About me
Hi! My name is Riikka Häkkinen.
I am a senior designer from Helsinki. I graduated from Metropolia University of Applied Sciences with a Bachelor's degree in 2012.
I've been working with all things visual ever since. I am experienced in graphic design, vector illustration, 2D-animations, brand identities, campaign planning, and brand building to mention a few.
My greatest strength is my sharp eye for even the tiniest details without losing the big picture. I would also say, that having the patience for tweaking the details while still being able to work with great speed is also one of my super powers.
I am currently employed by TBWA\Helsinki.
If you wish to contact me, please send me an e-mail at riikka.haekkinen(at)gmail.com.
Creative experience
28.5.2018–
TBWA\Helsinki
My main responsibilities include planning and creating various brand and tactical campaigns for my assigned clients. Creating visual identities or refreshes and taking part in our customers brand development are some of my favourite things. 2D animation and illustrations are also things that brightens up any day.
I have also been planning physical and/or virtual demonstrations of different products and solutions for one of my client’s yearly events.
14.01.2013–25.5.2018
DigiPeople Studio (currently known as Filmbutik)
At DigiPeople Studio my main area of responsibility was creating and producing infographics and 2D-animations. I also trained other employees on how to do infographics and data visualization.
Furthermore, I was a lead designer responsible for all kinds of other graphic design works as well, such as layout design, logo design, vector illustrations, banners, web design, and building brand identities. I also mentored our trainees during my time there.
29.02.2012–14.01.2013
Freelancer Designer
During this time I worked as a freelancer designer producing data visualizations for Gaudeamus used in different non-fiction publications.
2.2.2011–29.02.2012
Metropolia’s Mediacenter Valo
I carried out my 5-month work-practice-period at Metropolia’s Mediacenter Valo. My job description included layout design, illustrations, poster design well as creating logos and visual identities.
After my internship I was in a fixed-period contract as a project manager and as the lead designer during 3.10.2011–29.02.2012. I supervised a team of 4–8 alternating trainees from our school.
As the project manager I organized the briefings, scheduled the work, and was in charge of all communication with the client.
As the lead designer I was in charge of keeping the quality of the design and creative work in our usual high level.
Program skills
Adobe
Illustrator
Photoshop
Indesign
After Effects
Premiere Pro
Office
Powerpoint
Word
Education
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Upper secondary school
Comprehensive school
Language skills
Finnish
English
Work strengths
Vision
High quality work
Strong craftsmanship
Speed
Enthusiasm
Insightfulness
Hunger to learn more
Quick learner
Passionate about data
Strong work ethic
Strategic thinking
Personal strengths
Conscientiousness
Empathy
Confidence
Joyous spirit
Analytical thinking
Eye for details
Don't take my word for it,
read what my colleagues and bosses have to say about me:
“Riikka’s craftsmanship is impeccable, and she shows great piety towards anything she does. She has sharpness and ability to produce great ideas. Riikka can always see how things should be visualized and created in the best possible way.”
– Senior colleague at TBWA Helsinki
“I appreciate Riikka’s sense of responsibility, skills, and work ethic. She is empathetic and kind, and always one step ahead of others. She has great ideas and genuine enthusiasm to actually do the work, as well as a great eye when it comes to the executions. She does everything with great care and strong craft. It has been wonderful, easy, and fun to work with Riikka all these years.”
– Colleague at TBWA Helsinki
“I value Riikka’s sense of aesthetics and visual know-how. She has a skill of making anything visually understandable and insightful. And I truly mean anything!“
– Director at TBWA Helsinki
“So bright and happy person that I can’t help but cheer up every time we meet. If there is someone that is always effortless and fun to work with, it’s Riikka.”
– Colleague at TBWA Helsinki
”Hardworking and super fast at her work, yet always produces high quality craftmanship.”
– Colleague at TBWA Helsinki
“Riikka is so hardworking and uncompromising. Quality is always great, and attitude is mellow.”
– Colleague at TBWA Helsinki
“Riikka is skillful, hardworking, conscientious, efficient, and unprompted. Basically every employer’s dream employee.”
– DigiPeople Studio’s CEO
“As a designer Riikka is trustworthy, clever, and exceptionally skillful.”
– Metropolia Mediacenter Valo’s Manager
