Joona Aalto
Hey! Joona Aalto here!
I am an art director, illustrator, animator, and alternative pop culture enthusiast. My fascination lies in the interplay between bold colors, cute and ugly aesthetics, and the quirkiest of characters. I studied graphic design at Aalto University School of Art, Design and Architecture, and honed my illustration skills at the Willem de Kooning Academie.
I have a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the power of visual storytelling. My artistic practice is fueled by an insatiable appetite for experimentation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible with new techniques and approaches. Whether I'm crafting intricate illustrations or bringing charming characters to life through animation, my work is always infused with a sense of playfulness and an undeniable passion for the creative process.
Let's make something fun together!
Colourful illustrations, quirky characters, and bringing all of it alive with animation.
Netflix, Amazon, Wolt, Warner Music Finland, HSL, Sanoma Pro, Reaktor
Illustration style / Holvi
Holvi, a digital banking service for freelancers and small businesses, approached me to create a unique illustration style that would enhance the user experience and restore humanity to their product. The goal was to add emotion and personality to the platform through the use of engaging and recognizable illustrations.
The characters were designed to effectively communicate messages to users and add visual elements to advertisements and other marketing materials. The illustrations were not only functional but also fun and quirky, bringing an enjoyable and memorable touch to the brand.
Illustration style / Holvi
Click to see more about the project.
Illustration style / Holvi
Holvi, a digital banking service for freelancers and small businesses, approached me to create a unique illustration style that would enhance the user experience and restore humanity to their product. The goal was to add emotion and personality to the platform through the use of engaging and recognizable illustrations.
The characters were designed to effectively communicate messages to users and add visual elements to advertisements and other marketing materials. The illustrations were not only functional but also fun and quirky, bringing an enjoyable and memorable touch to the brand.
Illustration style / Holvi
Holvi, a digital banking service for freelancers and small businesses, approached me to create a unique illustration style that would enhance the user experience and restore humanity to their product. The goal was to add emotion and personality to the platform through the use of engaging and recognizable illustrations.
The characters were designed to effectively communicate messages to users and add visual elements to advertisements and other marketing materials. The illustrations were not only functional but also fun and quirky, bringing an enjoyable and memorable touch to the brand.
Illustration style / Holvi
Holvi, a digital banking service for freelancers and small businesses, approached me to create a unique illustration style that would enhance the user experience and restore humanity to their product. The goal was to add emotion and personality to the platform through the use of engaging and recognizable illustrations.
The characters were designed to effectively communicate messages to users and add visual elements to advertisements and other marketing materials. The illustrations were not only functional but also fun and quirky, bringing an enjoyable and memorable touch to the brand.
Illustration style / Holvi
Holvi, a digital banking service for freelancers and small businesses, approached me to create a unique illustration style that would enhance the user experience and restore humanity to their product. The goal was to add emotion and personality to the platform through the use of engaging and recognizable illustrations.
The characters were designed to effectively communicate messages to users and add visual elements to advertisements and other marketing materials. The illustrations were not only functional but also fun and quirky, bringing an enjoyable and memorable touch to the brand.
Illustration style / Holvi
Holvi, a digital banking service for freelancers and small businesses, approached me to create a unique illustration style that would enhance the user experience and restore humanity to their product. The goal was to add emotion and personality to the platform through the use of engaging and recognizable illustrations.
The characters were designed to effectively communicate messages to users and add visual elements to advertisements and other marketing materials. The illustrations were not only functional but also fun and quirky, bringing an enjoyable and memorable touch to the brand.
Illustration style / Holvi
Holvi, a digital banking service for freelancers and small businesses, approached me to create a unique illustration style that would enhance the user experience and restore humanity to their product. The goal was to add emotion and personality to the platform through the use of engaging and recognizable illustrations.
The characters were designed to effectively communicate messages to users and add visual elements to advertisements and other marketing materials. The illustrations were not only functional but also fun and quirky, bringing an enjoyable and memorable touch to the brand.
Illustration style / Holvi
Holvi, a digital banking service for freelancers and small businesses, approached me to create a unique illustration style that would enhance the user experience and restore humanity to their product. The goal was to add emotion and personality to the platform through the use of engaging and recognizable illustrations.
