Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? What influenced you to become an illustrator/designer?

I am a Helsinki-based illustrator and designer soon moving to Berlin. I have graduated from University of Art and Design in Helsinki where I studied graphic design. I have also background in architectural studies. After graduating, I worked as a designer at one of the top advertising agencies in Finland until I decided to jump ship and go at it alone. I never planned on becoming an artist though it has always been a far-fetched dream for me. Drawing has always played an important role in my life and things just developed that way.

How does your work as an illustrator influence your everyday life? And does your environment influence your designs?

I think working on my own and in such a free and creative field gives certain freedom to my everyday life as well. Often it doesn´t feel work at all although after busy projects you feel like you've given all from yourself and you just want to fall on a bed. Deadlines can be extremely tight sometimes.

I think the environment and time always reflects in your work. As well Finn's close relationship to nature leaves its mark to artists working there. I don't purposely try to put any special Finnish stamp on my work. Interesting to see where my style develops now when I´m moving abroad.

How do you come up with a concept? Where do you get your inspiration from?

I try to go through a brief as soon as I can. Then I have more time to process it in my mind. It doesn't necessarily mean that I´m thinking the topic all the time but I let it do its own work in my head. Listening to music, looking at fascinating visuals, go for a walk or whatever gets you in a mood where the inspiration is to be found.

What tools/techniques do you use to help you materialize your ideas?

I work mainly on my computer using a large drawing tablet. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop are the most important everyday tools. Despite working heavily on computer, I still try to achieve natural feelings in my illustrations. The scanner plays an important role in creating textures and extra layers on my work.

You have a very distinct style, how did you develop it?

I like to mix some old and some new ideas to create an original retro influenced style with my personal modern twist. Decades from the 1920s to 1950s have inspired me a lot during the last year. Art Deco, '50s ad illustrations, old childrens' books as well as modern street art and clean vector shapes fascinate me.