We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the incredible illustrator Jonna Jylhä is the newest addition to the Napa Agency roster!
It’s truly fantastic to welcome such a talented artist with a distinctive style to the Napa Artist family — her illustrations are bursting with captivating stories, vibrant colors, and wonderfully textured layers! Check out Jonna’s portfolio yourself and see the magic firsthand here on Napa Agency’s site here.
Jonna Jylhä is an illustrator who holds a Master degree in Arts from the Aalto University of Art and Design (2015). In addition to working as an illustrator, she has been working as an art teacher, museum worker, graphic designer and a photographer. Publishing house Tammi, University Consortium of Seinäjoki, the Illustrators Association and the Helsinki City Museum are examples of her clients – one may find her illustrations in the exhibition spaces and lobby of the Tram Museum in Helsinki.
Harmonious tones, humor and playfullness are the essential spices of Jonna’s illustration style. As a frequent museum visitor and a wanderer in the forest, Jonna’s illustrations often feature historical or nature themes. She is also interested in creating different worlds through illustration. In addition to illustration, she likes to think about visual storytelling, for example by adding a little movement into the illustrations. Jonna is good at listening to the client’s needs and is quick to deliver sketches.
Hi Jonna! Nice to meet you, and welcome to Napa! Could you tell us a little about yourself and when you first felt the spark for illustration?
I´m 41 years old. I´ve worked as an art teacher and museum worker, and I´ve also explored the world through photography. I´ve always expressed myself through creating images. About 20 years ago, I was asked to create illustrations for creative writing and educational materials in art and literature. Back then, I worked with oil pastels. Today, I mainly create illustrations digitally, but you can still sense the same handmade, rustic feel in my work.
Tell us about your typical workday as an illustrator – what is the first task you do in the morning?
Usually I start my day by taking a walk through the forest – ending up at my studio where I first switch on the radio channel Yle1. Sometimes changing the spot helps, and I may also illustrate f.ex in cafes.
What do you do in your free time, and how do you usually unwind after a busy workday?
I love reading books, ice swimming, and petting the cat. I also enjoy taking part in the folk music sessions.
Your illustrations usually feature unique characters and visually delicious worlds – how do you create these stories and where do you draw inspiration from?
I might get inspiration from the old photos, costumes or even design. I like to play around with time and roles. I´ve always painted and that may also influence my illustrations when it comes to layers of colors or playing around with the shapes. I´m interested in the creative process where the story begins after visual experimentation.
In what way your illustration style has developed during your career? What are the cornerstones of your artworks, what’s your stylistical go-to?
I think my illustration style varies between rustic textures and smoother shapes. I try to keep it relaxed, yet clear. A cornerstone might be the use of a broken color scheme. People often describe my illustrations as whimsical or humorous.
What’s your work environment like? Name the first five things in your field of vision now!
There are canvases, brushes, a worn wooden floor, a radio and a field landscape visible through window.
Share with us the three most inspiring artists you follow on Instagram (or the internet). Who should we keep an eye on and why?
There are many amazing creators in Finland.
I like Jenni Tuominen’s playful style.
Liisa Kallio’s versatile and relaxed visual world is also inspiring.
For example, Eija Vehviläinen’s strong visual world is also great.
What has been the most challenging and coolest illustration assignment so far? And what would you like to work with next? Dream client / project?
I’m pretty good at getting enthusiastic. It often feels like the coolest project is the ongoing-one. For example atm. there is one really nice book illustration project going on. A dream project could be creating a visual world and sets for a theatre play or opera. Or seeing the world of illustration coming alive on stage.
CURRENT TOP 7:
Music: Suistamon sähkö
Book: Pirkko Saisio, The Helsinki Trilogy
Guilty pleasure: Salmiakki
Movie / TV -series: Irti kuvasta
Museum / Exhibition: Art and Museum Centre Sinkka
Food: Pasta
Thank you, Jonna, for a nice chat. It’s our pleasure to get to know you a bit better, and it’s great to have you on board with our roster of marvelous illustrators of Napa!
Jonna’s portfolio: napa-agency.fi/jonna-jylha
Jonna’s Instagram: @jonnajylha_illustration