The characters were designed to effectively communicate messages to users and add visual elements to advertisements and other marketing materials. The illustrations were not only functional but also fun and quirky, bringing an enjoyable and memorable touch to the brand.
Illustration style / Holvi
Holvi, a digital banking service for freelancers and small businesses, approached me to create a unique illustration style that would enhance the user experience and restore humanity to their product. The goal was to add emotion and personality to the platform through the use of engaging and recognizable illustrations.
The characters were designed to effectively communicate messages to users and add visual elements to advertisements and other marketing materials. The illustrations were not only functional but also fun and quirky, bringing an enjoyable and memorable touch to the brand.
Illustration style / Holvi
Holvi, a digital banking service for freelancers and small businesses, approached me to create a unique illustration style that would enhance the user experience and restore humanity to their product. The goal was to add emotion and personality to the platform through the use of engaging and recognizable illustrations.
The characters were designed to effectively communicate messages to users and add visual elements to advertisements and other marketing materials. The illustrations were not only functional but also fun and quirky, bringing an enjoyable and memorable touch to the brand.
Illustration style / Holvi
Holvi, a digital banking service for freelancers and small businesses, approached me to create a unique illustration style that would enhance the user experience and restore humanity to their product. The goal was to add emotion and personality to the platform through the use of engaging and recognizable illustrations.
The characters were designed to effectively communicate messages to users and add visual elements to advertisements and other marketing materials. The illustrations were not only functional but also fun and quirky, bringing an enjoyable and memorable touch to the brand.
Illustration style / Holvi
Holvi, a digital banking service for freelancers and small businesses, approached me to create a unique illustration style that would enhance the user experience and restore humanity to their product. The goal was to add emotion and personality to the platform through the use of engaging and recognizable illustrations.
The characters were designed to effectively communicate messages to users and add visual elements to advertisements and other marketing materials. The illustrations were not only functional but also fun and quirky, bringing an enjoyable and memorable touch to the brand.
Illustration / Grafia ry
Animated illustration for Grafia, a Finnish association of Visual Communication Designers, to help them spread the word of their 2021 project grants.
The concept surrounds our main character, a magical, grand, surrealistic being who is surrounded by flying letters representing the wonderful projects.
The concept focuses on the artistic and personal side of applying for a grant, the many ideas one has and how they are carefully prepared and thought through, like love letters.
Illustration / Grafia ry
Click to see more about the project.
Illustration / Grafia ry
Animated illustration for Grafia, a Finnish association of Visual Communication Designers, to help them spread the word of their 2021 project grants.
The concept surrounds our main character, a magical, grand, surrealistic being who is surrounded by flying letters representing the wonderful projects.
The concept focuses on the artistic and personal side of applying for a grant, the many ideas one has and how they are carefully prepared and thought through, like love letters.
Illustration / Grafia ry
Animated illustration for Grafia, a Finnish association of Visual Communication Designers, to help them spread the word of their 2021 project grants.
The concept surrounds our main character, a magical, grand, surrealistic being who is surrounded by flying letters representing the wonderful projects.
The concept focuses on the artistic and personal side of applying for a grant, the many ideas one has and how they are carefully prepared and thought through, like love letters.
Illustration / Grafia ry
Animated illustration for Grafia, a Finnish association of Visual Communication Designers, to help them spread the word of their 2021 project grants.
The concept surrounds our main character, a magical, grand, surrealistic being who is surrounded by flying letters representing the wonderful projects.
The concept focuses on the artistic and personal side of applying for a grant, the many ideas one has and how they are carefully prepared and thought through, like love letters.
Illustrations / HSL
Tactical animated illustrations for HSL (Helsinki Regional Transport System) that showcase the ease and convenience of using public transportation in the beautiful capital area of Finland.
Illustrations / HSL
Click to see more about the project.
Illustrations / HSL
Tactical animated illustrations for HSL (Helsinki Regional Transport System) that showcase the ease and convenience of using public transportation in the beautiful capital area of Finland.
