Ville Salervo
Hi! I am Ville Salervo, an illustrator, designer and creator of public art. For me illustration is about conveying meaning, distilling ideas, and creating moods. I love a great brief and collaborating with inspiring clients. There’s nothing like seeing all the elements of a project fall into place for a beautiful final result. I feel at home working in digital environments and I love illustrating physical spaces.
I’ve directed commercial animation and done graphic design for some of the top brands in Finland and beyond. I’m most at home in projects in which I get to combine characters, illustrated typography and abstract elements. In my previous career I’ve briefed other illustrators and have a keen understanding of clients' needs and problem-solving through top-notch design and illustration work.
Disney, Seat, Virgin, WWF,Veikkaus, Compensate, Gigglebug, Elisa, Pure Waste Textiles, Red Carpet Festival, Animatricks Animation Festival, Skanska, Fazer, Kone, Wärtsilä, SOK, Sony, DNA, Lightheart Entertainment, City of Tampere, City of Kotka.
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Client feedback:
"Together with Ville, we got to experience an actionable creation of a series of amazing art pieces. Early on, Ville found a student-centered way of working and was great with the students. Thank you Ville for an exuberant artwork and a broad-banding collaboration."
- Niko Kaukovalta, Headmaster, Pihkoo elementary school / Pihkoo school mural
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“Love love LOVE THIS!! Working at the office has never been this inspiring before! We are HONORED to be able to see the artwork every day.”
- Jerina K and Minna Eloranta (Boom Corp) on the outcome of the Boom Corp offices mural project
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"Our team members have worked with Ville in the past on other projects. When we reached the point of needing to provide easy-to-use marketing materials to our partners with a fresh, unified visual identity we knew we wanted to reach out to Ville. Based on the assets we already had and what was lacking he packaged the look & feel of our marketing materials, created visual guidelines and designed a multipurpose asset pack that is in line with what our game represents. All this has made our lives a lot easier when outsourcing production but also cut the internal production time for creating marketing assets significantly."
- Ritva Eskelinen & Ville Lepistö, Lightheart Entertainment
Pihkoo Elementary School Murals / City of Kotka
I was invited to produce an artwork at the new Pihkoo elementary school located in Kotka, Finland. After getting acquainted with the school’s faculty, students, and getting familiar with the building’s architectural drawings I proposed a collection of wall paintings, each accompanied by a spirit animal that represents one of the grade levels at the school. The pieces were painted onto the walls of the communal area where the students have their lunch and spend time together outside of classes.
Client feedback: ”Together with Ville, we got to experience an actionable creation of a series of exuberant art pieces. Early on, Ville found a student-centered way of working and was great with the students. For us, the unique pieces bubble with pedagogical community and enterprising spirit. These are the values we also promote and stand for as a school. Thank you Ville for the great artwork and a broad-banding collaboration.”
– Niko Kaukovalta, Headmaster, Pihkoo elementary school
Pihkoo Elementary School Murals / City of Kotka
Click to see more about the project.
Pihkoo Elementary School Murals / City of Kotka
I was invited to produce an artwork at the new Pihkoo elementary school located in Kotka, Finland. After getting acquainted with the school’s faculty, students, and getting familiar with the building’s architectural drawings I proposed a collection of wall paintings, each accompanied by a spirit animal that represents one of the grade levels at the school. The pieces were painted onto the walls of the communal area where the students have their lunch and spend time together outside of classes.
Client feedback: ”Together with Ville, we got to experience an actionable creation of a series of exuberant art pieces. Early on, Ville found a student-centered way of working and was great with the students. For us, the unique pieces bubble with pedagogical community and enterprising spirit. These are the values we also promote and stand for as a school. Thank you Ville for the great artwork and a broad-banding collaboration.”
– Niko Kaukovalta, Headmaster, Pihkoo elementary school
Pihkoo Elementary School Murals / City of Kotka
I was invited to produce an artwork at the new Pihkoo elementary school located in Kotka, Finland. After getting acquainted with the school’s faculty, students, and getting familiar with the building’s architectural drawings I proposed a collection of wall paintings, each accompanied by a spirit animal that represents one of the grade levels at the school. The pieces were painted onto the walls of the communal area where the students have their lunch and spend time together outside of classes.
