• books
  • illustration
  • exhibitions + projects
  • About
  • Contact
  • teacher
  • books
  • illustration
  • exhibitions + projects
  • About
  • Contact
  • teacher

sari as illustrator

I am a Finnish illustrator, currently living in Finland.
Picture books, schoolbooks, cards are my main illustration items. I also do editorial illustration on various topics.
Some years ago I launched an illustrated children’s clothing collection: Hooop!
I love books! And children’s reading skills -as well as art education -are close to my heart. I have been lucky and have had a chance to design several children’s literature exhibitions and happenings.
I also teach graphic design students in Lahti Polytechnic School and Aalto University, Helsinki. Occasionally I give  workshops for children and teens .
In illustration I use several different techniques: acrylics, inks, gouache and collage.
I am interested in different cultures, and have lived in USA, Hong Kong, Istanbul and Rome. There is a lot to see in the world still.
At home I share my life with my husband, daughter, cat and dog. 

You can contact me:
sariairola(at)yahoo.com

Picture

Clients


• Wsoy, publisher, Finland
• Lasten keskus, publisher, Finland
• Posti, Finland
• SanomaPro, Finland
• Putinki Oy, Finland
•Sanomamagazines
​• Helsingin sanomat, Finland
• Otava publisher
​• Espoo city

Awards

• 1st Prize Finland
Post Stamp Competition, 2015
https://www.posti.com/english/current/2015/20150521_christmas_stamp_2016_design_competition.html
• IBBY Honor List, 2008, Finland
• Finland's Arts Council, 1 Year Artist Grant, 2014
• 3 x 3 Magazine, Honor Mention, 2008
 

Publications

• L niin kuin Leopardi, 2015
• Lentävät syntymäpäivät minareettimaassa, 2012
• Mia Tiu ja sata sanaa, 2006

Interviews

• Iltalehti, newspaper, 21st November, 2015
•Etelä-Saimaa newspaper interview 20.12.2015
http://www.esaimaa.fi/Online/2015/12/20/Sari%20Airolan%20suuret%20teemat%20mahtuivat%20yhteen%20postimerkkiin/2015120041335/4
• Aamu tv, YLE, 18.10.2014
• Aamu tv, YLE, 28.11.2012
http://yle.fi/uutiset/lasten_ja_nuorten_kirjatrendit/6393812
• Iltasanomat, newspaper, 8.11.2014
​.....