When we say that illustrations help create distinctive communication, we truly mean it! An illustration can convey more than a thousand words; it tells a story, offers a new perspective on the subject, and evokes emotions. This time, the text snippets accompanying the illustrations have also stirred feelings.

We are proud to present the Advent calendar for the Lutheran Church of Helsinki for 2024! The enchanting illustration was created by the renowned, award-winning illustrator-artist Ilja Karsikas, a long-time professional at Napa Agency. The inspiring advent countdown texts come from the well-known Finnish writer and essayist Antti Nylén.

This year’s church’s Christmas calendar has sparked varied opinions, both in the parish’s own channels and in the national media. At Napa, we strongly believe that a bold perspective is far better than lukewarm Christmas sentimentality. We congratulate both the creators and our client, Parishes of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, on producing this wonderful “sensational calendar”!

The church’s Christmas calendar has been distributed by mail to parishioners’ in Helsinki, Vantaa, Espoo and Kauniainen in November 2024. In addition to the Helsinki metropolitan area, the calendar is also distributed this year in the cities of Finland as Kerava, Turku, Kaarina, Seinäjoki, Kouvola, Vaasa and Kuopio. The calendar, which has achieved wide circulation, has received both positive feedback and not-so-sympathetic astonishment. Some have felt uncomfortable looking at the image, as it is not traditionally Christmassy or a traditional Nordic Christmas character. For some, it has brought to mind a “war angel” or a woman dancing in an oriental dress. The texts revealed under the mailboxes have also been said to be difficult for people of all ages to understand.

There has also been a lot of positive feedback! Here are some of the compliments the parish has received:

“The calendar is really great. It has wonderful colors and the picture is thoughtfully made in many ways with good taste. The city below is elegant and the angel’s pose is powerful but protective. The picture is contemporary and modern. The dress speaks to many cultures. We read the text and watch the videos together. Lovely texts and pictures in the windows, although only two have been opened. A BIG THANK YOU to the artist, the writer of the texts, and the church for the great idea. A very heartfelt Christmas to all!”

“Brilliant, amazing. A little boy in me (a man 72 years old) went and opened all the windows immediately! It gave me something to think about, thank you very much.”

“Thank you for the Christmas calendar! The layout is really successful: ambiguous, tells about us, comforting, beautiful, nice to display… The first window has been opened – !!! I will be waiting with interest for the continuation!”

“Merry Christmas to the calendar’s creators and contributors!”

“Absolutely wonderful! I feel like framing it and putting it on the wall.”

“I think I’ll leave it on display after Christmas too. It could make a poster, a card, a bookmark, a magnet… … and let’s see what’s revealed under the rest of the windows”

“A very empowering image.”

The Christmas calendar has inspired people all over Finland to express their gratitude, even reaching out directly to the illustrator. Ilja’s phone has been ringing with messages of thanks and appreciation for the emotions his artwork has evoked in others.

Ilja drew inspiration for the dancing angel from his close circle after watching a video of his partner dancing in the laundry room to a Pet Shop Boys song. This moment sparked the idea for the cover of the Christmas calendar, leading to the creation of the work titled “Angel’s Love”:

Ilja Karsikas debuted as the illustrator of the magical Christmas calendar in 2018. You can view his recently updated portfolio on our website here: https://napa-agency.fi/kuvittaja/ilja-karsikas/