Leena Kisonen
Hello! I am Leena Kisonen, a Finnish illustrator based in London, UK. I specialise in Scandinavian style illustration which is a great match for quirky products, packaging and brands.
My style is positive, playful and bold. Especially colors and their unusual combinations are an important part of my work. I create my illustrations by combining handmade papercuts to digital vectors. There's always something handmade in my work while the final result often is digital. I want my work to channel good energy and help my clients be recognisable.
I work internationally with my clients in Europe, USA and Asia. My working languages are Finnish and English. I've recently designed characters for MyToys, one of Europe's largest kids' brands and created a visual identity for Lilk, a plant-based milk brand from the UK.
My work has been awarded by 3 x 3 Mag, Applied Arts Awards and Folio Awards amongst others.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch if my work resonates with you!
I specialise in illustration for packaging, products and brands. I create my recognisable work by combining handmade papercuts to digital vectors. My final illustrations are digital and they can be easily modified for different uses.
Google, Snapchat, Facebook, Lilk, The Finnish Post, Refinery29, Finnair, MyToys, Atlassian, Isetan Mitsukoshi, Intercom, Helsinki Design Week, Unilever, Kubo Agency, Putinki
Packaging illustration and logo design / Lilk
Packaging illustration and logo design / Lilk
Click to see more about the project.
Packaging illustration and logo design / Lilk
Packaging illustration and logo design / Lilk
Packaging illustration and logo design / Lilk
Packaging illustration and logo design / Lilk
Packaging illustration and logo design / Lilk
Packaging illustration and logo design / Lilk
Packaging illustration and logo design / Lilk
Packaging illustration and logo design / Lilk
Brand characters / MyToys
The Berlin-based design agency Strichpunkt commissioned me to design characters for MyToys, the largest kids’ brand in the German-speaking area in Europe. The characters were a part of the execution of a complete brand renewal MyToys was going through and Strichpunkt was in charge of executing it.
The brief was to create a collection of characters that could be used to express the MyToys’ core value – joy – across the brand. My solution was to design a set of five different modifiable characters with fun and cheeky personalities. The characters were designed in close collaboration with the design team at Strichpunkt.
I created a total of 96 different expressions with the characters to serve the brand’s various communication needs on different platforms. In addition to this I created a set of 23 brand icons in matching style to the characters. These assets were used to create the basis for an extensive My Toys illustration library that can be expanded further in the future.
Brand characters / MyToys
Click to see more about the project.
Brand characters / MyToys
The Berlin-based design agency Strichpunkt commissioned me to design characters for MyToys, the largest kids’ brand in the German-speaking area in Europe. The characters were a part of the execution of a complete brand renewal MyToys was going through and Strichpunkt was in charge of executing it.
The brief was to create a collection of characters that could be used to express the MyToys’ core value – joy – across the brand. My solution was to design a set of five different modifiable characters with fun and cheeky personalities. The characters were designed in close collaboration with the design team at Strichpunkt.
I created a total of 96 different expressions with the characters to serve the brand’s various communication needs on different platforms. In addition to this I created a set of 23 brand icons in matching style to the characters. These assets were used to create the basis for an extensive My Toys illustration library that can be expanded further in the future.
Brand characters / MyToys
The Berlin-based design agency Strichpunkt commissioned me to design characters for MyToys, the largest kids’ brand in the German-speaking area in Europe. The characters were a part of the execution of a complete brand renewal MyToys was going through and Strichpunkt was in charge of executing it.
The brief was to create a collection of characters that could be used to express the MyToys’ core value – joy – across the brand. My solution was to design a set of five different modifiable characters with fun and cheeky personalities. The characters were designed in close collaboration with the design team at Strichpunkt.
I created a total of 96 different expressions with the characters to serve the brand’s various communication needs on different platforms. In addition to this I created a set of 23 brand icons in matching style to the characters. These assets were used to create the basis for an extensive My Toys illustration library that can be expanded further in the future.
Brand characters / MyToys
The Berlin-based design agency Strichpunkt commissioned me to design characters for MyToys, the largest kids’ brand in the German-speaking area in Europe. The characters were a part of the execution of a complete brand renewal MyToys was going through and Strichpunkt was in charge of executing it.
The brief was to create a collection of characters that could be used to express the MyToys’ core value – joy – across the brand. My solution was to design a set of five different modifiable characters with fun and cheeky personalities. The characters were designed in close collaboration with the design team at Strichpunkt.
