We’d like to let you know about people we think are doing great work. And with this purpose we continue the interview series. So, now, dear friends, please meet a 26 year old graphic designer and illustrator from Finland – Olli-Pekka Jauhiainen! He is currently living in Helsinki and finishing his studies at the TAMK University of Applied Science, where he specializes in Digital Media. Among his works we may find surreal photomanipulations, 3D experiments and illustrations. They all excel in both creativity/originality and technical execution. Olli-Pekka plays with metaphors and symbols, putting strong ideas and original concepts into his works. You might have seen some of his works on the pages of our blog, where we have used his creations more than once.

Moreover, Olli-Pekka has good experience in website design and coding (HTML/CSS/PHP & Flash) and creates beautiful websites, examples of which are also presented here. Visit Olli-Pekka Jauhiainen’s website to read more about him.

Now, let’s go to the interview.

“It wasn’t me” by Olli-Pekka Jauhiainen.
Photomanipulation/Illustration made for Evokeone online art exhibition called ‘Evoke II’.

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Tell our readers about yourself, your background and education. Was there a turning-point in your life when you decided to cast your lot with computer graphics?

I’m a 26 years old male from Helsinki, Finland. I’m finishing my studies in Tampere University of Applied Science where I’m spelializing in Digital Media. I used to draw a lot when I was at the age of 10-15 but then hobbies, girls etc., the usual, took me away from it. But luckily after my military service at the age of 22, I got accepted to my current school and I was introduced to Photoshop. So I guess I could say that was the turning-point towards the computer graphics world. Even though my school isn’t really teaching computer graphics, (it is more about web coding or interactive media like Flash) the reason why I started learning Photoshop was the school. The needed inspiration came from there.

“Unique” by Olli-Pekka Jauhiainen.
Photomanipulation/3D/Illustration work made for Evokeone online art exhibition called ‘Evoke II’.

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Philip Straub. Art Director, Illustrator, Concept Art Teacher and Writer.
His main objective is to create and develop beautiful things that entertain and enrich people lives.

Philip is a master of digital and traditional (oil) art. His designs and illustrations can be seen on a variety of products: books, games, wall murals, scrap booking, gift, stationery and textiles, broadcast media, book jackets, CD covers, magazine covers, trading cards and in feature films.

The image that landed him his first artist representative, his first national award, and first paying job was “Faceplate” painted in oil and acrylic on board. And now he is an established world-famous artist held in high respect among artistic circles. He has been a featured artist numerous times in several publications including: The Society of Illustrators NY and Los Angeles Annuals, Spectrum Fantasy Annuals, Expose’ digital fine art books, ImagineFX Magazine, Advanced Photoshop Magazine, Corel Painter Magazine, Fantasy Magazine, 2D artist Magazine, It’s Art Magazine, and on dozens of digital art websites and forums.

The pronounced common element that unites almost all his masterpieces is a fantastic element. Due to his artworks, you can be easily transported into new worlds, surreal worlds inhabited by unique characters, where everything seems real, but it can’t be.

For more information, view Philip Straub’s website.

“Faceplate” by Philip Straub.
Medium: Oil and Acrylic on board / Photoshop .

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Hello Philip. Please, tell a couple of words about yourself and your family. Where did you get your education?

Hi there Well, let’s see – I was born in New York in 1973. My family moved to southern Connecticut when I was 8 and I lived there most of life until I started traveling to different parts of the country for my career. As for my education, I received my Bachelor of Fine Art degree in Illustration in 95, from Paier College of Art in Hamden Ct.

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