Can you tell us about yourself and your background?

I’m Ilona, a visual storyteller. I graduated as a graphic designer from the Lahti Institute of Design and later earned a Master of Arts degree from Aalto University, majoring in visual communication design.

I have been working in illustration and graphic design since 2010 in various capasities: as a freelancer, a sole proprietor, part of a cooperative and represented by an illustration agency. In addition, I write and illustrate children’s books. I joined Kakadu as a full-time employee in 2022, but prior to that, I worked for about ten years as a project-based freelance designer.

What is your role, and what kinds of projects do you work on?

My role at is very versatile. My work includes illustration, wayfinding design, producing marketing texts and stories for both real estate development and housing projects, content planning and designing artistic elements for spaces. My official title is illustrator and graphic designer, but the term that describes me best is visual storyteller. At the core of my work is harnessing imagination, clarifying clients’ key messages and telling stories.

Share one fun or surprising fact about yourself

I love peace and routines, but I constantly surprise myself by diving into new challenges. A great example of this is our home: a year ago, my partner and I built a detached house up to the shell stage and finished the interior ourselves, even though we had no prior construction experience. Fortunately, we had a support network. The project has been incredibly rewarding, and I discovered that tiling and grouting suit my sense of rhythm. “Next time” I plan to do the tiles myself as well.

How does storytelling play a role in your design work?

I strive to make every project engaging by identifying its unique features and highlights through storytelling. I always start by “scratching the surface,” and often, new and surprising insights emerge from the layers beneath.

I also love exploring different perspectives without prejudice and weaving details into a coherent story. For example, combining key words can reveal new connections. Storytelling, to me, is like diving into the unknown: the outcome cannot be predicted, and the element of surprise is captivating. In my work, bold exploration and setting aside self-censorship are central.

Where do you find inspiration for your design work and storytelling?

Cliché as it may sound, I draw inspiration from nature, mythology and folk traditions. I’m also fascinated by etymology and often think about what words mean and where they come from. If I hadn’t become an illustrator, I’d most likely be working in biology, something that is evident in all my work.

What methods do you use to add depth and layers to your designs?

By nature, I tend to be expansive and exploratory, so layering and lively solutions emerge quite naturally for me. Tactility is also very important: I love feeling different surfaces, exploring materials and combining them in various ways. The same lively approach and expressive touch are evident in my illustrations. My design philosophy could be summed up as “more is more.”

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve had the chance to design at Kakadu?

For one of our clients, I had the opportunity to design a personal coat of arms, which was executed as a silver relief. Another exceptional project was the conceptualization and realization of the over-two-meter-high Taimi Elephant installation. I illustrated the textile pattern used in Taimi’s upholstery, which was woven at Annala Factory. The commission began with designing a new kind of office concept, where we explored with our client the importance of creativity, collaboration, and innovative solutions. During the design process, the idea for a spatial installation emerged, one that delights and surprises its surroundings while inviting people to sit in its embrace. This project is a great example of how a creative process can lead to unexpected and entirely original results.

How do you stay creative in your daily work?

I keep my creativity alive by diving in fully and focusing on things I’m passionate about; for me, that’s storytelling. When starting a new project, I listen carefully to the client, write down initial ideas, make lots of lists and sketches, associate freely and experiment with unexpected combinations. The most important thing in the early stages is not to censor yourself too much, as ideas can be refined and filtered later. Immersing yourself and allowing for mistakes helps you learn, builds confidence and makes the process enjoyable.


What do you enjoy most about working at Kakadu?

The best part of working at Kakadu is the team’s diverse expertise and different perspectives. We complement each other well. Illustration work can often be a solitary effort, so it’s wonderful to brainstorm ideas together and discover new approaches to design. Collaboration helps overcome creative blocks more quickly and provides constant learning opportunities. Plus, the team is great, which keeps the work fun.

Let’s talk more!

Could Ilona and the rest of our visual design team be of help to you?
Contact Milka or explore our services here.

Milka Tulinen
Founding Partner
Creative Director
Interior Architect SIO

+358 40 511 9991
milka@kakadu.fi

Explore our projects