Iconshock interview: Icon Artist: Mirjami Manninen

Hello dear readers! This week we have a special treat for all of you. We were thinking about all those talented artists, designers and programmers out there that we really admire and appreciate, and we decided to post a weekly interview with them so you can meet our heroes face to face and know a little bit more about their workflows, their inspiration and their personality…

This week we are going to begin with the sweetest artist around. She is the superbly talented Mirjami Maninen from Finland. She is one of the most professional icon artists in the market today… Her work has been featured extensively in many, many blogs including, the almighty Smashing Magazine.  I feel in love with her work the first time I had to do a compilation list for Iconshock, and after exchanging some emails and reading here answers, I am convinced that as a person, she is as special as her work. Enjoy!

Beautiful Mirjami Manninen

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself? How old are you? Where did you study?

Hi! I'm now 28 years old, and i live in the sunny coast of Andalucía, Spain. I have born and lived most of my life in Finland, and I did study there also for graphic design, i graduated in 2007 as a bachelor of arts. Soon after that did put up my own company and moved to Norway, and later back to Spain. My school (Evtek, now called metropolitan, in Vantaa,Finland) gave me quite good foundation of graphic design, though lately i have been concentrated more in illustrations and icons.

2. Why did you get interested in icon work? Was it circumstantial or did you pursue that kind of work from the beginning?

It was actually circumstantial! I had a new client, who needed icons, and i just thought that i think i can go for it. I was immediately hooked! I really love drawing details and "cute little things" so making icons is naturally enjoyable for me. I'm a huge fan of Adobe illustrator, so being able to discover all the hidden possibilities of the program, combined with my passion of details, suits me well with icon design.

3. Do you have any special song stuck in your head these days? What kind of music do you usually listen to while you work?

I have been having already for weeks the song "this is the life" from Amy macdonald stuck in my head! I normally have spotify open when i work, everything from U2 to Finnish Jenni Vartiainen goes for me, the only requirement is that the music can't be too "busy" or I can't concentrate. Also I need the music to have nice words, or no words at all. love chill, fusion jazz, flamenco fusion of Juanito Makande, Leeland or some christian worship bands.

4. Do you recommend freelance work for an aspiring designer/illustrator?

Yes, definitely! It requires a lots of work, because you have to  keep yourself updated in the movements of the industry in your free time, and have discipline to meat the deadlines without anyone pushing you, because you mostly work alone. Still, i prefer having my freedom and my working schedule, so freelancing is perferct for me. Me for example, I get often inspired and the drive on late evening, not mornings :)

5. How did the Smashing magazine article work for you? Did they contact you? How did it improve your career?

It worked out great, i actually contacted them first to release icon set. Since that i have been releasing new one, and right now working on a third ;). Smashing Magazine gave me a exposure haven't had before, and I have got many new contacts since first release from people, who found me there.

6. Which application is your weapon of choice for icon creation?

I think now everyone already have got this one, Adobe illustrator and wacom :) and still i have more to learn, it's the best!

7. How do you give to your creations that almost tactile feel? Do you have any preferred work flow or tool to achieve that?

I open my computer, and start illustrator! It's my tool, no doubt. I have been putting quite much time to learn the mesh-tool in Illustrator, as it gives very good options to adjust lights and shadows in the colored object. I think that might be the "tactile" touch :). I normally sketch on paper with pencil, scan, and start working in Illustrator. I prefer sketching on paper even though I use wacom, because eye see differently proportions on paper than on the screen.

8. What could be the highest point of your life? Having kids? Working for Apple? Win an Oscar?:)

Wow, a hard one! :) I guess i haven't settled a single point that I'm aiming for in my career, but in life I have some things I of course wish to happen. Kids is one of them, and to have a great marriage with my husband. If someday I could live close to a big snowy mountain, it would be great, as I looove snowboarding!! I used to compete in boardercross, and still jumps, pipes and powder is on my mind whenever I get a chance! But i guess the biggest highlight will be in heaven one day :)

9. Our audience is eager to know... Do you have a boyfriend? Are you engaged? Sorry, couldn't help it: )

Hehe, it's ok! I'm actually married to this awesome Spanish guy I met here some years back. :) he is an artist too with music, and much better with website that me! ;)

10. Any advice to any aspiring artists out there?

I would say seeking inspirations is one of the best tools they can have. Search artists you like, try to expand your art by trying new things and styles, and follow the movements of designs, to know what others are doing. And of course, when you find "your thing", pursue to be the best in it! ;)

* We have featured her work; Here, The definitive list of the best 100 free social media and web 2.0 icon sets