Let it be a picture book, pattern design, illustration, unique piece or everyday life, drawing is a way of thinking for me. It is my process of making sense of this world.

 

Photo by Sasha Huber

 

In front of the artwork by Katharina Grosse at HAM

Driven by a constant fascination with modularity, my work embraces diversity and curiosity. It blends peculiar shapes with the colours affected by the Nordic light conditions. All taken with a spoonful of humour. I believe that illustrations and objects made with care and playfulness will light up our curiosity. Inspired by colour combinations and patterns found in my surroundings, I always start with hand drawn or ink painted elements.

When it comes to unique pieces my practice of working is almost meditative. The works evoke the fragility of the present moment. Using ink on paper without planning in advance creates a process where you can’t hide anything. What I find beautiful in this, is that nothing gets erased, all small stains become part of the final piece.

I come from a creative family - interior designer mother, furniture designer father - where curiosity has been treasured and coincidences embraced. I’m an alumnus of both the Hungarian Fine Art Academy as well as the Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland.

In addition to working as an illustrator, I am also founding member of Etana Editions, an award winning independent picture book publisher. There I work with talented authors and illustrators day by day on new stories for young readers.

Selected Clients

 

Come to Finland Publishing Ab Oy (FI), Design Museum Helsinki (FI), Fisher-Price Ltd. (USA), Glasshouse Helsinki (FI), Habitare (FI), Hakola Furniture Company (FI), Helsinki Design Week (FI), Kiasma - Museum of Contemporary Art (FI), Lokal Helsinki (FI), MAKI minimag (NL), Moiko (FI), Paperchase (UK), Sangetsu (JP), Senshukai (JP), Thames&Hudson (UK)

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I create work of various scale from commercial to non-profit, develop design concepts for print, exhibitions and events. If you want to work with me or have a question, please do not hesitate to contact! 

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Children’s books

My Friend the Water (orig.title: Ystäväni puu, in collaboration with Jenni Erkintalo) Etana Editions, 2023 / coming soon!

Pop and the Colourful Numbers (orig.title: Pop ja värikkäät numerot, in collaboration with Jenni Erkintalo) Etana Editions, 2022

A Little Big Story About Love (orig.title: Pieni suuri tarina rakkaudesta) Etana Editions, 2022

My Friend the Tree (orig.title: Ystäväni puu, in collaboration with Jenni Erkintalo) Etana Editions, 2019

• A Little Big Story About Christmas (orig.title: Pieni suuri farina joulusta) Etana Editions, 2018

• A Little Big Story About Friendship (orig.title: Pieni suuri tarina ystävyydestä) Etana Editions, 2017

A House Around the Corner (orig.title: Talo kulman takana, in collaboration with Jenni Erkintalo) Etana Editions, 2016

Pop doodles (orig.title: Pop puuhaa, in collaboration with Jenni Erkintalo) Etana Editions, 2015

Pop Soon at Home (orig.title: Pop pian kotona, in collaboration with Jenni Erkintalo) Etana Editions, 2015

One More (orig.title: Yksi vielä) Etana Editions, 2014

Topi’s Sooty day (orig.title: Topin nokinenäpäivä, in collaboration with Marika Maijala) WSOY, 2014

• A Little Big Story About Tomorrow (orig.title: Pieni suuri tarina huomisesta) WSOY, 2013

It’s Snowing, Lupo! (orig.title: Lunta sataa, Lupo!, in collaboration with Marika Maijala) WSOY, 2012

Awards & Honors

2023 Mikkeli 13. Illustration Triennale - Shortlisted
2023 BOP - Best Children’s Book Publisher nomination, Bologna Children’s Book Fair - Etana Editions
2022 World Illustration Awards (WIA) Shortlisted - Herbarium mural
2021 The Most Beautiful Books of the Year 2020
2020 State Award for Children’s Culture - Etana Editions
2020 Awarded a 3 Years State Grant for Artists - starting from 2021
2020 Mikkeli 12. Illustration Triennale - Shortlisted
2020 The Most Beautiful Books of the Year 2019
2018 BOP - Best Children’s Book Publisher nomination, Bologna Children’s Book Fair - Etana Editions
2018 Onnimanni Award - Etana Editions, for promoting children’s literature
2017 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award nomination - Etana Editions
2017 Mikkeli 11. Illustration Triennale - Shortlisted
2017 The Most Beautiful Books of the Year 2016
2016 The Most Beautiful Books of the Year 2015
2015 The White Ravens
2015 The Most Beautiful Books of the Year 2014
2013 The Most Beautiful Books of the Year 2012
2011 The Most Beautiful Books of the Year 2010
2006 Selected work at Illustrators Exhibition - Bologna Children’s Book Fair

 

Memberships

2021-22 Vice President - Kuvittajat / The Finnish Illustration Association
2020 Board member - Kuvittajat / The Finnish Illustration Association
2018 Member - Ornamo / Art and Design Finland
2014 Member - Kuvittajat / The Finnish Illustration Association
2006 Member - Grafia / Association of Finnish Graphic Designers

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Media

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