I created a total of 96 different expressions with the characters to serve the brand’s various communication needs on different platforms. In addition to this I created a set of 23 brand icons in matching style to the characters. These assets were used to create the basis for an extensive My Toys illustration library that can be expanded further in the future.
Brand characters / MyToys
The Berlin-based design agency Strichpunkt commissioned me to design characters for MyToys, the largest kids’ brand in the German-speaking area in Europe. The characters were a part of the execution of a complete brand renewal MyToys was going through and Strichpunkt was in charge of executing it.
The brief was to create a collection of characters that could be used to express the MyToys’ core value – joy – across the brand. My solution was to design a set of five different modifiable characters with fun and cheeky personalities. The characters were designed in close collaboration with the design team at Strichpunkt.
I created a total of 96 different expressions with the characters to serve the brand’s various communication needs on different platforms. In addition to this I created a set of 23 brand icons in matching style to the characters. These assets were used to create the basis for an extensive My Toys illustration library that can be expanded further in the future.
Brand characters / MyToys
The Berlin-based design agency Strichpunkt commissioned me to design characters for MyToys, the largest kids’ brand in the German-speaking area in Europe. The characters were a part of the execution of a complete brand renewal MyToys was going through and Strichpunkt was in charge of executing it.
The brief was to create a collection of characters that could be used to express the MyToys’ core value – joy – across the brand. My solution was to design a set of five different modifiable characters with fun and cheeky personalities. The characters were designed in close collaboration with the design team at Strichpunkt.
I created a total of 96 different expressions with the characters to serve the brand’s various communication needs on different platforms. In addition to this I created a set of 23 brand icons in matching style to the characters. These assets were used to create the basis for an extensive My Toys illustration library that can be expanded further in the future.
Brand characters / MyToys
The Berlin-based design agency Strichpunkt commissioned me to design characters for MyToys, the largest kids’ brand in the German-speaking area in Europe. The characters were a part of the execution of a complete brand renewal MyToys was going through and Strichpunkt was in charge of executing it.
The brief was to create a collection of characters that could be used to express the MyToys’ core value – joy – across the brand. My solution was to design a set of five different modifiable characters with fun and cheeky personalities. The characters were designed in close collaboration with the design team at Strichpunkt.
I created a total of 96 different expressions with the characters to serve the brand’s various communication needs on different platforms. In addition to this I created a set of 23 brand icons in matching style to the characters. These assets were used to create the basis for an extensive My Toys illustration library that can be expanded further in the future.
Brand characters / MyToys
The Berlin-based design agency Strichpunkt commissioned me to design characters for MyToys, the largest kids’ brand in the German-speaking area in Europe. The characters were a part of the execution of a complete brand renewal MyToys was going through and Strichpunkt was in charge of executing it.
The brief was to create a collection of characters that could be used to express the MyToys’ core value – joy – across the brand. My solution was to design a set of five different modifiable characters with fun and cheeky personalities. The characters were designed in close collaboration with the design team at Strichpunkt.
I created a total of 96 different expressions with the characters to serve the brand’s various communication needs on different platforms. In addition to this I created a set of 23 brand icons in matching style to the characters. These assets were used to create the basis for an extensive My Toys illustration library that can be expanded further in the future.
Brand characters / MyToys
The Berlin-based design agency Strichpunkt commissioned me to design characters for MyToys, the largest kids’ brand in the German-speaking area in Europe. The characters were a part of the execution of a complete brand renewal MyToys was going through and Strichpunkt was in charge of executing it.
The brief was to create a collection of characters that could be used to express the MyToys’ core value – joy – across the brand. My solution was to design a set of five different modifiable characters with fun and cheeky personalities. The characters were designed in close collaboration with the design team at Strichpunkt.
I created a total of 96 different expressions with the characters to serve the brand’s various communication needs on different platforms. In addition to this I created a set of 23 brand icons in matching style to the characters. These assets were used to create the basis for an extensive My Toys illustration library that can be expanded further in the future.
Digital gift card illustration / Giftee
Animated illustrations for digital gift cards for Giftee in Japan.
Giftee is an online platform where you can purchase different kinds of digital gifts. You can send your gift to anyone accompanied by a short message and a personalised digital card.
Digital gift card illustration / Giftee
Click to see more about the project.
Digital gift card illustration / Giftee
Animated illustrations for digital gift cards for Giftee in Japan.
