laura VALOJÄRVI

I am an illustrator and mentor based in Finland. I love telling stories with images, but I am also devoted to helping other creative professionals to find their voice and focus.

I hold a Master of Arts degree in Art Education and I am finalizing my Doctor of Arts (DA) studies at the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. My Doctoral Dissertation investigates creative wellbeing and the complexity of the creative process from the perspective of Finnish picturebook illustrators.

I have worked as an acclaimed illustrator for over a decade now and taught at the departments of Art and Media in Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture since 2011. I was in charge of designing, launching and teaching the first ever illustration studies at the university level in Finland, when illustration minor studies began in Aalto University in 2016. When I am not deep diving into the world of illustrations, I can usually be found enjoying delicacies at the local pastry shops or in my kitchen making new pastry innovations.