Elina Johanna Ahonen
Hello! I'm a visual storyteller, also known as an illustrator and graphic designer from Tampere. My illustrations usually have expressive characters, a clear colour palette and a playful style. I like to combine light animation with my pictures. In graphic design, I trust simplicity and I feel that I have succeeded in my task when a complex message is in an accessible form.
I love <3 Drawing <3 Picture books <3 Character design <3 Pastel colors <3 Broken tones <3 Forest trips <3 Classical music <3 Crafts <3 Rhyming <3 Joking
I appreciate clear schedules and fair agreements that are created together. I work in Finnish and English. I recommend following my latest projects on Instagram. Represented in Lilith co-operative (www.lilith.fi).
My work calendar has space for new commissions.
I am particularly good at creating expressive and approachable characters, and making light animations. My illustrations have been used in campaigns and as part of the visual appearance of organizations. They are also suitable for children's books and culture. In addition to the illustrations, I can handle the entire graphic design of the project (printed products and digital publications).
Homepakolaiset ry, Hyvinvoinnin tilat project, Into Publishing, Itsenäisyyden juhlavuoden lastensäätiö ITLA, Laine Magazine, Lapsen maailma magazine, Naturn (Karhumuovi Oy), Nemo (Otava Publishing), NO NIIN Magazine, The Eating Disorder Association of Finland (SYLI), Arts Promotion Centre Finland (Taike), Taito magazine, Finnish Crafts Organization (Taito ry), Council for Gender Equality (Tane), Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), WSOY Publishing, The Finnish Public Service Media Company YLE
Illustrations for communication / Taike
Illustrations for Arts Promotion Centre Finland’s (Taike) communication about the artist’s activities at the connecting surfaces of the municipality and welfare areas.
Illustrations for communication / Taike
Click to see more about the project.
Illustrations for communication / Taike
Illustrations for Arts Promotion Centre Finland’s (Taike) communication about the artist’s activities at the connecting surfaces of the municipality and welfare areas.
Illustrations for communication / Taike
Illustrations for Arts Promotion Centre Finland’s (Taike) communication about the artist’s activities at the connecting surfaces of the municipality and welfare areas.
Illustrations for communication / Taike
Illustrations for Arts Promotion Centre Finland’s (Taike) communication about the artist’s activities at the connecting surfaces of the municipality and welfare areas.
Illustrations for communication / Taike
Illustrations for Arts Promotion Centre Finland’s (Taike) communication about the artist’s activities at the connecting surfaces of the municipality and welfare areas.
Illustrations for communication / Taike
Illustrations for Arts Promotion Centre Finland’s (Taike) communication about the artist’s activities at the connecting surfaces of the municipality and welfare areas.
Illustrations for communication / Taike
Illustrations for Arts Promotion Centre Finland’s (Taike) communication about the artist’s activities at the connecting surfaces of the municipality and welfare areas.
Illustrations for communication / Taike
Illustrations for Arts Promotion Centre Finland’s (Taike) communication about the artist’s activities at the connecting surfaces of the municipality and welfare areas.
Illustrations for communication / Taike
Illustrations for Arts Promotion Centre Finland’s (Taike) communication about the artist’s activities at the connecting surfaces of the municipality and welfare areas.
Illustration / My project
An illustration of the people of housing company in Tampere.
If you want it as a poster, send me a message!
Illustration / My project
Click to see more about the project.
Character design / My project
This character is a continuation of the child created during the Draw-tober 2023 challenge, for which I made nine different expressions (last picture). With this character design I was selected from 150 creators to participate in the Picture Book Partner Course organized by WSOY, which took place in October 2024.
Character design / My project
Click to see more about the project.
Character design / My project
This character is a continuation of the child created during the Draw-tober 2023 challenge, for which I made nine different expressions (last picture). With this character design I was selected from 150 creators to participate in the Picture Book Partner Course organized by WSOY, which took place in October 2024.
Character design / My project
This character is a continuation of the child created during the Draw-tober 2023 challenge, for which I made nine different expressions (last picture). With this character design I was selected from 150 creators to participate in the Picture Book Partner Course organized by WSOY, which took place in October 2024.
Character design / My project
This character is a continuation of the child created during the Draw-tober 2023 challenge, for which I made nine different expressions (last picture). With this character design I was selected from 150 creators to participate in the Picture Book Partner Course organized by WSOY, which took place in October 2024.
Character design / My project
These characters were created during a masterclass organized by the Finnish Illustration Association, led by Juan Molinet.
Character design / My project
Click to see more about the project.
Character design / My project
These characters were created during a masterclass organized by the Finnish Illustration Association, led by Juan Molinet.
