Projects
I have worked as a creative director and a board member in several organisations and as an entrepreneur since late 1980’s, when I started working in multimedia, marketing, graphic design, user interfaces and moving images.
As a partner and management team member, I have proven execution capabilities, long-term business, design and technological background and a strong vision in customer relationship management, marketing communication, and relations. I’m used to reviewing current organisational effectiveness, solving problems with some creative thinking and making recommendations for ways of improving the use of diverse resources. I enjoy finding and inspiring the right people from diverse backgrounds to contribute on a joint venture.
Therefore I not only have lots of ideas and activities in multidisciplinary areas but I’m also capable of organising, coordinating and executing activities. I have ran many projects with direct responsibility for the results. I also have experience in budgeting and finding funding for various projects. My abilities to work under pressure and deal effectively with multidisciplinary people and messy circumstances have been tested in real life and with real people.
This doesn’t mean that I enjoy messy projects. On the contrary, I have learned to value good organisation, transparent management, a healthy working atmosphere and appreciative communication. Work can and has to be enjoyable.
I am a co-founder and chairwoman of Studio Mind Inc. which creates dynamic web services and integrated visual communication solutions based artificial intelligence, intelligent semantic engines and neural network technologies. Our applications use advanced semantic and visualisation technology to harvest collective intelligence and deliver wisdom on current, emergent and future themes. Studio Mind, Inc. is serving unique people and unique businesses.
Information Design displays information effectively, rather than just attractively or for artistic expression.
Furthermore, I am a freelance journalist and an artist producing stories, photos, videos and images. Some of my abstract art images are transformed to aluminium plates and walls with innovative digital coating process techniques. You can check out some of my images here: www.mood.fi and here are some of my images in a private residence.
OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
I love to manage processes and events, making sure that they run smoothly and creating holistic atmospheres by combining elements like sound, dance and lights. It gives me great joy to create memorable experiences and make people feel satisfied beyond their expectations when attending a convention or other event.
The ability to work under pressure and unsociable hours has been tested when working for years in Finland’s national MTV3 News and, for example, when acting as a Professional Conference Organizer for the International Scientific Psychogeriatric Congress.
I am also a member of the organising committee for the first Helsinki African Film Festival HAFF, organised on May 6-9th, 2010 in Culture Complex Andorra. The festival brings a thought-provoking and entertaining selection of contemporary African cinema to Finland.
MAJOR HONORS AND POSITIONS OF TRUST
I’ve been honoured to take on interesting positions of trust, such as:
- Board member in LUNE Advisory Board of Creative Industries in Finland;
- Member of steering committee in Finnish Design.fi network service;
- Member of steering committee in Design for Business portal;
- Board member and Treasurer in GRAFIA [Finnish Graphic Designers Organization];
- Chair for Architecture, Building and Design; “Kaupunki viestii – afternoon” in ARMI-Päivät [Design conference]
JUDGING ROLES
I have been selected as a member of the award judging panel for the Young Creatives series of The Best of the Year Competition in Advertising and Graphic Design (“Vuoden Huiput”), The national gala and exhibition.
MAJOR PERSONAL GRANTS
I have been priviledged to receive some major grants for artistic and innovative work, such as:
- The Finnish Cultural Foundation (three times),
- TEKES Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (twice),
- AVEK Center for Audiovisual Culture (twice) and
- Villa Karo, the Finnish-African Cultural Centre in Grand-Popo, Benin, West Africa.
MAJOR PRIZES
I have been honored to be chosen as a member for Team Finland for the 24 Hour Inclusive Design Challenge at the European Business Conference 2008, Oslo, Norway. In 24 hours the team came up with a solution, presented in six minutes, and was also awarded: “An Award for The Best presentation was given to Team Finland for their inspiring business concept “Hands On Demand” which was a flexible system for shopping assistance designed for all.”
The theme of the conference was Innovation through Inclusive Design. Our solution had to combine aesthetics with the inbuilt functionality required by our user and be desirable to and marketable in the mainstream consumer market. 24 Hour Design Challenge is a concept developed by the Helen Hamlyn Research Centre at the Royal College of Art London.
TEACHING
I have been lecturing in a variety of visual communications-related courses and occations, such as the University of Art and Design Further Education Center; Mediabaths Sanatorio; and MTV3 Communications Department.
I still find time to occasional lectures, like Power and Agency in Visual Communication on the Digital Era, at the Department of Communication, University of Helsinki, on April, 2010.
IN THE FUTURE
I have always believed that art and design have the power to make the world a better place.
In the future, I would be interested in working on responsible new ventures; Improving the social, cultural and economic life; Public and urban environment; Promoting Finland; Socially sustainable future; Building global images; Participation and empowerment of citizens; Public-private partnerships; Shared spaces, User-driven innovations; Users as experts; Briefing designers and clients; International networks; Cross cultural communication; Changing needs of an ageing population; Premium Wellbeing Services, etc.
I am also dreaming of having time to concentrate on post-graduate studies in the future. For the present, I’m just another Wanna-Be-Doctor.