Brimming with vivid colors, cute characters and visceral textures, the work of Helsinki-based illustrator Kati Närhi reflects her love for the timelessness of mid-century modern design and nature. “Lushly illustrated picture books are an all-around source of inspiration for me,” she says, acknowledging the influence of author and illustrator Miroslav Šašek on her aesthetic style. “I constantly feed my mind with books and movies and consider myself a storyteller. I like to think of my illustrations as scenes—the storyline continues outside the picture.” It makes sense then that Närhi, a graduate from the graphic design program at Aalto University in Helsinki, discovered her interest in illustration from graphic novels. “After I graduated, I worked as an art director for a department store chain, concentrating on fashion advertising—but I kept illustrating and drawing cartoons on the side,” she explains. “When I got a publishing deal for a graphic novel and a grant to execute the project, I quit my day job. Since then, I’ve worked as a full-time illustrator on commercial commissions and graphic novels and picture books of my own.” Outside of commissioned work, she experiments constantly with new techniques and media that she can incorporate into her practice, noting that her current style reflects her interest in screen printing. “Every project is a chance to learn something new, whether it’s how to draw a certain type of car or how to find a new way to illustrate clouds,” Närhi says. “I don’t think I’m ever ready as an illustrator—and that’s a good thing.”