Ever since I was a little boy, I have wanted to pursue this profession. My father was in the same line of work. As a child, I often accompanied him to the printers to watch how designs were transformed into physical objects. I remember clearly the powerful smell of the inks and how I had to cover my ears with my hands when the massive and noisy machines began printing. My mother was a visual arts teacher and taught me too. I grew up thinking visually.
I announced my intentions early that I would study at the University of Art and Design Helsinki, which I began attending in 1992. As it turned out, I began receiving so many orders from customers that I left to pursue my career as an entrepreneur.
Pekka Piippo visiting a former printing house, now converted into a booming exhibition centre.
Photo: Karri Harju, 2023
I have been self-employed since 1996. In 2003, I helped start up the design firm Hahmo. After fifteen years, however, it felt like the right time to become a self-employed entrepreneur again and open my own studio.
Direct contact with the customer makes it easier to find the best solutions and to be more responsive in my work. During my professional career, I have had the privilege of working together with many great writers, illustrators, coders, production houses and creative designers. I am able to bring together the best talents in each field to help whenever a project calls for more hands and minds.
As a designer, I specialise in visual identities that reflect the individuality of the customer. I feel I have succeeded when the result is empowering, interesting and meaningful. My years of professional experience allow me to offer solutions for a wide range of different needs.
I treat each assignment as if it were my own personal project. It is important to me that the job is done well and done right. My goal is to produce for the customer an effective and high-quality solution.
My studio is situated on the outskirts of Helsinki in close proximity to the forest, where the nature feeds my desire to create new designs. I am happy to arrange a meeting in my studio. If the weather permits, I can show you my collection of rare trees. You might even meet my lively Danish-Swedish Farmdogs Paavo and Andersson, who admittedly consider themselves the true owners of my garden and studio!
— Pekka Piippo