Artist Sophie Tea exclusive interview while hosting exclusive games night in Shoreditch, in celebration of CATAN’s birthday
CATAN marked its 30th birthday in style with an exclusive games night hosted at the Shoreditch art studio of superfan Sophie Tea. The global board-game phenomenon has captivated millions since its creation in 1995 by German designer Klaus Teuber, redefining modern tabletop gaming with its blend of strategy, social interaction, and endlessly replayable world of trading, building, and settlement.
Over the past three decades, CATAN has become a cultural touchstone selling more than 40 million copies worldwide and inspiring communities of players from living-room enthusiasts to celebrity fans. Famous devotees are said to include Formula 1 drivers and team members, who regularly play between races, as well as actors Kristen Bell and Wil Wheaton, among others. Its universal appeal lies in how it brings people together, part competition, part connection.
Sophie’s evening event brought together top influencers, and board game enthusiasts for a night of fun, strategy, and celebration of the iconic game.
Guests had the chance to play CATAN in an intimate, vibrant setting, celebrating the game’s enduring popularity and its role in connecting players across the globe. The event combined the warmth of a close-knit gathering with the excitement of a shared gaming experience, highlighting the community and creativity that has made CATAN a beloved favourite for decades.
We hosted an exclusive interview with artistic phenomenon Sophie Tea:
You’ve already disrupted the art world with your direct-to-collector approach and selling most of your art via Instagram. What’s the next boundary you’d like to push?
I want to be the first painter to do a show at the Royal Albert Hall, it’s my biggest goal and I can’t wait for it to happen. I want people to know it’s possible and to fill a room with people that leave feeling a bit better about themselves!
Are there new mediums, collaborations, or global projects on the horizon?
In terms of mediums, I’m so excited that I can literally try anything. I have experimented with glasswork and loved it but hope to go back to that at some point. I’m going to travel for my next collection themed around water but honestly don’t plan too far in advance because I think the beauty of being an artist is the freedom that comes with it and that’s when some of my best work is made!! I have an exciting project coming up in the US in early December which I’m really throwing myself into at the moment!
Your charity shop painting sessions are such a fun and viral concept—turning “forgotten” treasures into something vibrant and new. How did this idea come about and what’s been your favourite piece you’ve transformed during these sessions?
It was actually my videographer’s idea, we were just filming random bits in the studio and we thought it could be cool to paint something second hand and put it back. Honestly I never expected it to blow up how it has and I can’t explain how amazing the work charities do on the high street. My favourite item has probably been the beautiful dolls house I found in Exeter.
Do you see these sessions as more about sustainability, accessibility, or simply having fun with art?
I think it started as just having fun but has evolved into all of the above. I want to constantly shine a light on how tirelessly the volunteers work & how integral charity shops are to the high street, it’s something I’m learning so much about. Further to this, the accessibility angle is multifaceted, not only is it affordable but anyone can rock up and be involved in an artistic community.
What advice would you give to young artists who want to follow their own path, outside the traditional art world?
Just get started, document everything (even if just for your own reflection) I think experiment with mediums and get as much feedback as you can on your work. What I would say is when you experiment with something, try and create a full collection to see through the experimentation
We know you love to host regular CATAN games nights with your friends, tell us how it came about and the sense of community that board games can bring?
I played CATAN every single day when I lived in Sydney for 5 years and since moving back last year it’s been such a good reason to get the girls round for dinner, a catch up and some light competitiveness. My whole family plays and I’ve made friends through it – I think when a lot of life is online these days you can’t beat a cosy night in with a board game!
If you could paint the CATAN board in your style, what colours or vibes would it have?
Definitely pink, with splats!! Girly, vibrant fun colours.
Which resource are you most like: wood, brick, wheat, ore, or sheep? (And why?)
Wheat because we built this city on rock and wheat.
Be honest: are you a “trade nicely” player, or do you ruthlessly block people with the robber?
I’m ruthless and I always go for the longest road subtly and discreetly without anyone knowing.
If CATAN let you add a sixth resource just for you, what would it be? (Glitter? Neon pink? Prosecco?)
I think titanium white paint, it’s just like my personal most used resource. Maybe coffee too or splat formula!
We think there should be a Sophie Tea x CATAN Expansion Pack
New Resources:
Glitter – trade 2 glitter for any resource (because sparkle solves everything).
Neon – powers up your settlements so they glow in the dark.
Prosecco – instantly makes other players more willing to trade with you.
Special Development Cards:
“Big Brush Energy” – build two roads in one go because your creativity can’t be contained.
“Insta Drop” – gain a victory point when you post your settlement with a good filter.
“Self-Love Card” – block the robber for a round because good vibes only.
Rule Twist:
Every time someone says “sheep,” they have to baa — bonus point if they do it in neon pink lipstick.
