When I first saw the watercolor works of Finnish illustrator Anna Emilia Laitinen, my heart seemed to melt. She depicts the beauty of nature with delicate and soft strokes - meadows filled with wildflowers; tall birch groves; different activities that people enjoy in different seasons, etc. Her forest-style paintings make people feel very healing. The painting style is innocent and innocent, and the colors are elegant and fresh. Her unique painting style has been favored by many well-known brands, such as Urban Outfitters and Chronicle Books, and she has collaborated to launch a series of unique products.
The following is an exclusive interview with Anna Emilia Laitinen. Through this interview, we can have a deeper understanding of her life and her beautiful and warm watercolor world.
Where are you based?
Tampere, Finland.
What three words would you use to best describe your work?
Forest, grass, wind.
Was your childhood an important influence on your work? If so, please give us a picture of your childhood life in words. (If you have any childhood photos that you would be happy to share with us, please do share them with us.)
My parents are strawberry farmers. We live in the countryside surrounded by forests and fields, with forest trails leading to lakes. We spent much of our time outdoors - going on adventures, building tiny houses, skiing in winter fields, skating on frozen lakes. In the summer, we ride our bikes to the pavilion and swim. We lit a bonfire and rowed boats. In winter, the ground is filled with snowmen and snow houses. I grew up free in nature. I believe my inspiration comes from those years. Even though I live in a big city now, my life is pretty much the same.
Have you received any formal art education?
In 2008, I graduated as a graphic designer. I studied in Finland and was an exchange student in Iceland. I am very active in studying illustration. Even though there were no drawing programs at the time, my teacher was a huge help. As an entrepreneur, I can use a lot of myThings I learned while working as a graphic designer.
Is there a specific moment when you knew you wanted to be an artist?
No. My whole family makes things by hand—anything we can make with our hands, we make. So for me, making things with my hands is natural. In the beginning, I painted, sewed, and knitted. It was much later that I started to like painting. I was studying and living in Iceland at that time. I mainly painted for myself, but my style was already formed there.
What was the first work you sold? What happened?
I didn’t sell it, but gave it to my colleague’s daughter. It was my first real watercolor painting. It shows a volcano by the sea, a girl, a fox and a bird. I was living in Iceland at the time and the nature there gave me a lot of inspiration. Thats when I realized I might be able to sell my paintings.
Tell us what inspires your work?
Nature is my biggest source of inspiration. When I begin to create a new piece, I consider the climate, the changing seasons, and the people who live at the center of these powerful natural forces. My friends do a lot of amazing things and they inspire me a lot. For me, traveling and experiencing new scenery is the most important vacation. What I see and hear during the journey will then be described into pictures with my pen.
How do you find inspiration again when you feel you are running low on inspiration?
It usually helps to spend some time doing other things. Walking in nature gives me new inspiration and reconnects me with previously forgotten inspirations. Generally speaking, being in nature can solve any problem.
What materials and/or tools do you use to create your work? Do you have any favorite techniques or procedures that you would like to share?
My painting style is very improvisational. Before I started painting with watercolors, I rarely sketched. I rely on high quality watercolors and very strong paper.
How do you make money from your work? What works best for you and why?
I am deeply grateful that I work with some great people who appreciate me. I mostly work on commissioned creations, ranging from childrens books to childrens clothing, from stationery to tableware. Commissioning this form is easiest for me because I like to create work that can be connected to something else, such as a form or material. I enjoy the creative process of working with other people, as being an artist can be quite isolating. In addition to these commissions, I also have a small online shop selling printed patterns, books and greeting cards, as well as original paintings. Finland has a great funding system and I’ve been very lucky to have some of my projects and collaborations funded.
Do you “make a living” as an artist?
I am very lucky and grateful. My answer is yes, since 2010. Thank you very much to everyone who supports my work!
What do you think is the most successful way to market your art? Do you have any experiences to share?
I often think that if the Internet did not exist, would I have to carry a suitcase full of paintings from door to door to find customers who are interested in buying? Before I studied graphic design, I already had a website and a blog. Some of my fans have been following me since then. This is something that makes me feel very warm. I think blogging is a good place to start. It is closely connected to my work, like my diary, I even call it a little weather diary.
What is your favorite thing about being an artist?
I am independent and can make my own decisions about work most of the time. And its been a pleasure getting to know so many great people and receiving letters from past clients. A few times I find letters or postcards in my mailbox from people on the other side of the world who want to say hi after seeing my work. Sometimes I receive photos from parents of their children reading books I illustrate or wearing clothes with my illustrations on them. These are the moments when I stop and just try to breathe, they mean so much to me.
Who has been your biggest supporter?
My family is my biggest supporter, along with my friends who teach me new things and inspire me a lot.
If you could collaborate with anyone (one person or company), who would it be?
One of my dreams came true this year, which was to illustrate the cover of a book by my favorite childhood author, Marja-Leena Mikkola. Also, I've always loved music aboutcooperation. There are a lot of musicians I’m looking forward to working with. My favorite musicians recently are Arvo P?rt, Feist, Stephan Micus and The Clientele. Happily, they are both active and making music all the time, so I will continue to dream about the day I can collaborate with them. I am also willing to do my part to save our deteriorating earth. I do my best to support fair trade and ethical choices with my work, and that means sometimes I have to say no to things.
Is there anything you are currently obsessed with? Artistic or non-artistic.
I like to read a lot of books and see things from the north. Maybe its an obsession or a way to live that life. Last year I traveled to Svalbard, and this spring, after seven years, I returned to Iceland. I am very happy to be able to speak Icelandic again. I'm looking forward to visiting the Faroe Islands next year and maybe finding a project I can do there. Next is the North Pole and Antarctica...
What advice would you give to women pursuing a career in the arts?
Be true to yourself and love what you do.
