Maria Björklund
Hi! I'm Maria Björklund, an animation director, comics artist and illustrator from Helsinki. Throughout my long career I've also worked with character design, gallery pieces, street art etc.
Animation: direction, concept creation, script writing, character design, visual design, animating etc.
Comics: both script writing and drawing
Other strengths: character design, street art, gallery pieces, experimental film
Greenpeace, The Finnish Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, FOKUS, Pirkka, Päivälehti Museum, Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland, Sexpo, Finnish Food Workers' Union, the Finnish Institute in the UK and Ireland, Tieto Corporation, Turun Ylioppilaslehti Magazine, Unicef
Murals / Various clients
A few examples of the murals, utilitybox paintings and other street art pieces I’ve done. The clients have included Helsinki Urban Art, Wasa Graffitilandia, Street Art Vantaa as well as various libraries, galleries, housing cooperatives etc.
Murals / Various clients
Click to see more about the project.
Murals / Various clients
A few examples of the murals, utilitybox paintings and other street art pieces I’ve done. The clients have included Helsinki Urban Art, Wasa Graffitilandia, Street Art Vantaa as well as various libraries, galleries, housing cooperatives etc.
Murals / Various clients
A few examples of the murals, utilitybox paintings and other street art pieces I’ve done. The clients have included Helsinki Urban Art, Wasa Graffitilandia, Street Art Vantaa as well as various libraries, galleries, housing cooperatives etc.
Murals / Various clients
A few examples of the murals, utilitybox paintings and other street art pieces I’ve done. The clients have included Helsinki Urban Art, Wasa Graffitilandia, Street Art Vantaa as well as various libraries, galleries, housing cooperatives etc.
Murals / Various clients
A few examples of the murals, utilitybox paintings and other street art pieces I’ve done. The clients have included Helsinki Urban Art, Wasa Graffitilandia, Street Art Vantaa as well as various libraries, galleries, housing cooperatives etc.
The crayfish party / Finland200 project
An animation originally made for a mysterious Finland200 project. Later The Crayfish Party has been shown in a screening celebrating 60 years of the international animation organization ASIFA.
The crayfish party / Finland200 project
Click to see more about the project.
Hometree / "Puusta puuhun” exhibition
A piece made for the ”Puusta puuhun” group show in Galleria Kuvitus. The profits from all the artwork sales in this forest-themed exhibition were donated to Climate Forest. The original artwork in the exhibition was black & white but later on I made a color version as well.
Hometree / "Puusta puuhun” exhibition
Click to see more about the project.
Hometree / "Puusta puuhun” exhibition
A piece made for the ”Puusta puuhun” group show in Galleria Kuvitus. The profits from all the artwork sales in this forest-themed exhibition were donated to Climate Forest. The original artwork in the exhibition was black & white but later on I made a color version as well.
Christmas card / Aino Sound
The brief for Aino Sound’s Christmas card was a bit unusual – instead of Christmas it was decided the subject matter would be Chinese New Year. As we were entering the Year of the Tiger, it was easy to settle on a tiger as a visual motif.
I made a few different versions of the final picture with slightly different lay-outs etc. for different uses.
Christmas card / Aino Sound
Click to see more about the project.
Christmas card / Aino Sound
The brief for Aino Sound’s Christmas card was a bit unusual – instead of Christmas it was decided the subject matter would be Chinese New Year. As we were entering the Year of the Tiger, it was easy to settle on a tiger as a visual motif.
I made a few different versions of the final picture with slightly different lay-outs etc. for different uses.
Such a sea adventure! / Personal project
An illustration style test for an upcoming children’s book.
Such a sea adventure! / Personal project
Click to see more about the project.
Planet Z comic / Helsingin Sanomat weekly supplement
The Planet Z comics were first published in the weekly supplement of Finland’s biggest newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat. A collection of these comics was released by Like Publishing. Two years later, the Planet Z book Madonreikiä (Wormholes) was published.
