K A R S I K A S

ILLUSTRATOR OF THE MONTH / JUNE + JULY 2012: ILJA KARSIKAS

Ilja Karsikas is an illustrator and graphic designer based in Helsinki, Finland. He has been working as a professional illustrator since 2003 when he graduated from Lahti Institute of Design. Strong colours, an abundance of details and an imaginative atmosphere define his illustrations. Ilja’s unique illustrations has been published in magazines, posters, book and record covers and children’s books.

Along with illustrating, Ilja designs e.g. record covers and books. Ilja’s work has been featured in 3x3 Professional Illustration Annual, Illusive Contemporary Illustration Part 3 and Worldwide Graphic Design: Scandinavia. In his freetime, he likes to walk in the parks and beaches of Helsinki, to watch he trees, birds and buildings, and to ride his bike from A to B.

Click HERE to read Ilja’s interview. The “Illustrator of the Month” interview series will take a little summer break and the next interview comes out in August.

ILJA’S SIX FAVOURITES:

Art equipment: Guaché paints 
Color: All bright ones 
Drawing place: Park 
Music: The Cure: Close To Me 
Sport: Swimming
 Place in Helsinki: Seurasaari

11 months ago 5 notes

Metka matka / Fun Journey: The10th Anniversary of The Finnish Association of Illustrators exhibition in Päivälehden Museo. In the exhibition there’s children’s book illustrations from 18 Finnish contemporary illustrators, also my original paintings for Sintti Silmusuu book. As you can see Sintti Silmusuu is also starring the cover of the exhibition catalogue. The exhibition is open from 21st of March to 30th of September 2012. Public opening on saturday 24th March from 12 am to 2 pm. Welcome!

1 year ago View high resolution

napaillustrations:

ILJA KARSIKAS AND JENNI TUOMINEN PARTICIPATING IN HELSINKI FRESH! EXHIBITION IN BERLIN THIS JUNE!

Helsinki FRESH! is a satellite event of World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 happening in Berlin. It’s a one-month exhibition presenting top Finnish designers including Napa’s illustrators Ilja Karsikas and Jenni Tuominen.

Ilja Karsikas’ art work Kaivopuisto for Helsinki FRESH! is also Ilja’s piece for Napa’s Yellow City exhibition. Where Kaivopuisto will be placed is still a secret! All we can tell you right now is that the starting point for the Kaivopuisto work is Antti Nylén’s essay also called ”Kaivopuisto”. The essay presents Kaivopuisto (really nice park in Helsinki) from the authors subjective point of view. The romantic as well as multifaceted touch in this essay with many historic and personal everyday indications has given many ideas for the illustrator to work. You can find out more about Yellow City exhibitions here and also from Yellow City Facebook page.

The aim of the Helsinki FRESH! exhibition is to create a platform for Finnish designers, illustrators and photographers to show their work in one of the most fast growing art and design capitals of Europe and to create future collaboration possibilities in the field of cultural exchange between Helsinki and Berlin.

This exhibition takes place in June 2012 during the DMY design festival and the Berlin Fashion Week in the Direktorenhaus.

Ilja and Jenni are also featured in upcoming Helsinki FRESH! book with other 18 top Finnish designers! The book is now in pre-order, for more information go to helsinkifresh.com. Here’s a sneak peek while waiting for the actual book to be published in spring 2012:

Illustrator Ilja Karsikas at the Kaivopuisto park in Helsinki. Photo: Heidi Uutela

Ilja Karsikas: “Our studio is as cool as the Kallio district, often a bit dirty but really unique; not too trendy, but cosy, friendly and warm – except in winter time when the heating system is not working properly.”