Illustrations / HSL
Tactical animated illustrations for HSL (Helsinki Regional Transport System) that showcase the ease and convenience of using public transportation in the beautiful capital area of Finland.
Illustrations / HSL
Tactical animated illustrations for HSL (Helsinki Regional Transport System) that showcase the ease and convenience of using public transportation in the beautiful capital area of Finland.
Illustrations / HSL
Tactical animated illustrations for HSL (Helsinki Regional Transport System) that showcase the ease and convenience of using public transportation in the beautiful capital area of Finland.
Illustrations / HSL
Tactical animated illustrations for HSL (Helsinki Regional Transport System) that showcase the ease and convenience of using public transportation in the beautiful capital area of Finland.
Illustrations / YTK
Illustrations for the Finnish National Unemployment Fund (YTK) that showcase the human side of their operations and the diverse range of people who use their services.
The illustrations were designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing each element to be used separately as needed. Through a combination of characters, backgrounds, and objects, the illustrations capture the unique stories and experiences of YTK’s clients.
By emphasizing the personal and relatable aspects of unemployment and financial support, the illustrations bring a sense of empathy and understanding to the often-stressful process of navigating job loss and financial instability.
Illustrations / YTK
Click to see more about the project.
Illustrations / YTK
Illustrations for the Finnish National Unemployment Fund (YTK) that showcase the human side of their operations and the diverse range of people who use their services.
The illustrations were designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing each element to be used separately as needed. Through a combination of characters, backgrounds, and objects, the illustrations capture the unique stories and experiences of YTK’s clients.
By emphasizing the personal and relatable aspects of unemployment and financial support, the illustrations bring a sense of empathy and understanding to the often-stressful process of navigating job loss and financial instability.
Illustrations / YTK
Illustrations for the Finnish National Unemployment Fund (YTK) that showcase the human side of their operations and the diverse range of people who use their services.
The illustrations were designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing each element to be used separately as needed. Through a combination of characters, backgrounds, and objects, the illustrations capture the unique stories and experiences of YTK’s clients.
By emphasizing the personal and relatable aspects of unemployment and financial support, the illustrations bring a sense of empathy and understanding to the often-stressful process of navigating job loss and financial instability.
Illustrations / YTK
Illustrations for the Finnish National Unemployment Fund (YTK) that showcase the human side of their operations and the diverse range of people who use their services.
The illustrations were designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing each element to be used separately as needed. Through a combination of characters, backgrounds, and objects, the illustrations capture the unique stories and experiences of YTK’s clients.
By emphasizing the personal and relatable aspects of unemployment and financial support, the illustrations bring a sense of empathy and understanding to the often-stressful process of navigating job loss and financial instability.
Illustrations / YTK
Illustrations for the Finnish National Unemployment Fund (YTK) that showcase the human side of their operations and the diverse range of people who use their services.
The illustrations were designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing each element to be used separately as needed. Through a combination of characters, backgrounds, and objects, the illustrations capture the unique stories and experiences of YTK’s clients.
By emphasizing the personal and relatable aspects of unemployment and financial support, the illustrations bring a sense of empathy and understanding to the often-stressful process of navigating job loss and financial instability.
Illustrations / YTK
Illustrations for the Finnish National Unemployment Fund (YTK) that showcase the human side of their operations and the diverse range of people who use their services.
The illustrations were designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing each element to be used separately as needed. Through a combination of characters, backgrounds, and objects, the illustrations capture the unique stories and experiences of YTK’s clients.
By emphasizing the personal and relatable aspects of unemployment and financial support, the illustrations bring a sense of empathy and understanding to the often-stressful process of navigating job loss and financial instability.
Illustrations / YTK
Illustrations for the Finnish National Unemployment Fund (YTK) that showcase the human side of their operations and the diverse range of people who use their services.
The illustrations were designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing each element to be used separately as needed. Through a combination of characters, backgrounds, and objects, the illustrations capture the unique stories and experiences of YTK’s clients.
By emphasizing the personal and relatable aspects of unemployment and financial support, the illustrations bring a sense of empathy and understanding to the often-stressful process of navigating job loss and financial instability.
