Mirjami Manninen
Mirjami Manninen (born 1981 in Joensuu, Finland) is a Finnish illustrator and graphic designer. She is known for her illustrations in children's books and educational materials, particularly those used in the Finnish national school curriculum. Her artistic style incorporates elements of Nordic nature and folklore, presented in a playful and accessible visual language for young audiences.
Biography
Mirjami Manninen was born in Joensuu, Finland, in 1981, and grew up in the Helsinki metropolitan area. She studied graphic design and illustration at the prestigious EVTEK Institute of Design (EVTEK Muotoiluinstituutti), a respected Finnish design school that later became part of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.
After completing her studies, she began working as a freelance illustrator in Finland. She is currently based in Málaga, Spain, where she continues her work under the name "Design Mirkku".
Career
Manninen has illustrated numerous children's books and textbooks. One of her most notable collaborations is with the Finnish publishing house Otava, where she is listed as an official illustrator.[1]
She has contributed illustrations to various educational series including Tuhattaituri and Star Maths, which are widely used in Finnish primary schools.[2] The Finnish education system, known internationally for its emphasis on equity and creativity, frequently integrates high-quality visual material to support learning.
In addition to her educational work, Manninen has produced illustrations and visual design for several Finnish and international companies. Her clients have included Nokia, Finnair, Dermosil, and Droppi Magazine, as well as various editorial illustrations for Sanoma Magazines.
Her work has been available through Finnish retailers such as Suomalainen.com[3].[4] She has also been featured in online design publications including Smashing Magazine.[5]
Digital and interactive illustration
In addition to print media, Manninen also works in the field of digital and interactive illustration. She currently collaborates with the Danish company Momio ApS, where she designs characters, environments and user interface elements for an online social platform aimed at children and young people.
In the past, she has also contributed illustrations and concept art to Goodgame Studios (Germany), working on visual content for browser-based games. Her digital work is characterised by clear linework, engaging colour palettes, and age-appropriate design that supports both storytelling and intuitive user experiences across digital platforms.
Artistic style
Manninen's work is characterised by soft linework, vibrant yet harmonious colours, and friendly characters. Her illustrations are often influenced by nature and Finnish cultural traditions, and are designed to be clear and engaging for children.
Selected bibliography
Children's books
| Title (Finnish) | Author | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Totuus tarusta – Lätkääntymisen lyhyt oppimäärä | Maria Turtschaninoff | 2015 |
| Totuus tarusta – Totaalisen sekoilun teoria | Maria Turtschaninoff | 2016 |
| Olafin pentupäiväkirjat – Pässit pullakahveilla | Helena Waris | 2020 |
| Olafin pentupäiväkirjat – Tuli hännän alla | Helena Waris | 2020 |
| Olafin pentupäiväkirjat – Riikinkukon ruutuhyppy | Helena Waris | 2021 |
| Olafin pentupäiväkirjat – Viheltävä villapaitakoira | Helena Waris | 2021 |
| Olafin pentupäiväkirjat – Pitelemätön pitkäkorva | Helena Waris | 2022 |
| Olafin pentupäiväkirjat – Maailman paras laumanvartija | Helena Waris | 2022 |
| Olafin pentupäiväkirjat – Kuka lähtee etelään? | Helena Waris | 2024 |
| Olafin pentupäiväkirjat – Salaperäinen saari | Helena Waris | 2025 |
| Kolme kaverusta ja skeittiparkki | Maria Kuutti | 2024 |
| Tassu-trio – Pentuhurjimus | Helena Meripaasi | 2021 |
| Ystävämme avaruudesta | Jussi Lehmusvesi | 2024 |
Educational books
| Title (Finnish) | Author(s) | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuhattaituri 3A–6B | Otava editorial team | Various |
| High Five! 1–2 | Otava editorial team | Various |
| Tsemppi-sarja (kirjoitustaito, luetunymmärtäminen, ym.) | Otava editorial team | Various |
| Tee parhaasi! – Kestävä kehitys | Ulla Maija Jutila | 2022 |
| Karlavagnen (luokat 3–6) | Otava editorial team | Various |
External links
- Official website
- Otava – Author profile
- Suomalainen.com – Books by Mirjami Manninen
- Smashing Magazine – Featured icon set
References
- ↑ https://otava.fi/kirjailijat/mirjami-manninen/ Otava – Author profile
- ↑ https://oppiminen.otava.fi/media/primary-maths-2019-1.pdf Otava – Primary Maths Series
- ↑ "Suomalainen Kirjakauppa". Suomalainen.com.
- ↑ https://www.suomalainen.com/search?q=Manninen%2C+Mirjami Suomalainen.com – Books by Mirjami Manninen
- ↑ https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/01/friday-freebies-flavours-icon-set-and-cute-tweeters-icon-set/ Smashing Magazine – Free Icon Sets, 2009
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