Available to hire
I am Saara Helkala, a passionate illustrator and graphic designer from Finland, currently living in Portugal. With 20 years of experience in graphic design and illustration, from advertising to publishing and freelancing with various clients including publishing houses, media outlets and advertising agencies, I bring creativity and precision to all my projects. My design journey also involves valuable roles as an Art Director and Creative at leading firms.
I hold a Master of Design and Visual Culture from IADE Creative University in Lisbon, complemented by a solid foundation in graphic design. I am skilled in Adobe Creative Suite and continuously strive to innovate and excel in visual storytelling and branding.
I have illustrated books before and understand the process very well. Looking forward to working on this one!
Experience Level
Language
Finnish
Fluent
English
Fluent
Swedish
Beginner
Portuguese
Beginner
Work Experience
Freelance Illustrator & Graphic Designer at Various Clients
January 1, 2006 - PresentProviding illustration and graphic design services since 2006. Clients include Karisto, Kirjapaja, Solera Finland, Kosmos kustannus, Ehyt, YLE, Huili magazine, Osuuspankki, and multiple advertising and digital agencies. Delivering creative visual solutions across print and digital media.
Art Director at Demi magazine/A-lehdet
June 1, 2015 - August 27, 2025Led art direction for Demi magazine, managing the visual style and improving digital innovation as part of the editorial team. Took a study leave between 6/2015 and 9/2017 to advance education.
Creative at McCann Helsinki
February 1, 2012 - August 27, 2025Contributed as a creative team member crafting advertising concepts and visuals for clients, supporting campaigns from 2010 to early 2012.
Art Director at Redland Oy
May 1, 2010 - August 27, 2025Managed art direction and creative design projects during employment, ensuring brand consistency and visual effectiveness.
Production Art Director at TBWA Helsinki
August 1, 2009 - August 27, 2025Responsible for production art direction and graphic design duties, contributing to campaigns and client visual communications.
Trainee at TBWA Helsinki
October 1, 2005 - August 27, 2025Supported the creative team with graphic design tasks and learned essential industry skills during internship.
Freelance illustrator & graphic designer at Various Clients
January 1, 2006 - PresentProviding freelance illustration and graphic design services to a variety of clients including Karisto, Kirjapaja, Solera Finland, Kosmos kustannus, Ehyt, YLE, Huili magazine, Osuuspankki, and various advertising and digital agencies. Duties include creating artwork, branding, magazine layouts, and digital content.
Art Director at Demi magazine/A-lehdet
June 30, 2015 - August 27, 2025Led art direction for Demi magazine, overseeing visual style and layout. Collaborated with editors and creative teams to enhance magazine design and digital presence. Took a study leave from June 2015 to September 2017 for further academic development.
Creative at McCann Helsinki
February 28, 2012 - August 27, 2025Worked as a creative professional in advertising, contributing to campaign concepts and visual execution for clients during this period.
Art Director at Redland Oy
May 31, 2010 - August 27, 2025Managed art direction responsibilities, overseeing visual branding and advertising projects to ensure creative quality and consistency.
Production Art Director at TBWA Helsinki
August 31, 2009 - August 27, 2025Handled production art direction tasks, managing graphic design deliverables and collaborating across teams to ensure deadline-oriented output.
Trainee at TBWA Helsinki
October 31, 2005 - August 27, 2025Completed a trainee program involving hands-on experience with graphic design and advertising projects.
Education
Master of Design and Visual Culture at IADE Creative University, Lisbon
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2017Bachelor of Graphic Design at Savonia University of Applied Sciences
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2006Matriculation examination at Jyväskylän Lyseon Lukio
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1999Master of Design and Visual Culture at IADE Creative University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2017Bachelor of Graphic Design at Savonia University of Applied Sciences
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2006Matriculation examination at Jyväskylän Lyseon Lukio
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1999Qualifications
Edit 2013, Digital innovation of the year: Demi.fi awards (as Art Director part of team)
January 1, 2013 - August 27, 2025Hopeahuippu 2009 (Vuoden Huiput Advertising competition, second award) (Graphic Designer part of team)
January 1, 2009 - August 27, 2025Kultajyvät Advertising competition 2005, Second award (Graphic Designer part of team)
January 1, 2005 - August 27, 2025Digital innovation of the year: Demi.fi awards (Edit 2013)
January 1, 2013 - August 27, 2025Hopeahuippu (Second award, Vuoden Huiput Advertising competition)
January 1, 2009 - August 27, 2025Kultajyvät (Second award, Advertising competition 2005)
January 1, 2005 - August 27, 2025Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Consumer Goods, Other, Non-Profit Organization
Experience Level
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