Client feedback: ”Together with Ville, we got to experience an actionable creation of a series of exuberant art pieces. Early on, Ville found a student-centered way of working and was great with the students. For us, the unique pieces bubble with pedagogical community and enterprising spirit. These are the values we also promote and stand for as a school. Thank you Ville for the great artwork and a broad-banding collaboration.”
– Niko Kaukovalta, Headmaster, Pihkoo elementary school
Pihkoo Elementary School Murals / City of Kotka
I was invited to produce an artwork at the new Pihkoo elementary school located in Kotka, Finland. After getting acquainted with the school’s faculty, students, and getting familiar with the building’s architectural drawings I proposed a collection of wall paintings, each accompanied by a spirit animal that represents one of the grade levels at the school. The pieces were painted onto the walls of the communal area where the students have their lunch and spend time together outside of classes.
Client feedback: ”Together with Ville, we got to experience an actionable creation of a series of exuberant art pieces. Early on, Ville found a student-centered way of working and was great with the students. For us, the unique pieces bubble with pedagogical community and enterprising spirit. These are the values we also promote and stand for as a school. Thank you Ville for the great artwork and a broad-banding collaboration.”
– Niko Kaukovalta, Headmaster, Pihkoo elementary school
Pihkoo Elementary School Murals / City of Kotka
I was invited to produce an artwork at the new Pihkoo elementary school located in Kotka, Finland. After getting acquainted with the school’s faculty, students, and getting familiar with the building’s architectural drawings I proposed a collection of wall paintings, each accompanied by a spirit animal that represents one of the grade levels at the school. The pieces were painted onto the walls of the communal area where the students have their lunch and spend time together outside of classes.
Client feedback: ”Together with Ville, we got to experience an actionable creation of a series of exuberant art pieces. Early on, Ville found a student-centered way of working and was great with the students. For us, the unique pieces bubble with pedagogical community and enterprising spirit. These are the values we also promote and stand for as a school. Thank you Ville for the great artwork and a broad-banding collaboration.”
– Niko Kaukovalta, Headmaster, Pihkoo elementary school
Pihkoo Elementary School Murals / City of Kotka
I was invited to produce an artwork at the new Pihkoo elementary school located in Kotka, Finland. After getting acquainted with the school’s faculty, students, and getting familiar with the building’s architectural drawings I proposed a collection of wall paintings, each accompanied by a spirit animal that represents one of the grade levels at the school. The pieces were painted onto the walls of the communal area where the students have their lunch and spend time together outside of classes.
Client feedback: ”Together with Ville, we got to experience an actionable creation of a series of exuberant art pieces. Early on, Ville found a student-centered way of working and was great with the students. For us, the unique pieces bubble with pedagogical community and enterprising spirit. These are the values we also promote and stand for as a school. Thank you Ville for the great artwork and a broad-banding collaboration.”
– Niko Kaukovalta, Headmaster, Pihkoo elementary school
Pihkoo Elementary School Murals / City of Kotka
I was invited to produce an artwork at the new Pihkoo elementary school located in Kotka, Finland. After getting acquainted with the school’s faculty, students, and getting familiar with the building’s architectural drawings I proposed a collection of wall paintings, each accompanied by a spirit animal that represents one of the grade levels at the school. The pieces were painted onto the walls of the communal area where the students have their lunch and spend time together outside of classes.
Client feedback: ”Together with Ville, we got to experience an actionable creation of a series of exuberant art pieces. Early on, Ville found a student-centered way of working and was great with the students. For us, the unique pieces bubble with pedagogical community and enterprising spirit. These are the values we also promote and stand for as a school. Thank you Ville for the great artwork and a broad-banding collaboration.”
– Niko Kaukovalta, Headmaster, Pihkoo elementary school
Pihkoo Elementary School Murals / City of Kotka
I was invited to produce an artwork at the new Pihkoo elementary school located in Kotka, Finland. After getting acquainted with the school’s faculty, students, and getting familiar with the building’s architectural drawings I proposed a collection of wall paintings, each accompanied by a spirit animal that represents one of the grade levels at the school. The pieces were painted onto the walls of the communal area where the students have their lunch and spend time together outside of classes.
