I am a visual artist and children’s book illustrator based in Helsinki, Finland. With over a decade of experience in visual storytelling and art education, I focus on bringing emotional depth and narrative sensitivity into my illustrations. I work with both traditional techniques—such as pencil drawing and etching—and digital tools to create expressive characters and scenes that resonate with young readers. My artistic journey has taken me across Europe through various collaborative exhibition projects. In my work, I explore human relationships, cultural values, and the stories that connect us.

Irina Kreer-Boulay

I am a visual artist and children’s book illustrator based in Helsinki, Finland. With over a decade of experience in visual storytelling and art education, I focus on bringing emotional depth and narrative sensitivity into my illustrations. I work with both traditional techniques—such as pencil drawing and etching—and digital tools to create expressive characters and scenes that resonate with young readers. My artistic journey has taken me across Europe through various collaborative exhibition projects. In my work, I explore human relationships, cultural values, and the stories that connect us.

Available to hire

I am a visual artist and children’s book illustrator based in Helsinki, Finland. With over a decade of experience in visual storytelling and art education, I focus on bringing emotional depth and narrative sensitivity into my illustrations. I work with both traditional techniques—such as pencil drawing and etching—and digital tools to create expressive characters and scenes that resonate with young readers. My artistic journey has taken me across Europe through various collaborative exhibition projects. In my work, I explore human relationships, cultural values, and the stories that connect us.

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Language

English
Fluent
Finnish
Advanced
French
Intermediate

Work Experience

Owner/Founder at Artblum
January 1, 2008 - Present
Illustration, graphic design, art education, and art project management and coordination through own company.
Guide and workshop artist at Arkkitehtuuri- ja Designmuseon
January 1, 2012 - Present
Guiding and running workshops in architecture and design museum.
Guide and workshop artist at Kiasma
January 1, 2011 - Present
Guiding and workshop artist at Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art.
Guide and workshop artist at Ateneum
January 1, 2010 - Present
Guiding and workshop artist at Ateneum.
Art Educator at Musikantit
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2019
Art educator at Musikantit (Children cultural center) for 2009-2019.
Designer at Finlayson Oy
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2007
Designer; collection 2006-2007.
Freelancer at Finlayson Oy
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2006
Freelance designer for Finlayson Oy collection 2004-2006.

Education

Master’s Degree (YAMK) in Digital Solutions for Design and Media at LAB University of Applied Sciences
January 1, 2025 - April 9, 2026
Medianomi (AMK) in Viestinnän koulutusohjelma at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Ylempi Korkeakoulututkinto (Higher University Degree) in Monumental and decorative art at St. Petersburg State Academy of Art Craft and Design
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2001
Textile and fashion industry growth focus at Tampere University / related program
January 1, 2023 - April 9, 2026
UI/UX Design at UXAcademy (Online)
January 1, 2022 - April 9, 2026
Engaging Through Environmental Psychology at AMK Laurea
January 1, 2022 - April 9, 2026
Service Design at Aalto University
January 1, 2022 - April 9, 2026
Museums and Learning at University of Helsinki
January 1, 2019 - April 9, 2026
Introduction to Art Management at Helsinki Summer School
January 1, 2008 - April 9, 2026
Project Management at Sibelius Academy
January 1, 2007 - April 9, 2026

Qualifications

Introduction to art management
January 1, 2008 - April 9, 2026
Project management
January 1, 2007 - April 9, 2026
Museums and Learning
January 1, 2019 - April 9, 2026
UI/UX design (UXAcademy)
January 1, 2022 - April 9, 2026
Engaging Through Environmental Psychology
January 1, 2022 - April 9, 2026
Service Design
January 1, 2022 - April 9, 2026
Textile and fashion industry growth focus (Tampere University course)
January 1, 2023 - April 9, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services
    uniE621 Children book illustration
    The illustration for a picture book "Giraffe who kept his head in the clouds" illustrator