Matti Pikkujämsä

Matti Pikkujämsä (b. 1976) is an internationally recognized artist and illustrator living and working in Helsinki, Finland.

He is known for his portrait projects, as well as making numerous children’s book illustrations for various publishers in Finland and Japan. He creates illustrations for Finland’s largest daily newspaper Helsingin Sanomat, and has also worked on pattern design for several fashion brands including Marimekko. In February 2019 a Valentine’s Day themed postage stamp set illustrated by Pikkujämsä was released in Finland. As one of the creators and illustrator of the The CupOfTherapy project he has made mental health problems and wellbeing visible.

As an awarded artist Matti Pikkujämsä has won the Rudolf Koivu prize in 2013 and Finnish State Prize for Illustration in 2015. He won the first Illustrator of the Year award in 2019 and had an award exhibition on display at the Hanaholmen Gallery, organized by The Finnish Illustration Association together with the Hanaholmen Cultural Centre.

“A phenomenal talent and an outstanding illustrator who breathes through his pen. His illustrations are not just decorations, but stories. His characters are always alive. He has served as a role model for many illustrators, but has a humble approach to his talent, understanding that it only forms the underlying framework for actual work…His illustrations portray the Finnish spirit with their spruces and domestic animals. His style features echoes of Nordic design from the previous decades, depicted from a new, fresh perspective.”

– Illustrator of the Year Award jury

 

Photo: © Numi Nummelin

 

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