Ilja Karsikas
Helsinki, Uusimaa
I am an illustrator, children's author and graphic designer based in Helsinki, and I work at the Super 8 studio in Kallio.
During my career, I have done a lot of illustration and graphic design work for companies, associations, government agencies and publishers, among others. I illustrate magazines, corporate identities and book and album covers, among other things.
I also actively participate in illustration exhibitions and carry out my own art projects. I create public artworks with the Naapurit working group. In addition to illustration, I do graphic design for books, posters and brochures, among other things.
CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS Songs of Two Homes (S&S, 2025) Rainbow Flyer (S&S, 2024) Storm & Light (S&S, 2023)
Yksisarvinen (S&S, 2022) Amos ja sumupuu (Etana Editions, 2017) I have written and illustrated several children's picture books dealing with challenging topics and social or psychological themes.
My picture books have received several Rudolf Koivu honourable mentions, an Arvid Lydecken award nomination and several Kirjataiteen kaunis kirja (Beautiful Book of Book Art) honourable mentions. In addition to my own picture books, I also illustrate books written by others. I do the graphic design for my books myself, so the works are cohesive works of art.
Customer references
Illustrator at Napa Agency since 2007.
Member of the Lilith cooperative since the beginning of 2026. My latest picture books have been published by S&S Publishing. My previous books have been published by Otava, Tammi, Nemo and Etana Editions. PUBLIC WORKS
A collection of works for the Ruukinkangas comprehensive school, with Willem Heeffer, Suomussalmi, 2023. Wall illustrations for the Vuorela school home, commissioned by the State Art Commission, Vihti 2020.
A collection of works for the new Kainuu Central Hospital, with the Naapurit working group, Kajaani, 2019–2021. SELECTED DESIGN WORK
Christmas calendar for the parishes of the Helsinki metropolitan area, 2018 and 2024. Visual identity for the Ruisrock festival, 2013–2018 Valentine's Day stamp, 2015. MY CLIENTS
Finland Post, YLE, University of Helsinki, Church of Helsinki, Finnish Transport Agency, Human Rights Centre, Ruisrock, Universal Music Finland, Suomen Musiikki, S&S, Tammi, Otava, WSOY, Gummerus, Elisa, Kemira, Wärtsilä, Stockmann, etc. SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
Rihmasto: World Peace Right After Lunch Break, Helsinki, 2025 (group exhibition) Uraanisiipi, B-Galleria, Turku, 2024 (solo exhibition) Illustrations, Jyväskylä Art Museum Galleria Ratamo, 2022 (solo exhibition)
Bratislava Illustration Biennial, Slovakia, 2019 and 2023 (juried group exhibition) Mikkeli Illustration Triennial, Mikkeli Art Museum, 2008, -11, -14, -17, -20, -23 (juried group exhibition) Neighbours, illustrations and graphic design by Ilja Karsikkanen and Jussi Karjalainen, Kajaani Art Museum, 2015 (group exhibition)
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