Character design / My project
Aalto University Master’s Programme pro gradu: Ketkä kulkevat kuoleman rinnalla? – Kuolemasta kertovat lasten kuvakirjat hahmosuunnittelun näkökulmasta.
The thesis aims to answer the question: ”What kind of character can talk about death in a children’s picture book?” In response to the research question, four characters were illustrated: sadness, fear, anger and longing, as well as a character of a memory, which can help the child in dealing with feelings related to death.
Character design / My project
Click to see more about the project.
Character design / My project
Aalto University Master’s Programme pro gradu: Ketkä kulkevat kuoleman rinnalla? – Kuolemasta kertovat lasten kuvakirjat hahmosuunnittelun näkökulmasta.
The thesis aims to answer the question: ”What kind of character can talk about death in a children’s picture book?” In response to the research question, four characters were illustrated: sadness, fear, anger and longing, as well as a character of a memory, which can help the child in dealing with feelings related to death.
Character design / My project
Aalto University Master’s Programme pro gradu: Ketkä kulkevat kuoleman rinnalla? – Kuolemasta kertovat lasten kuvakirjat hahmosuunnittelun näkökulmasta.
The thesis aims to answer the question: ”What kind of character can talk about death in a children’s picture book?” In response to the research question, four characters were illustrated: sadness, fear, anger and longing, as well as a character of a memory, which can help the child in dealing with feelings related to death.
Character design / My project
Aalto University Master’s Programme pro gradu: Ketkä kulkevat kuoleman rinnalla? – Kuolemasta kertovat lasten kuvakirjat hahmosuunnittelun näkökulmasta.
The thesis aims to answer the question: ”What kind of character can talk about death in a children’s picture book?” In response to the research question, four characters were illustrated: sadness, fear, anger and longing, as well as a character of a memory, which can help the child in dealing with feelings related to death.
Character design / My project
Aalto University Master’s Programme pro gradu: Ketkä kulkevat kuoleman rinnalla? – Kuolemasta kertovat lasten kuvakirjat hahmosuunnittelun näkökulmasta.
The thesis aims to answer the question: ”What kind of character can talk about death in a children’s picture book?” In response to the research question, four characters were illustrated: sadness, fear, anger and longing, as well as a character of a memory, which can help the child in dealing with feelings related to death.
Character design / My project
Aalto University Master’s Programme pro gradu: Ketkä kulkevat kuoleman rinnalla? – Kuolemasta kertovat lasten kuvakirjat hahmosuunnittelun näkökulmasta.
The thesis aims to answer the question: ”What kind of character can talk about death in a children’s picture book?” In response to the research question, four characters were illustrated: sadness, fear, anger and longing, as well as a character of a memory, which can help the child in dealing with feelings related to death.
Character design / My project
Aalto University Master’s Programme pro gradu: Ketkä kulkevat kuoleman rinnalla? – Kuolemasta kertovat lasten kuvakirjat hahmosuunnittelun näkökulmasta.
The thesis aims to answer the question: ”What kind of character can talk about death in a children’s picture book?” In response to the research question, four characters were illustrated: sadness, fear, anger and longing, as well as a character of a memory, which can help the child in dealing with feelings related to death.
Campaign illustrations / The Eating Disorder Association of Finland – SYLI
Illustrations with people for Syömishäiriöliitto – SYLI ’Läheiset’ (Close ones) project and website.
Campaign illustrations / The Eating Disorder Association of Finland – SYLI
Click to see more about the project.
Campaign illustrations / The Eating Disorder Association of Finland – SYLI
Illustrations with people for Syömishäiriöliitto – SYLI ’Läheiset’ (Close ones) project and website.
Campaign illustrations / The Eating Disorder Association of Finland – SYLI
Illustrations with people for Syömishäiriöliitto – SYLI ’Läheiset’ (Close ones) project and website.
Campaign illustrations / The Eating Disorder Association of Finland – SYLI
Illustrations with people for Syömishäiriöliitto – SYLI ’Läheiset’ (Close ones) project and website.
Campaign illustrations / The Eating Disorder Association of Finland – SYLI
Illustrations with people for Syömishäiriöliitto – SYLI ’Läheiset’ (Close ones) project and website.
Campaign illustrations / The Eating Disorder Association of Finland – SYLI
Illustrations with people for Syömishäiriöliitto – SYLI ’Läheiset’ (Close ones) project and website.
Campaign illustrations / The Eating Disorder Association of Finland – SYLI
Illustrations with people for Syömishäiriöliitto – SYLI ’Läheiset’ (Close ones) project and website.
Animated illustration / My project
The jump and the squat (Fin. Hyppy-kyykky) illustrated animation. Animation exercise with frame by frame technology.
Animated illustration / My project
Click to see more about the project.