Client feedback: ”Together with Ville, we got to experience an actionable creation of a series of exuberant art pieces. Early on, Ville found a student-centered way of working and was great with the students. For us, the unique pieces bubble with pedagogical community and enterprising spirit. These are the values we also promote and stand for as a school. Thank you Ville for the great artwork and a broad-banding collaboration.”
– Niko Kaukovalta, Headmaster, Pihkoo elementary school
Pihkoo Elementary School Murals / City of Kotka
I was invited to produce an artwork at the new Pihkoo elementary school located in Kotka, Finland. After getting acquainted with the school’s faculty, students, and getting familiar with the building’s architectural drawings I proposed a collection of wall paintings, each accompanied by a spirit animal that represents one of the grade levels at the school. The pieces were painted onto the walls of the communal area where the students have their lunch and spend time together outside of classes.
Client feedback: ”Together with Ville, we got to experience an actionable creation of a series of exuberant art pieces. Early on, Ville found a student-centered way of working and was great with the students. For us, the unique pieces bubble with pedagogical community and enterprising spirit. These are the values we also promote and stand for as a school. Thank you Ville for the great artwork and a broad-banding collaboration.”
– Niko Kaukovalta, Headmaster, Pihkoo elementary school
Pihkoo Elementary School Murals / City of Kotka
I was invited to produce an artwork at the new Pihkoo elementary school located in Kotka, Finland. After getting acquainted with the school’s faculty, students, and getting familiar with the building’s architectural drawings I proposed a collection of wall paintings, each accompanied by a spirit animal that represents one of the grade levels at the school. The pieces were painted onto the walls of the communal area where the students have their lunch and spend time together outside of classes.
Client feedback: ”Together with Ville, we got to experience an actionable creation of a series of exuberant art pieces. Early on, Ville found a student-centered way of working and was great with the students. For us, the unique pieces bubble with pedagogical community and enterprising spirit. These are the values we also promote and stand for as a school. Thank you Ville for the great artwork and a broad-banding collaboration.”
– Niko Kaukovalta, Headmaster, Pihkoo elementary school
Lamp design & Illustration concept / Hobbywood
Hobbywood is an illustration concept here presented in a form of an illustrated lamp and characters for From Wood To Wood joint exhibition (2021) that took place in Galleria Kuvitus. The animal characters of Hobbywood enjoy spending time creating with each other. They take care of the tree they live in, which also produces their food. Hobbywood is an illustration concept that can be licensed and further developed for brand use.
Lamp design & Illustration concept / Hobbywood
Click to see more about the project.
Lamp design & Illustration concept / Hobbywood
Hobbywood is an illustration concept here presented in a form of an illustrated lamp and characters for From Wood To Wood joint exhibition (2021) that took place in Galleria Kuvitus. The animal characters of Hobbywood enjoy spending time creating with each other. They take care of the tree they live in, which also produces their food. Hobbywood is an illustration concept that can be licensed and further developed for brand use.
Lamp design & Illustration concept / Hobbywood
Hobbywood is an illustration concept here presented in a form of an illustrated lamp and characters for From Wood To Wood joint exhibition (2021) that took place in Galleria Kuvitus. The animal characters of Hobbywood enjoy spending time creating with each other. They take care of the tree they live in, which also produces their food. Hobbywood is an illustration concept that can be licensed and further developed for brand use.
Lamp design & Illustration concept / Hobbywood
Hobbywood is an illustration concept here presented in a form of an illustrated lamp and characters for From Wood To Wood joint exhibition (2021) that took place in Galleria Kuvitus. The animal characters of Hobbywood enjoy spending time creating with each other. They take care of the tree they live in, which also produces their food. Hobbywood is an illustration concept that can be licensed and further developed for brand use.
Lamp design & Illustration concept / Hobbywood
Hobbywood is an illustration concept here presented in a form of an illustrated lamp and characters for From Wood To Wood joint exhibition (2021) that took place in Galleria Kuvitus. The animal characters of Hobbywood enjoy spending time creating with each other. They take care of the tree they live in, which also produces their food. Hobbywood is an illustration concept that can be licensed and further developed for brand use.
