
We met each other in kindergarden and it was love at first sight. We were inseparable. And then, many years later, we both ended up working in the fashion industry, Clara as an art director and Sofie as a photographer. At some time, we realized that it was actually an option to work together and we began exploring the idea of how we would compliment each other creatively. It felt right but also risky as we love each other but had never worked together.
A little naive and high on the excitement of a potential collaboration, we travelled to Paris for inspiration and brainstorming. One night at Brasserie Lipp we came up with the name Pilot Projects. Pilot as in a pilot episode. “It might just be one episode,” we thought to ourselves while hoping that this project would become much more than that. Now it’s been our full time job for two years.
How do you navigate working as both close friends and creative partners, and what does that dynamic bring to your work?
Knowing each other as well as we do brings a very natural flow of communication. Internally we know what each other think during difficult moments which make them easier to handle. Also we know each other’s talents as well as limitations which we believe creates a stronger result in the end. With that said, being friends also means that we talk about work all the time - but we love it.
How would you describe your aesthetic in three words?
Intentional, cinematic and beautiful.
What feels essential in a Pilot Project image - is it a mood, a tension, a sense of story?
We are very conscious about every single shot and its composition. Having a concrete intention behind every image is key to us. Nothing is random and we don’t appreciate coincidences that are perceived as trendy.
How do you define success, personally and professionally?
A successful project to us is when we see our creative ambitions come to life while the client and our collaborators also fully see their DNA within the imagery. When both parties are fulfilled this feels successful to us. Success in life is traveling for work with your business partner who’s also your best friend. And even better: When we bring our fiancees and they also become besties!
Having your own company how do you maintain the right work-life balance?
For us, work and life is super fluid and we prefer it this way. It’s not a 9 to 5 job so we are never really off work. We’re able to combine business and pleasure in the best way possible. We always have each other’s back and working in this industry having a consistent collaborator is not something that we take for granted.
Do you have a ritual or routine that helps you stay creatively focused or inspired?
Honestly, no. What keeps us going is our genuine urge to continuously evolve and the only way of doing so is through productions - which means taking a lot of initiative even with the risk of getting rejected.
Where do you find inspiration outside in order to continously develop new campaign ideas?
We get inspired by all kinds of talented creatives with brave ideas that are not limited to the fashion industry. We love expanding our network across different countries. Also, one thing that always brings inspiration for us is exploring physical spaces and new locations, where architecture and light instantly gives us ideas. For instance in Tokyo there are so many hidden architectural gems, and since a lot of places don’t allow to take photos, you haven’t been exposed to everything on social media beforehand. That feels so rare and really allows for exploration and new inspiration.
What’s your relationship with jewelry and accessories - do you have a piece that holds special meaning?
We are both engaged and getting married this year - it’s a cliché but those rings on our fingers are truly special.
What are you currently most excited about - both personally and with Pilot?
To see what the future brings! We want to continue to grow stronger in our Pilot DNA, expand our collaborations with creatives locally and abroad and maybe move to Paris for a while. Fingers crossed that our husbands will stick around for the ride.
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The Mary Necklace
Regular price €280,00 EURRegular priceUnit price per -
The Mary Necklace
Regular price €250,00 EURRegular priceUnit price per -
The Laura Bracelet
Regular price €360,00 EURRegular priceUnit price per -
The Laura Bracelet
Regular price €420,00 EURRegular priceUnit price per -
The Sofie Ring
Regular price €260,00 EURRegular priceUnit price per -
The Sofie Ring
Regular price €320,00 EURRegular priceUnit price per -
The Eva Weekend Tote
Regular price €800,00 EURRegular priceUnit price per -
The Eva Weekend Tote
Regular price €800,00 EURRegular priceUnit price per