Since then the Planet Z critters have found many new forms: They’ve been seen in art exhibitions from Finland to Hong Kong and Berlin, and they have evolved into murals, animation etc.
Planet Z comic / Helsingin Sanomat weekly supplement
Click to see more about the project.
Planet Z comic / Helsingin Sanomat weekly supplement
The Planet Z comics were first published in the weekly supplement of Finland’s biggest newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat. A collection of these comics was released by Like Publishing. Two years later, the Planet Z book Madonreikiä (Wormholes) was published.
Since then the Planet Z critters have found many new forms: They’ve been seen in art exhibitions from Finland to Hong Kong and Berlin, and they have evolved into murals, animation etc.
Planet Z comic / Helsingin Sanomat weekly supplement
The Planet Z comics were first published in the weekly supplement of Finland’s biggest newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat. A collection of these comics was released by Like Publishing. Two years later, the Planet Z book Madonreikiä (Wormholes) was published.
Since then the Planet Z critters have found many new forms: They’ve been seen in art exhibitions from Finland to Hong Kong and Berlin, and they have evolved into murals, animation etc.
Planet Z comic / Helsingin Sanomat weekly supplement
The Planet Z comics were first published in the weekly supplement of Finland’s biggest newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat. A collection of these comics was released by Like Publishing. Two years later, the Planet Z book Madonreikiä (Wormholes) was published.
Since then the Planet Z critters have found many new forms: They’ve been seen in art exhibitions from Finland to Hong Kong and Berlin, and they have evolved into murals, animation etc.
Planet Z comic / Helsingin Sanomat weekly supplement
The Planet Z comics were first published in the weekly supplement of Finland’s biggest newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat. A collection of these comics was released by Like Publishing. Two years later, the Planet Z book Madonreikiä (Wormholes) was published.
Since then the Planet Z critters have found many new forms: They’ve been seen in art exhibitions from Finland to Hong Kong and Berlin, and they have evolved into murals, animation etc.
Planet Z comic / Helsingin Sanomat weekly supplement
The Planet Z comics were first published in the weekly supplement of Finland’s biggest newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat. A collection of these comics was released by Like Publishing. Two years later, the Planet Z book Madonreikiä (Wormholes) was published.
Since then the Planet Z critters have found many new forms: They’ve been seen in art exhibitions from Finland to Hong Kong and Berlin, and they have evolved into murals, animation etc.
Poster and other graphics for World Interfaith Harmony Week / FOKUS
The biggest part of this project was the poster for World Interfaith Harmony Week. I created an isometric illustration with lots of different characters.
I also create a big bunch of smaller character illustrations taken from the poster, a comic strip and some additional illustrations with a different style. The client ended up with a big collection of illustrations meant for multi-year use in social media, on their website and out on the street.
Poster and other graphics for World Interfaith Harmony Week / FOKUS
Click to see more about the project.
Poster and other graphics for World Interfaith Harmony Week / FOKUS
The biggest part of this project was the poster for World Interfaith Harmony Week. I created an isometric illustration with lots of different characters.
I also create a big bunch of smaller character illustrations taken from the poster, a comic strip and some additional illustrations with a different style. The client ended up with a big collection of illustrations meant for multi-year use in social media, on their website and out on the street.
Poster and other graphics for World Interfaith Harmony Week / FOKUS
The biggest part of this project was the poster for World Interfaith Harmony Week. I created an isometric illustration with lots of different characters.
I also create a big bunch of smaller character illustrations taken from the poster, a comic strip and some additional illustrations with a different style. The client ended up with a big collection of illustrations meant for multi-year use in social media, on their website and out on the street.
Poster and other graphics for World Interfaith Harmony Week / FOKUS
The biggest part of this project was the poster for World Interfaith Harmony Week. I created an isometric illustration with lots of different characters.