Illustrations / YTK
Illustrations for the Finnish National Unemployment Fund (YTK) that showcase the human side of their operations and the diverse range of people who use their services.
The illustrations were designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing each element to be used separately as needed. Through a combination of characters, backgrounds, and objects, the illustrations capture the unique stories and experiences of YTK’s clients.
By emphasizing the personal and relatable aspects of unemployment and financial support, the illustrations bring a sense of empathy and understanding to the often-stressful process of navigating job loss and financial instability.
Illustrations / YTK
Illustrations for the Finnish National Unemployment Fund (YTK) that showcase the human side of their operations and the diverse range of people who use their services.
The illustrations were designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing each element to be used separately as needed. Through a combination of characters, backgrounds, and objects, the illustrations capture the unique stories and experiences of YTK’s clients.
By emphasizing the personal and relatable aspects of unemployment and financial support, the illustrations bring a sense of empathy and understanding to the often-stressful process of navigating job loss and financial instability.
Illustrations / Wolt
Wolt, the popular Finnish food-delivery platform, relies on engaging animations and illustrations to enhance its customer experience. I created these animated characters and quirky illustrations that were integrated throughout the app, serving as helpful guides for users as they navigate the ordering process. In addition to their functional purpose, the animations and illustrations also bring a sense of humor and playfulness to the app. They inject a bit of levity into what can sometimes be a stressful or frustrating process, making the overall experience more enjoyable for users. Whether it’s a silly character popping up to guide you through the ordering process or a charming illustration adding some personality to the app’s interface, Wolt’s use of animations and illustrations makes food delivery a more enjoyable and lighthearted experience.
Illustrations / Wolt
Click to see more about the project.
Illustrations / Wolt
Wolt, the popular Finnish food-delivery platform, relies on engaging animations and illustrations to enhance its customer experience. I created these animated characters and quirky illustrations that were integrated throughout the app, serving as helpful guides for users as they navigate the ordering process. In addition to their functional purpose, the animations and illustrations also bring a sense of humor and playfulness to the app. They inject a bit of levity into what can sometimes be a stressful or frustrating process, making the overall experience more enjoyable for users. Whether it’s a silly character popping up to guide you through the ordering process or a charming illustration adding some personality to the app’s interface, Wolt’s use of animations and illustrations makes food delivery a more enjoyable and lighthearted experience.
Illustrations / Wolt
Wolt, the popular Finnish food-delivery platform, relies on engaging animations and illustrations to enhance its customer experience. I created these animated characters and quirky illustrations that were integrated throughout the app, serving as helpful guides for users as they navigate the ordering process. In addition to their functional purpose, the animations and illustrations also bring a sense of humor and playfulness to the app. They inject a bit of levity into what can sometimes be a stressful or frustrating process, making the overall experience more enjoyable for users. Whether it’s a silly character popping up to guide you through the ordering process or a charming illustration adding some personality to the app’s interface, Wolt’s use of animations and illustrations makes food delivery a more enjoyable and lighthearted experience.
Illustrations / Wolt
Wolt, the popular Finnish food-delivery platform, relies on engaging animations and illustrations to enhance its customer experience. I created these animated characters and quirky illustrations that were integrated throughout the app, serving as helpful guides for users as they navigate the ordering process. In addition to their functional purpose, the animations and illustrations also bring a sense of humor and playfulness to the app. They inject a bit of levity into what can sometimes be a stressful or frustrating process, making the overall experience more enjoyable for users. Whether it’s a silly character popping up to guide you through the ordering process or a charming illustration adding some personality to the app’s interface, Wolt’s use of animations and illustrations makes food delivery a more enjoyable and lighthearted experience.
Illustrations / Wolt
Wolt, the popular Finnish food-delivery platform, relies on engaging animations and illustrations to enhance its customer experience. I created these animated characters and quirky illustrations that were integrated throughout the app, serving as helpful guides for users as they navigate the ordering process. In addition to their functional purpose, the animations and illustrations also bring a sense of humor and playfulness to the app. They inject a bit of levity into what can sometimes be a stressful or frustrating process, making the overall experience more enjoyable for users. Whether it’s a silly character popping up to guide you through the ordering process or a charming illustration adding some personality to the app’s interface, Wolt’s use of animations and illustrations makes food delivery a more enjoyable and lighthearted experience.