Comics / My project
To the Swamp comic is a short story about a journey to the edge of a swamp. The size when opened is A4.
Comics / My project
Click to see more about the project.
Comics / My project
To the Swamp comic is a short story about a journey to the edge of a swamp. The size when opened is A4.
Comics / My project
To the Swamp comic is a short story about a journey to the edge of a swamp. The size when opened is A4.
Campaign illustrations / The Helsinki University Association of Researchers and Teachers – HUART
Campaingn illustration for the Helsinki University Association of Researchers and Teachers (HUART). The campaign was for the association’s membership recruitment and the theme was “(Don’t) go it alone!”. The appearance of the characters was inspired by the renewed look of the Union of Research Professionals (Tieteentekijät). I also did the graphic design for the bilingual brochure.
Campaign illustrations / The Helsinki University Association of Researchers and Teachers – HUART
Click to see more about the project.
Campaign illustrations / The Helsinki University Association of Researchers and Teachers – HUART
Campaingn illustration for the Helsinki University Association of Researchers and Teachers (HUART). The campaign was for the association’s membership recruitment and the theme was “(Don’t) go it alone!”. The appearance of the characters was inspired by the renewed look of the Union of Research Professionals (Tieteentekijät). I also did the graphic design for the bilingual brochure.
Campaign illustrations / The Helsinki University Association of Researchers and Teachers – HUART
Campaingn illustration for the Helsinki University Association of Researchers and Teachers (HUART). The campaign was for the association’s membership recruitment and the theme was “(Don’t) go it alone!”. The appearance of the characters was inspired by the renewed look of the Union of Research Professionals (Tieteentekijät). I also did the graphic design for the bilingual brochure.
Campaign illustrations / The Helsinki University Association of Researchers and Teachers – HUART
Campaingn illustration for the Helsinki University Association of Researchers and Teachers (HUART). The campaign was for the association’s membership recruitment and the theme was “(Don’t) go it alone!”. The appearance of the characters was inspired by the renewed look of the Union of Research Professionals (Tieteentekijät). I also did the graphic design for the bilingual brochure.
Blog illustrations / Hyvinvoinnin tilat project
Illustrations for the ’Hyvinvoinnin reseptit’ blog of the Hyvinvoinnin tilat -project (Spaces of Well-being). The background color of the illustrations changes according to the four different categories.
Blog illustrations / Hyvinvoinnin tilat project
Click to see more about the project.
Blog illustrations / Hyvinvoinnin tilat project
Illustrations for the ’Hyvinvoinnin reseptit’ blog of the Hyvinvoinnin tilat -project (Spaces of Well-being). The background color of the illustrations changes according to the four different categories.
Blog illustrations / Hyvinvoinnin tilat project
Illustrations for the ’Hyvinvoinnin reseptit’ blog of the Hyvinvoinnin tilat -project (Spaces of Well-being). The background color of the illustrations changes according to the four different categories.
Blog illustrations / Hyvinvoinnin tilat project
Illustrations for the ’Hyvinvoinnin reseptit’ blog of the Hyvinvoinnin tilat -project (Spaces of Well-being). The background color of the illustrations changes according to the four different categories.
Blog illustrations / Hyvinvoinnin tilat project
Illustrations for the ’Hyvinvoinnin reseptit’ blog of the Hyvinvoinnin tilat -project (Spaces of Well-being). The background color of the illustrations changes according to the four different categories.
Blog illustrations / Hyvinvoinnin tilat project
Illustrations for the ’Hyvinvoinnin reseptit’ blog of the Hyvinvoinnin tilat -project (Spaces of Well-being). The background color of the illustrations changes according to the four different categories.
Blog illustrations / Hyvinvoinnin tilat project
Illustrations for the ’Hyvinvoinnin reseptit’ blog of the Hyvinvoinnin tilat -project (Spaces of Well-being). The background color of the illustrations changes according to the four different categories.
Blog illustrations / Hyvinvoinnin tilat project
Illustrations for the ’Hyvinvoinnin reseptit’ blog of the Hyvinvoinnin tilat -project (Spaces of Well-being). The background color of the illustrations changes according to the four different categories.
Blog illustrations / Hyvinvoinnin tilat project
Illustrations for the ’Hyvinvoinnin reseptit’ blog of the Hyvinvoinnin tilat -project (Spaces of Well-being). The background color of the illustrations changes according to the four different categories.
Blog illustrations / Hyvinvoinnin tilat project
Illustrations for the ’Hyvinvoinnin reseptit’ blog of the Hyvinvoinnin tilat -project (Spaces of Well-being). The background color of the illustrations changes according to the four different categories.
