Matti Pikkujämsä (b. 1976) is a celebrated Finnish illustrator and graphic designer, whose work is rooted in the nostalgia of everyday Finnish life. He is a recipient of the Finnish State Award for Illustration (2015) and was named Illustrator of the Year in 2019. A graduate of Aalto University’s School of Art, Design and Architecture, Pikkujämsä began collaborating with Lapuan Kankurit in 2010, developing iconic textile patterns like the playful MIESTEN SAUNA and the charming KOIRAPUISTO, which remain fan-favorites. Throughout his partnership with Lapuan Kankurit, Pikkujämsä emphasizes creative freedom: he values being trusted to focus purely on design, supported by consistent product quality.

Finnish design has a long history and is know for simplicity, functionality, and craftsmanship. It's trademark designs emerged in the early 20th century, and gained international attention through pioneers like Alvar Aalto in architecture and furniture, as well as companies such as Iittala, Artek, and Marimekko. Their work emphasized clean lines, natural materials, and a harmonious balance between beauty and practicality. Everything must have a purpose. Iconic products like the Aalto vase, Artek’s Stool 60, and Marimekko’s bold textile patterns established Finland as a leader in modernist design. Over the next century, Finnish design became synonymous with high quality, technical skill, and timeless aesthetics—qualities that have earned it global recognition, particularly during the postwar years when Nordic design was celebrated worldwide, and still is. Today, Finnish products continue to enjoy international respect, not only for their aesthetic value but also for their reputation of reliability, thoughtful construction, and cultural authenticity.