Illustrations / Wolt
Wolt, the popular Finnish food-delivery platform, relies on engaging animations and illustrations to enhance its customer experience. I created these animated characters and quirky illustrations that were integrated throughout the app, serving as helpful guides for users as they navigate the ordering process. In addition to their functional purpose, the animations and illustrations also bring a sense of humor and playfulness to the app. They inject a bit of levity into what can sometimes be a stressful or frustrating process, making the overall experience more enjoyable for users. Whether it’s a silly character popping up to guide you through the ordering process or a charming illustration adding some personality to the app’s interface, Wolt’s use of animations and illustrations makes food delivery a more enjoyable and lighthearted experience.
Illustrations / Wolt
Wolt, the popular Finnish food-delivery platform, relies on engaging animations and illustrations to enhance its customer experience. I created these animated characters and quirky illustrations that were integrated throughout the app, serving as helpful guides for users as they navigate the ordering process. In addition to their functional purpose, the animations and illustrations also bring a sense of humor and playfulness to the app. They inject a bit of levity into what can sometimes be a stressful or frustrating process, making the overall experience more enjoyable for users. Whether it’s a silly character popping up to guide you through the ordering process or a charming illustration adding some personality to the app’s interface, Wolt’s use of animations and illustrations makes food delivery a more enjoyable and lighthearted experience.
Illustrations / Wolt
Wolt, the popular Finnish food-delivery platform, relies on engaging animations and illustrations to enhance its customer experience. I created these animated characters and quirky illustrations that were integrated throughout the app, serving as helpful guides for users as they navigate the ordering process. In addition to their functional purpose, the animations and illustrations also bring a sense of humor and playfulness to the app. They inject a bit of levity into what can sometimes be a stressful or frustrating process, making the overall experience more enjoyable for users. Whether it’s a silly character popping up to guide you through the ordering process or a charming illustration adding some personality to the app’s interface, Wolt’s use of animations and illustrations makes food delivery a more enjoyable and lighthearted experience.
Illustrations / Wolt
Wolt, the popular Finnish food-delivery platform, relies on engaging animations and illustrations to enhance its customer experience. I created these animated characters and quirky illustrations that were integrated throughout the app, serving as helpful guides for users as they navigate the ordering process. In addition to their functional purpose, the animations and illustrations also bring a sense of humor and playfulness to the app. They inject a bit of levity into what can sometimes be a stressful or frustrating process, making the overall experience more enjoyable for users. Whether it’s a silly character popping up to guide you through the ordering process or a charming illustration adding some personality to the app’s interface, Wolt’s use of animations and illustrations makes food delivery a more enjoyable and lighthearted experience.
Illustrations / Wolt
Wolt, the popular Finnish food-delivery platform, relies on engaging animations and illustrations to enhance its customer experience. I created these animated characters and quirky illustrations that were integrated throughout the app, serving as helpful guides for users as they navigate the ordering process. In addition to their functional purpose, the animations and illustrations also bring a sense of humor and playfulness to the app. They inject a bit of levity into what can sometimes be a stressful or frustrating process, making the overall experience more enjoyable for users. Whether it’s a silly character popping up to guide you through the ordering process or a charming illustration adding some personality to the app’s interface, Wolt’s use of animations and illustrations makes food delivery a more enjoyable and lighthearted experience.
Illustrations / Wolt
Wolt, the popular Finnish food-delivery platform, relies on engaging animations and illustrations to enhance its customer experience. I created these animated characters and quirky illustrations that were integrated throughout the app, serving as helpful guides for users as they navigate the ordering process. In addition to their functional purpose, the animations and illustrations also bring a sense of humor and playfulness to the app. They inject a bit of levity into what can sometimes be a stressful or frustrating process, making the overall experience more enjoyable for users. Whether it’s a silly character popping up to guide you through the ordering process or a charming illustration adding some personality to the app’s interface, Wolt’s use of animations and illustrations makes food delivery a more enjoyable and lighthearted experience.