Blog illustrations / Hyvinvoinnin tilat project
Illustrations for the ’Hyvinvoinnin reseptit’ blog of the Hyvinvoinnin tilat -project (Spaces of Well-being). The background color of the illustrations changes according to the four different categories.
Blog illustrations / Hyvinvoinnin tilat project
Illustrations for the ’Hyvinvoinnin reseptit’ blog of the Hyvinvoinnin tilat -project (Spaces of Well-being). The background color of the illustrations changes according to the four different categories.
Blog illustrations / Hyvinvoinnin tilat project
Illustrations for the ’Hyvinvoinnin reseptit’ blog of the Hyvinvoinnin tilat -project (Spaces of Well-being). The background color of the illustrations changes according to the four different categories.
Blog illustrations / Hyvinvoinnin tilat project
Illustrations for the ’Hyvinvoinnin reseptit’ blog of the Hyvinvoinnin tilat -project (Spaces of Well-being). The background color of the illustrations changes according to the four different categories.
Event illustrations / My project
Chinese New Year.
Event illustrations / My project
Click to see more about the project.
Event illustrations / My project
Chinese New Year.
Illustration (animals and plants) / My project
The Wicker cats, Rush, Narcissus and Blue Anemones illustrations.
This could be suitable for a children’s book or event.
Illustration (animals and plants) / My project
Click to see more about the project.
Illustration (animals and plants) / My project
The Wicker cats, Rush, Narcissus and Blue Anemones illustrations.
This could be suitable for a children’s book or event.
Illustration (animals and plants) / My project
The Wicker cats, Rush, Narcissus and Blue Anemones illustrations.
This could be suitable for a children’s book or event.
Illustration (animals and plants) / My project
The Wicker cats, Rush, Narcissus and Blue Anemones illustrations.
This could be suitable for a children’s book or event.
Illustration + text / My project
These illustrations include the rhymes/jingles/poems I invented myself. These could suit children’s or young adults’ books.
Illustration + text / My project
Click to see more about the project.
Illustration + text / My project
These illustrations include the rhymes/jingles/poems I invented myself. These could suit children’s or young adults’ books.
Illustration + text / My project
These illustrations include the rhymes/jingles/poems I invented myself. These could suit children’s or young adults’ books.
More animated illustration / My project
The works Frog Leap (Sammakkoloikka), the Skier (Hiihtäjä) and the Self-portrait (Omakuva) animation. Animation exercise with frame by frame technology.
More animated illustration / My project
Click to see more about the project.
More animated illustration / My project
The works Frog Leap (Sammakkoloikka), the Skier (Hiihtäjä) and the Self-portrait (Omakuva) animation. Animation exercise with frame by frame technology.
More animated illustration / My project
The works Frog Leap (Sammakkoloikka), the Skier (Hiihtäjä) and the Self-portrait (Omakuva) animation. Animation exercise with frame by frame technology.
Book illustration / Nemo Publishing
Humorous Finnish baseball (Fin. pesäpallo) vocabulary Illustrations for the book Pesis : opas jännittävän pelin seuraajalle ja harrastajalle, Annukka Koskela, Nemo Publishing (2017).
Book illustration / Nemo Publishing
Click to see more about the project.
Book illustration / Nemo Publishing
Humorous Finnish baseball (Fin. pesäpallo) vocabulary Illustrations for the book Pesis : opas jännittävän pelin seuraajalle ja harrastajalle, Annukka Koskela, Nemo Publishing (2017).
Book illustration / Nemo Publishing
Humorous Finnish baseball (Fin. pesäpallo) vocabulary Illustrations for the book Pesis : opas jännittävän pelin seuraajalle ja harrastajalle, Annukka Koskela, Nemo Publishing (2017).
Book illustration / Nemo Publishing
Humorous Finnish baseball (Fin. pesäpallo) vocabulary Illustrations for the book Pesis : opas jännittävän pelin seuraajalle ja harrastajalle, Annukka Koskela, Nemo Publishing (2017).
Book illustration / Nemo Publishing
Humorous Finnish baseball (Fin. pesäpallo) vocabulary Illustrations for the book Pesis : opas jännittävän pelin seuraajalle ja harrastajalle, Annukka Koskela, Nemo Publishing (2017).
Book illustration / Nemo Publishing
Humorous Finnish baseball (Fin. pesäpallo) vocabulary Illustrations for the book Pesis : opas jännittävän pelin seuraajalle ja harrastajalle, Annukka Koskela, Nemo Publishing (2017).
Book illustration / Nemo Publishing
Humorous Finnish baseball (Fin. pesäpallo) vocabulary Illustrations for the book Pesis : opas jännittävän pelin seuraajalle ja harrastajalle, Annukka Koskela, Nemo Publishing (2017).