Radek Karkulowski
Hello! I’m Radek Karkulowski (he/him), also known as Karku, a Polish-born illustrator and visual artist based in Lahti, Finland. I’m interested in people, their relationships and how a gesture or expression can tell a story. I create illustrations for newspapers, books and other publications. Alongside commissions, I develop Tomorrow May Never Come, an ongoing personal art project exploring time, presence and uncertainty through simplified human figures. I also teach illustration and visual communication. When working with clients, I value open discussion of the project’s aims and finding a shared direction through sketches. I work in Finnish, English and Polish. Feel free to get in touch to discuss an illustration project.
I specialize in editorial and book illustration and posters. I adapt my visual approach to the subject and its intended use. My work ranges from detailed, cartoon-like scenes to realistic portraits and pared-down imagery. My strengths are drawing people and visual storytelling. I also have extensive experience drawing storyboards for advertising and film productions.
Advertising illustration for Helsingin Sanomat / TBWA Helsinki
Advertising illustration for Helsingin Sanomat, promoting newspaper delivery to a holiday address, such as a summer cottage. Different sections of the illustration were used across the print advertisement.
Ink drawing with digital colouring in Adobe Photoshop.
Advertising illustration for Helsingin Sanomat / TBWA Helsinki
Click to see more about the project.
Event illustration / Grafia
Illustration promoting Grafia’s wellbeing afternoon. The aim was to convey a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and graphic designers spending time together.
Event illustration / Grafia
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Couple Therapy – Cover illustration / Kirkonseutu
Cover illustration for Kirkonseutu, based on an article about couples therapy.
Couple Therapy – Cover illustration / Kirkonseutu
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Tomorrow May Never Come Nº03 / Personal project
A work from Tomorrow May Never Come, my ongoing art project exploring time, presence and uncertainty.
Selected for exhibition at the Lublin International Poster Biennale 2023, Lahti Poster Triennale 2025 and United States International Poster Biennial 2025.
Tomorrow May Never Come Nº03 / Personal project
Click to see more about the project.