Illustrations / Wolt
Wolt, the popular Finnish food-delivery platform, relies on engaging animations and illustrations to enhance its customer experience. I created these animated characters and quirky illustrations that were integrated throughout the app, serving as helpful guides for users as they navigate the ordering process. In addition to their functional purpose, the animations and illustrations also bring a sense of humor and playfulness to the app. They inject a bit of levity into what can sometimes be a stressful or frustrating process, making the overall experience more enjoyable for users. Whether it’s a silly character popping up to guide you through the ordering process or a charming illustration adding some personality to the app’s interface, Wolt’s use of animations and illustrations makes food delivery a more enjoyable and lighthearted experience.
Virtual meetings / Reaktor
An illustration for Reaktor’s blog post on the challenges and lessons learned from running virtual meetings during the pandemic. The goal was to capture the energy and chaos of a virtual meeting, where participants are each in their own world within the screen.
To achieve this, I depicted a lively scene of people working from home, each engaged in their own activities but also connected through the virtual meeting. The illustration portrays the dynamic nature of remote work and highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration, even in virtual spaces.
Virtual meetings / Reaktor
Click to see more about the project.
Virtual meetings / Reaktor
An illustration for Reaktor’s blog post on the challenges and lessons learned from running virtual meetings during the pandemic. The goal was to capture the energy and chaos of a virtual meeting, where participants are each in their own world within the screen.
To achieve this, I depicted a lively scene of people working from home, each engaged in their own activities but also connected through the virtual meeting. The illustration portrays the dynamic nature of remote work and highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration, even in virtual spaces.
Event identity / Lucky Juce
Lucky Juce is a dynamic and inclusive LGBTQIA+ club night that celebrates pop music, self-expression through fashion, community, and fun. The goal of this project was to create an inclusive and diverse space that highlights queer arts and culture in Helsinki.
Reflections, the second virtual club night, was streamed on Zoom and Instagram Live. The event aimed to create a ball-like atmosphere, with the added element of virtual technology. Reflections encouraged participants to reflect on the past year while enjoying the music and engaging with the community.
The aim was to create something that reference vintage rave flyers together with more striking queer asthetics, drag queens and club kids.
Event identity / Lucky Juce
Click to see more about the project.
Event identity / Lucky Juce
Lucky Juce is a dynamic and inclusive LGBTQIA+ club night that celebrates pop music, self-expression through fashion, community, and fun. The goal of this project was to create an inclusive and diverse space that highlights queer arts and culture in Helsinki.
Reflections, the second virtual club night, was streamed on Zoom and Instagram Live. The event aimed to create a ball-like atmosphere, with the added element of virtual technology. Reflections encouraged participants to reflect on the past year while enjoying the music and engaging with the community.
The aim was to create something that reference vintage rave flyers together with more striking queer asthetics, drag queens and club kids.
Event identity / Lucky Juce
Lucky Juce is a dynamic and inclusive LGBTQIA+ club night that celebrates pop music, self-expression through fashion, community, and fun. The goal of this project was to create an inclusive and diverse space that highlights queer arts and culture in Helsinki.
Reflections, the second virtual club night, was streamed on Zoom and Instagram Live. The event aimed to create a ball-like atmosphere, with the added element of virtual technology. Reflections encouraged participants to reflect on the past year while enjoying the music and engaging with the community.
The aim was to create something that reference vintage rave flyers together with more striking queer asthetics, drag queens and club kids.
T-shirt print / Jelli Spagetti
T-shirt design for Jelli Spagetti, a creative studio founded by myself and Leandro Aalto.
T-shirt print / Jelli Spagetti
Click to see more about the project.
T-shirt print / Jelli Spagetti
T-shirt design for Jelli Spagetti, a creative studio founded by myself and Leandro Aalto.
Characters / Jelli Spagetti
Characters to be used in Jelli Spagetti’s communication, presentations and website.
Characters / Jelli Spagetti
Click to see more about the project.