Born in Brighton, England in 1983, Sanna Annukka is a half English, half Finnish designer and printmaker whose work is strongly inspired by her natural surroundings. Spending much of her childhood summers in the Lapland, it is only natural that the trees, animals and bodies of water in northern Finland’s wilderness would transcend onto her lively designs. These formative years, filled with fishing trips and berry picking, instilled a strong connection to the raw beauty of nature. Annukka’s design philosophy revolves largely around storytelling.
After studying illustration at the University of Brighton and selling her screen prints in a London shop, her work was noticed by the British band Keane and featured on the group’s album cover. Word quickly spread about the up-and-coming designer, and Annukka soon joined the Marimekko team of esteemed designers in 2008. Her first collection for the brand was inspired by the Kalevala, a famous piece of Finnish literature that originated where her grandmother was born. Called, “Kanteleen Kutsu,” the ornamental design displays a scene from the Kalevala in which Väinämöinen, the central character, plays his kantele to the animals.
Beyond her commercial work, Annukka has illustrated classic fairy tales, including The Fir Tree, The Snow Queen, and The Nutcracker, published by Penguin Random House. Her illustrations for these books are noted for their intricate designs and deep cultural resonance.
Annukka’s current work is largely influenced by Finnish Folklore and Scandinavian design from the 50s and 60s. Today, Annukka is still screen-printing at her studio and working on new designs for a wider range of products. She is currently based in East Sussex, U.K. and sells a variety of her prints; see more here. She only continues to captivate audiences, crafting narratives that celebrate the intersection of culture, nature, and design.
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