Artist spotlight : Mikko Rantanen

Ever wanted to know a little bit more about your favourite Unseen illustrator? Well, all is not lost, our new artist spotlight series starts this week, and to kick things off we have Finnish Illustrator Mikko Rantanen. To illustrate the interview Mikko very kindly took a photo of his workspace, shown above, intriguing don't you think? Please read on for Mikko's answers to our rather dull sounding questions (we're working on them!)....

How would you describe your work?
It's like a giraffe in a bear costume.

What is your process for coming up with new ideas?
I might research something, look at other things I like and get ideas from them. Sometimes I also just try stuff out and just see what happens.

Please describe a typical day:
It depends on what I'm working on that particular day. Usually I sit by my desk a lot, working on the computer, drawing or cutting and pasting. I often take a little walk in the afternoon and might check out a bookshop or an exhibition.
(Mikko currently lives in Berlin)

What is your working environment like?
I have a desk and a chair. I find it easier to concentrate when there's not so much stuff around.

What are your top 5 Influences/Inspiration?
The universe, people, stuff people do, nature, Internet.

What are your top 5 albums/soundtracks to a working day?
It could be anything from classical music to heavy metal, depends on my mood. Sometimes there may be a band that provides a soundtrack to my illustration and sometimes I work in silence. Today I'm listening to some electronic stuff a friend sent me.

What are your top 3 favorite websites/blogs?
Today I like ffffound.com, zombo.com and
twoyoutubevideosandamotherfuckingcrossfader.com

And finally, what is your favourite teatime biscuit?
Pizza.

Well, we hope that cast a little bit of an insight into Mikko's work and life as an illustrator, to view Mikko's amazing portfolio of work please click here. Keep 'em peeled next week for another artist spotlight...

Unseen @ Poolga

Cat Johnston

Henry McCausland

Paul Bedser

Matthew the horse

Andrew Groves

A little bit late, but none the less worth waiting for! Here are the final five Unseen illustrators to collaborate with Poolga. All images available to download direct from the Poolga site here. Go grab yourself a fabulous new wallpaper for your i-Phone or i-Pad!

Ben Javens for Warburtons

Ben was recently commissioned by Smith & Milton to create these illustrations for the new packaging of Warburtons' breakfast range of crumpets, potato cakes, pancakes and muffins, respectively. Available from your local supermarket right now, and brightening up Britain's breakfast tables everywhere!