Lamp design & Illustration concept / Hobbywood
Hobbywood is an illustration concept here presented in a form of an illustrated lamp and characters for From Wood To Wood joint exhibition (2021) that took place in Galleria Kuvitus. The animal characters of Hobbywood enjoy spending time creating with each other. They take care of the tree they live in, which also produces their food. Hobbywood is an illustration concept that can be licensed and further developed for brand use.
Lamp design & Illustration concept / Hobbywood
Hobbywood is an illustration concept here presented in a form of an illustrated lamp and characters for From Wood To Wood joint exhibition (2021) that took place in Galleria Kuvitus. The animal characters of Hobbywood enjoy spending time creating with each other. They take care of the tree they live in, which also produces their food. Hobbywood is an illustration concept that can be licensed and further developed for brand use.
Smart City / Forum Virium Helsinki
Illustrations for Forum Virium Helsinki’s Smart City (Fiksu Kaupunki) campaign. Fiksu Kaupunki creates solutions that save time and effort for people in Helsinki and advances the development of a carbon neutral city and lifestyle.
Inspiration for the characters came from Malminkartano area where the campaign HQ is located. While I was doing research, I ran into a bunch of squirrels carrying their loot. I was also acquainted with a dog called Jeppe who had gotten loose from her owner (they were luckily soon united as Jeppe decided to stop running and wait for her human). I wanted to stay true to the feel of the neighborhood and felt compelled to make these characters the main elements of the designs.
The illustrations reflect the change for smarter and more energy efficient solutions.
Smart City / Forum Virium Helsinki
Click to see more about the project.
Smart City / Forum Virium Helsinki
Illustrations for Forum Virium Helsinki’s Smart City (Fiksu Kaupunki) campaign. Fiksu Kaupunki creates solutions that save time and effort for people in Helsinki and advances the development of a carbon neutral city and lifestyle.
Inspiration for the characters came from Malminkartano area where the campaign HQ is located. While I was doing research, I ran into a bunch of squirrels carrying their loot. I was also acquainted with a dog called Jeppe who had gotten loose from her owner (they were luckily soon united as Jeppe decided to stop running and wait for her human). I wanted to stay true to the feel of the neighborhood and felt compelled to make these characters the main elements of the designs.
The illustrations reflect the change for smarter and more energy efficient solutions.
Smart City / Forum Virium Helsinki
Illustrations for Forum Virium Helsinki’s Smart City (Fiksu Kaupunki) campaign. Fiksu Kaupunki creates solutions that save time and effort for people in Helsinki and advances the development of a carbon neutral city and lifestyle.
Inspiration for the characters came from Malminkartano area where the campaign HQ is located. While I was doing research, I ran into a bunch of squirrels carrying their loot. I was also acquainted with a dog called Jeppe who had gotten loose from her owner (they were luckily soon united as Jeppe decided to stop running and wait for her human). I wanted to stay true to the feel of the neighborhood and felt compelled to make these characters the main elements of the designs.
The illustrations reflect the change for smarter and more energy efficient solutions.
Past, Present and Future of Gaming / Boom Corp
Boom Corp game studio commissioned a mural to their new studio in Tampere. I created a triptych of artworks portraying the evolution of gaming in three parts. These artworks were painted in the main areas of the studio.
The project was chosen as part of the Mikkeli Illustration Triennale 2023 official selection. The triennale showcases the best of Finnish illustration.
Past, Present and Future of Gaming / Boom Corp
Click to see more about the project.
Past, Present and Future of Gaming / Boom Corp
Boom Corp game studio commissioned a mural to their new studio in Tampere. I created a triptych of artworks portraying the evolution of gaming in three parts. These artworks were painted in the main areas of the studio.
The project was chosen as part of the Mikkeli Illustration Triennale 2023 official selection. The triennale showcases the best of Finnish illustration.
Past, Present and Future of Gaming / Boom Corp
Boom Corp game studio commissioned a mural to their new studio in Tampere. I created a triptych of artworks portraying the evolution of gaming in three parts. These artworks were painted in the main areas of the studio.
