Open to opportunities

Aarni Kapanen

@aarnikapanen

Message

Visual communication designer focused on cultural narratives, brand identity, and societal impact.

Finland

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek collaborative roles where design shapes cultural narratives, focusing on brand identity, societal impact, and opportunities for exhibition and research-led projects.

I am a visual communication designer working across culture, PR, and societal change, using design to serve the idea and its purpose above all. I lead projects in brand identity, campaign design, art direction and copywriting, and have contributed to award-winning works exhibited internationally.

My MA research examined nation branding and visual communication, and my practice includes freelancing, internships at Ellun Kanat and Kauas Creative, and projects like Loom of Reality (Combine24 winner) and Jäbät & Tunteet (Vuoden Huiput silver). I collaborate across teams to create thoughtful, research-driven visual narratives.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Graphic Designer

Current

Freelance

Jan 2020 - Present (5 years 9 months)

Provided freelance graphic and visual communication design services for brands and cultural projects, producing identities, campaigns, motion concepts and exhibition materials. Collaborated with agencies and clients to deliver briefs from concept to final assets.

Brand Identity Motion Design Art Direction visual communication Adobe Creative Suite Design Concepts Copywriting

Design Intern

Ellun Kanat

Jan 2023 - Jul 2023 (6 months)

Worked on brand identity, campaign design and communications, contributed to campaign narratives and participated in new business proposals. Supported creative team across visual deliverables.

Brand Identity Copywriting visual communication Adobe Illustrator Branding Presentation Collaboration

Graphic Designer

Kauas Creative

Feb 2022 - Oct 2022 (8 months)

Developed brand identities, campaign designs and motion projects, contributed to new business proposals and produced music video concepts and graphic assets. Delivered visual work for client campaigns and internal projects.

Brand Identity Motion Design Graphic Design Music Video Concepting Adobe After Effects Visual Storytelling Proposals

Art Director & Copywriter

Jäbät & Tunteet

Jan 2021 - Jan 2022 (1 year)

Shaped the project's visual and verbal identity, designed and wrote content, and developed a brand that attracted commercial collaborations and national visibility. Contributed to award-winning campaigns and partnerships.

Art Direction Copywriting Brand Development Visual Branding Content Creation Editorial Design Campaign Strategy

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture

Master of Arts, Visual Communication Design

2023 - 2025

Activities and societies: Master’s thesis exhibition at Aalto ARTS Grad Show; Combine24 participation

Completed a Master of Arts in Visual Communication Design, focusing on nation branding and visual identity; included a speculative web platform and exhibition at Aalto ARTS Grad Show.