I also create a big bunch of smaller character illustrations taken from the poster, a comic strip and some additional illustrations with a different style. The client ended up with a big collection of illustrations meant for multi-year use in social media, on their website and out on the street.
Poster and other graphics for World Interfaith Harmony Week / FOKUS
The biggest part of this project was the poster for World Interfaith Harmony Week. I created an isometric illustration with lots of different characters.
I also create a big bunch of smaller character illustrations taken from the poster, a comic strip and some additional illustrations with a different style. The client ended up with a big collection of illustrations meant for multi-year use in social media, on their website and out on the street.
Poster and other graphics for World Interfaith Harmony Week / FOKUS
The biggest part of this project was the poster for World Interfaith Harmony Week. I created an isometric illustration with lots of different characters.
I also create a big bunch of smaller character illustrations taken from the poster, a comic strip and some additional illustrations with a different style. The client ended up with a big collection of illustrations meant for multi-year use in social media, on their website and out on the street.
Poster and other graphics for World Interfaith Harmony Week / FOKUS
The biggest part of this project was the poster for World Interfaith Harmony Week. I created an isometric illustration with lots of different characters.
I also create a big bunch of smaller character illustrations taken from the poster, a comic strip and some additional illustrations with a different style. The client ended up with a big collection of illustrations meant for multi-year use in social media, on their website and out on the street.
Poster and other graphics for World Interfaith Harmony Week / FOKUS
The biggest part of this project was the poster for World Interfaith Harmony Week. I created an isometric illustration with lots of different characters.
I also create a big bunch of smaller character illustrations taken from the poster, a comic strip and some additional illustrations with a different style. The client ended up with a big collection of illustrations meant for multi-year use in social media, on their website and out on the street.
Illustrations for the magazine Elintae / Finnish Food Workers' Union SEL
I’ve regularly drawn illustrations for the Finnish Food Workers’ Union magazine Elintae since 2009. Typical topics include workplace accidents, salary disputes and illegal dismissals.
Usually I draw only one picture per issue but I’ve also produced bigger sets of illustrations, posters and other artwork for the Finnish Food Workers’ Union. I have also designed their bee mascot.
Illustrations for the magazine Elintae / Finnish Food Workers' Union SEL
Click to see more about the project.
Illustrations for the magazine Elintae / Finnish Food Workers' Union SEL
I’ve regularly drawn illustrations for the Finnish Food Workers’ Union magazine Elintae since 2009. Typical topics include workplace accidents, salary disputes and illegal dismissals.
Usually I draw only one picture per issue but I’ve also produced bigger sets of illustrations, posters and other artwork for the Finnish Food Workers’ Union. I have also designed their bee mascot.
Illustrations for the magazine Elintae / Finnish Food Workers' Union SEL
I’ve regularly drawn illustrations for the Finnish Food Workers’ Union magazine Elintae since 2009. Typical topics include workplace accidents, salary disputes and illegal dismissals.
Usually I draw only one picture per issue but I’ve also produced bigger sets of illustrations, posters and other artwork for the Finnish Food Workers’ Union. I have also designed their bee mascot.
Illustrations for the magazine Elintae / Finnish Food Workers' Union SEL
I’ve regularly drawn illustrations for the Finnish Food Workers’ Union magazine Elintae since 2009. Typical topics include workplace accidents, salary disputes and illegal dismissals.
Usually I draw only one picture per issue but I’ve also produced bigger sets of illustrations, posters and other artwork for the Finnish Food Workers’ Union. I have also designed their bee mascot.
Illustrations for the magazine Elintae / Finnish Food Workers' Union SEL
I’ve regularly drawn illustrations for the Finnish Food Workers’ Union magazine Elintae since 2009. Typical topics include workplace accidents, salary disputes and illegal dismissals.
Usually I draw only one picture per issue but I’ve also produced bigger sets of illustrations, posters and other artwork for the Finnish Food Workers’ Union. I have also designed their bee mascot.