The project was chosen as part of the Mikkeli Illustration Triennale 2023 official selection. The triennale showcases the best of Finnish illustration.
Past, Present and Future of Gaming / Boom Corp
Boom Corp game studio commissioned a mural to their new studio in Tampere. I created a triptych of artworks portraying the evolution of gaming in three parts. These artworks were painted in the main areas of the studio.
The project was chosen as part of the Mikkeli Illustration Triennale 2023 official selection. The triennale showcases the best of Finnish illustration.
Past, Present and Future of Gaming / Boom Corp
Boom Corp game studio commissioned a mural to their new studio in Tampere. I created a triptych of artworks portraying the evolution of gaming in three parts. These artworks were painted in the main areas of the studio.
The project was chosen as part of the Mikkeli Illustration Triennale 2023 official selection. The triennale showcases the best of Finnish illustration.
Little Gang / Gigglebug Entertainment
A wall painting for Gigglebug, an animation company that creates, develops and produces positive kids content with multi-platform distribution. When I was commissioned to create a wall painting for their entrance, I came up with a grown up tribute version of Camilla Mickwitz´s iconic characters for Pikku Kakkonen, an iconic kids’ TV show.
Little Gang / Gigglebug Entertainment
Click to see more about the project.
Little Gang / Gigglebug Entertainment
A wall painting for Gigglebug, an animation company that creates, develops and produces positive kids content with multi-platform distribution. When I was commissioned to create a wall painting for their entrance, I came up with a grown up tribute version of Camilla Mickwitz´s iconic characters for Pikku Kakkonen, an iconic kids’ TV show.
Little Gang / Gigglebug Entertainment
A wall painting for Gigglebug, an animation company that creates, develops and produces positive kids content with multi-platform distribution. When I was commissioned to create a wall painting for their entrance, I came up with a grown up tribute version of Camilla Mickwitz´s iconic characters for Pikku Kakkonen, an iconic kids’ TV show.
Little Gang / Gigglebug Entertainment
A wall painting for Gigglebug, an animation company that creates, develops and produces positive kids content with multi-platform distribution. When I was commissioned to create a wall painting for their entrance, I came up with a grown up tribute version of Camilla Mickwitz´s iconic characters for Pikku Kakkonen, an iconic kids’ TV show.
Lion but Dolphin sculpture / Private client
Ever feel like a Leo one day and a Flipper the next? If so, here’s an artwork for you, me and all the other indecisive minds out there. LionButDolphin is a unique sculpture made of Birch wood. It can be hung on a wall or placed standing on a shelf. The artwork was sold to a private collector.
Lion but Dolphin sculpture / Private client
Click to see more about the project.
Lion but Dolphin sculpture / Private client
Ever feel like a Leo one day and a Flipper the next? If so, here’s an artwork for you, me and all the other indecisive minds out there. LionButDolphin is a unique sculpture made of Birch wood. It can be hung on a wall or placed standing on a shelf. The artwork was sold to a private collector.
Lion but Dolphin sculpture / Private client
Ever feel like a Leo one day and a Flipper the next? If so, here’s an artwork for you, me and all the other indecisive minds out there. LionButDolphin is a unique sculpture made of Birch wood. It can be hung on a wall or placed standing on a shelf. The artwork was sold to a private collector.
Lion but Dolphin sculpture / Private client
Ever feel like a Leo one day and a Flipper the next? If so, here’s an artwork for you, me and all the other indecisive minds out there. LionButDolphin is a unique sculpture made of Birch wood. It can be hung on a wall or placed standing on a shelf. The artwork was sold to a private collector.
Lion but Dolphin sculpture / Private client
Ever feel like a Leo one day and a Flipper the next? If so, here’s an artwork for you, me and all the other indecisive minds out there. LionButDolphin is a unique sculpture made of Birch wood. It can be hung on a wall or placed standing on a shelf. The artwork was sold to a private collector.
Lion but Dolphin sculpture / Private client
Ever feel like a Leo one day and a Flipper the next? If so, here’s an artwork for you, me and all the other indecisive minds out there. LionButDolphin is a unique sculpture made of Birch wood. It can be hung on a wall or placed standing on a shelf. The artwork was sold to a private collector.