[Un]Discovers: Vesa Sammalisto

I am sure if you read this blog, you are most like a Monocle fan as well (yes I am a big fan of that magazine). Recently I have come across a great illustrator, Vesa Sammalisto, and once I looked at his official website, his illustrations for Monocle has instantly caught my eyes. In this edition of [Un]Discovers, I present you this great illustrator from Finland.

Hi Vesa, thanks so much for letting me to feature you on this blog. So, what makes you want to become an illustrator? Is this a career you want ever since you were small?
I´ve drawn a lot since I was able to grab a pen. Even though drawing has been important throughout my whole life, becoming an illustrator didn´t belong to my future plans back in the days. I was about to become an architect but I didn´t find the freedom to express myself. Because of this, I have decided to become an illustrator.

It is funny that I know a few illustrators who wanted to become an architect at first and because of the freedom of expressing their thought, they have switched to become an artist. Now I am curious, do you mind to let me know what are your inspirations? Does your cultural background have any influence on you as an illustrator?
Decades from the 1920s to 1950s have inspired me a lot during the last year. I like to mix old into new and find exciting contrasts. I think it is obvious that coming from a remote and exotic country like Finland leaves mark on you even thought I don´t try to achieve any Finnish stamp on my work. Since I studied Architecture back in the days, I think my interest towards architecture shows a lot in my work.

I can definitely see the architecture element in your works and I think this is the reason why you works are unique. In your own words, what 3 words will you use to describe your illustrating style? Why?
Geometric, layered and retro but still being modern I would say. I think my form of language is quite simple and geometric yet I try to build complex and layered pictures with a lot of details.

Retro and geometric are the 2 words that can instantly come to my mind when I see your works. Out of all the projects you have done so far, which one do you think can best represent you? Why?
Maybe one of the latest, the Finland Survey Cover for Monocle. The topic was so close to me so I was able to just let it go, even though I worked carefully with all the details the client wished to see on the illustrations. I think I achieved an interesting composition with great feel of depth in the pictures.

I have to say that Finland Survey drawings have totally captured my heart and I love the series a lot! Well, since your illustrations are so unique and great to look at, have you thought about creating a clothing line with your prints on in the future? If so, will you have a specific theme for your shirts?
At the moment I personally don´t wear that much print shirts but in case of creating a line I would go for very geometric yet complex prints. One simple composition full of details with a closer look. Also, textiles for home have interested me a long time since I often find it difficult to find interesting patterns.

I would be interested to see what interesting pattens you can come up with for the home textiles in the future. Last but not least, if you could collaborate with your dream brand in the future, what brand would you choose and what kind of products would you want to create?
I don´t have any specific brand in my mind since there are dozens of interesting ones. But some spatial installation for a store would my dream come true project. Something that people could experience to be part of.

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As usual for my interviews, now it is time for us to know more about Vesa's lifestyle in order for me and you to understand where and what are the things that have inspired his illustration works.

Germany or Iceland?
Tough one. I´d live in Germany and spend holidays on Iceland.


Tie or Bow Tie?
Tie, classic narrow one.

Black or White? 
White, the best canvas for the play of light and shadow.

Pen or Pencil? 
Pencil, love the fine texture of it.

Snow or Rain? 
Snow, I love the proper, cold winter with lots of snow.

Mickey Mouse of Pac Man? 
Mickey, he always comes up with the solution for every challenge.

PC or MAC? 
Mac, PC is way too complex to work with.

Coffee or Tea? 
Coffee, Finns just love coffee.

Summer or Winter? 
Summer, it is so special in Finland.

Dog or Cat?
Cat, we use to have two when I was younger.

That's a wrap for our first issue of [Un]Discovers in 2011. Thank you so much to Vesa Sammalisto for answering my questions and I cannot wait to see more of his amazing works in the future. All of the works are courtesy of Vesa Sammalisto and you can view more of his works at his official website.