Giftee is an online platform where you can purchase different kinds of digital gifts. You can send your gift to anyone accompanied by a short message and a personalised digital card.
Seasonal holiday packaging / Cosnova
Seasonal holiday packaging / Cosnova
Click to see more about the project.
Seasonal holiday packaging / Cosnova
Seasonal holiday packaging / Cosnova
Seasonal holiday packaging / Cosnova
Seasonal holiday packaging / Cosnova
Seasonal holiday packaging / Cosnova
Frutta / Self-initiated work
A harvesting themed illustration inspired by different kinds of fruit and veggies.
Frutta / Self-initiated work
Click to see more about the project.
2023 wall calendar / Putinki
A series of illustrations for a 2023 wall calendar for Putinki. The theme of the calendar is the typically Scandinavian way of spending time at home. The illustrations depict different kinds of homely pastimes, such as knitting, gardening and reading a book.
You can purchase the calendar on the Putinki online shop.
2023 wall calendar / Putinki
Click to see more about the project.
2023 wall calendar / Putinki
A series of illustrations for a 2023 wall calendar for Putinki. The theme of the calendar is the typically Scandinavian way of spending time at home. The illustrations depict different kinds of homely pastimes, such as knitting, gardening and reading a book.
You can purchase the calendar on the Putinki online shop.
2023 wall calendar / Putinki
A series of illustrations for a 2023 wall calendar for Putinki. The theme of the calendar is the typically Scandinavian way of spending time at home. The illustrations depict different kinds of homely pastimes, such as knitting, gardening and reading a book.
You can purchase the calendar on the Putinki online shop.
2023 wall calendar / Putinki
A series of illustrations for a 2023 wall calendar for Putinki. The theme of the calendar is the typically Scandinavian way of spending time at home. The illustrations depict different kinds of homely pastimes, such as knitting, gardening and reading a book.
You can purchase the calendar on the Putinki online shop.
2023 wall calendar / Putinki
A series of illustrations for a 2023 wall calendar for Putinki. The theme of the calendar is the typically Scandinavian way of spending time at home. The illustrations depict different kinds of homely pastimes, such as knitting, gardening and reading a book.
You can purchase the calendar on the Putinki online shop.
2023 wall calendar / Putinki
A series of illustrations for a 2023 wall calendar for Putinki. The theme of the calendar is the typically Scandinavian way of spending time at home. The illustrations depict different kinds of homely pastimes, such as knitting, gardening and reading a book.
You can purchase the calendar on the Putinki online shop.
2023 wall calendar / Putinki
A series of illustrations for a 2023 wall calendar for Putinki. The theme of the calendar is the typically Scandinavian way of spending time at home. The illustrations depict different kinds of homely pastimes, such as knitting, gardening and reading a book.
You can purchase the calendar on the Putinki online shop.
2023 wall calendar / Putinki
A series of illustrations for a 2023 wall calendar for Putinki. The theme of the calendar is the typically Scandinavian way of spending time at home. The illustrations depict different kinds of homely pastimes, such as knitting, gardening and reading a book.
You can purchase the calendar on the Putinki online shop.
2023 wall calendar / Putinki
A series of illustrations for a 2023 wall calendar for Putinki. The theme of the calendar is the typically Scandinavian way of spending time at home. The illustrations depict different kinds of homely pastimes, such as knitting, gardening and reading a book.
You can purchase the calendar on the Putinki online shop.
2023 wall calendar / Putinki
A series of illustrations for a 2023 wall calendar for Putinki. The theme of the calendar is the typically Scandinavian way of spending time at home. The illustrations depict different kinds of homely pastimes, such as knitting, gardening and reading a book.
You can purchase the calendar on the Putinki online shop.
2023 wall calendar / Putinki
A series of illustrations for a 2023 wall calendar for Putinki. The theme of the calendar is the typically Scandinavian way of spending time at home. The illustrations depict different kinds of homely pastimes, such as knitting, gardening and reading a book.
You can purchase the calendar on the Putinki online shop.
2023 wall calendar / Putinki
A series of illustrations for a 2023 wall calendar for Putinki. The theme of the calendar is the typically Scandinavian way of spending time at home. The illustrations depict different kinds of homely pastimes, such as knitting, gardening and reading a book.
You can purchase the calendar on the Putinki online shop.