Illustrations for the magazine Elintae / Finnish Food Workers' Union SEL
I’ve regularly drawn illustrations for the Finnish Food Workers’ Union magazine Elintae since 2009. Typical topics include workplace accidents, salary disputes and illegal dismissals.
Usually I draw only one picture per issue but I’ve also produced bigger sets of illustrations, posters and other artwork for the Finnish Food Workers’ Union. I have also designed their bee mascot.
Illustrations for the magazine Elintae / Finnish Food Workers' Union SEL
I’ve regularly drawn illustrations for the Finnish Food Workers’ Union magazine Elintae since 2009. Typical topics include workplace accidents, salary disputes and illegal dismissals.
Usually I draw only one picture per issue but I’ve also produced bigger sets of illustrations, posters and other artwork for the Finnish Food Workers’ Union. I have also designed their bee mascot.
Illustrations for the magazine Elintae / Finnish Food Workers' Union SEL
I’ve regularly drawn illustrations for the Finnish Food Workers’ Union magazine Elintae since 2009. Typical topics include workplace accidents, salary disputes and illegal dismissals.
Usually I draw only one picture per issue but I’ve also produced bigger sets of illustrations, posters and other artwork for the Finnish Food Workers’ Union. I have also designed their bee mascot.
FASD comics / Kehitysvammaliitto
I was asked to make nine comic strips on subjects concerning FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder) youth. The aim was to offer information in an easily digested form. The comics were distributed via social media, the internet and also as printed leaflets.
Kehitysvammaliitto was inspired to initiate this project by earlier, happy & humorous info comics I made for Sexpo.
FASD comics / Kehitysvammaliitto
Click to see more about the project.
FASD comics / Kehitysvammaliitto
I was asked to make nine comic strips on subjects concerning FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder) youth. The aim was to offer information in an easily digested form. The comics were distributed via social media, the internet and also as printed leaflets.
Kehitysvammaliitto was inspired to initiate this project by earlier, happy & humorous info comics I made for Sexpo.
FASD comics / Kehitysvammaliitto
I was asked to make nine comic strips on subjects concerning FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder) youth. The aim was to offer information in an easily digested form. The comics were distributed via social media, the internet and also as printed leaflets.
Kehitysvammaliitto was inspired to initiate this project by earlier, happy & humorous info comics I made for Sexpo.
FASD comics / Kehitysvammaliitto
I was asked to make nine comic strips on subjects concerning FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder) youth. The aim was to offer information in an easily digested form. The comics were distributed via social media, the internet and also as printed leaflets.
Kehitysvammaliitto was inspired to initiate this project by earlier, happy & humorous info comics I made for Sexpo.
FASD comics / Kehitysvammaliitto
I was asked to make nine comic strips on subjects concerning FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder) youth. The aim was to offer information in an easily digested form. The comics were distributed via social media, the internet and also as printed leaflets.
Kehitysvammaliitto was inspired to initiate this project by earlier, happy & humorous info comics I made for Sexpo.
TIKA animations and brochure / Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland
TIKA project spreads information about gender diversity and intersex people. I was commissioned to design characters for two short animations aimed at children and illustrate a brochure aimed at teenagers. The visual style in the animation is markedly different from the illustration style in the brochure, since the target groups are so different.
TIKA animations and brochure / Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland
Click to see more about the project.
TIKA animations and brochure / Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland
TIKA project spreads information about gender diversity and intersex people. I was commissioned to design characters for two short animations aimed at children and illustrate a brochure aimed at teenagers. The visual style in the animation is markedly different from the illustration style in the brochure, since the target groups are so different.
How does the city work? / Mainio metropoli magazine
A giant illustration spanning three whole pages in the magazine Mainio metropoli depicts a city with its various functions. In the published version there were several overlaying elements, such as a headline and some info boxes.
How does the city work? / Mainio metropoli magazine
Click to see more about the project.