2023 wall calendar / Putinki
A series of illustrations for a 2023 wall calendar for Putinki. The theme of the calendar is the typically Scandinavian way of spending time at home. The illustrations depict different kinds of homely pastimes, such as knitting, gardening and reading a book.
You can purchase the calendar on the Putinki online shop.
Poster / Fine Acts
The brief was to design a striking poster that sends a hopeful and positive message about human rights. My poster celebrates the scientific fact that all humans and the universe are originally built from the same material – stardust. We all are connected to one another through our shared origin.
Poster / Fine Acts
Click to see more about the project.
Tsuki no usagi / Self-initiated work
An illustration celebrating the year of the Rabbit 2023 in the Chinese calendar.
The illustration is loosely inspired by the Japanese folk tale, tsuki no usagi. The tale is about a rabbit living on the moon and making mochi cakes.
In this illustration the rabbit is floating in outer space towards the unknown new year and all the events that it will bring along.
Tsuki no usagi / Self-initiated work
Click to see more about the project.
Packaging design / Les Mignons
Packaging design / Les Mignons
Click to see more about the project.
Packaging design / Les Mignons
Campaign illustrations / Refinery29
Campaign illustrations / Refinery29
Click to see more about the project.
Campaign illustrations / Refinery29
Campaign illustrations / Refinery29
Campaign illustrations / Refinery29
Valentine's Day Stamp set / The Finnish Post
Colorful, mood-boosting illustrations for a Valentine’s Day stamp set for the Finnish Post. The stamp set includes five different stamps and it is called Friendship Stories. It’s all about celebrating friends here and far.
In addition to the stamps, I designed a matching First Day Cover envelope and a rubber stamp. Together they create a collectible piece that celebrates the release day of the stamps.
The illustrations were also used in Posti’s Finland-wide advertising campaign across various media, including TV and street ads.
The stamps are available for purchase in Finland via The Finnish Post: https://shop.posti.fi/tuote/kaverijuttuja
Valentine's Day Stamp set / The Finnish Post
Click to see more about the project.
Valentine's Day Stamp set / The Finnish Post
Colorful, mood-boosting illustrations for a Valentine’s Day stamp set for the Finnish Post. The stamp set includes five different stamps and it is called Friendship Stories. It’s all about celebrating friends here and far.
In addition to the stamps, I designed a matching First Day Cover envelope and a rubber stamp. Together they create a collectible piece that celebrates the release day of the stamps.
The illustrations were also used in Posti’s Finland-wide advertising campaign across various media, including TV and street ads.
The stamps are available for purchase in Finland via The Finnish Post: https://shop.posti.fi/tuote/kaverijuttuja
Valentine's Day Stamp set / The Finnish Post
Colorful, mood-boosting illustrations for a Valentine’s Day stamp set for the Finnish Post. The stamp set includes five different stamps and it is called Friendship Stories. It’s all about celebrating friends here and far.
In addition to the stamps, I designed a matching First Day Cover envelope and a rubber stamp. Together they create a collectible piece that celebrates the release day of the stamps.
The illustrations were also used in Posti’s Finland-wide advertising campaign across various media, including TV and street ads.
The stamps are available for purchase in Finland via The Finnish Post: https://shop.posti.fi/tuote/kaverijuttuja
Valentine's Day Stamp set / The Finnish Post
Colorful, mood-boosting illustrations for a Valentine’s Day stamp set for the Finnish Post. The stamp set includes five different stamps and it is called Friendship Stories. It’s all about celebrating friends here and far.
In addition to the stamps, I designed a matching First Day Cover envelope and a rubber stamp. Together they create a collectible piece that celebrates the release day of the stamps.
The illustrations were also used in Posti’s Finland-wide advertising campaign across various media, including TV and street ads.
The stamps are available for purchase in Finland via The Finnish Post: https://shop.posti.fi/tuote/kaverijuttuja
Valentine's Day Stamp set / The Finnish Post
Colorful, mood-boosting illustrations for a Valentine’s Day stamp set for the Finnish Post. The stamp set includes five different stamps and it is called Friendship Stories. It’s all about celebrating friends here and far.
In addition to the stamps, I designed a matching First Day Cover envelope and a rubber stamp. Together they create a collectible piece that celebrates the release day of the stamps.
The illustrations were also used in Posti’s Finland-wide advertising campaign across various media, including TV and street ads.
The stamps are available for purchase in Finland via The Finnish Post: https://shop.posti.fi/tuote/kaverijuttuja