Linda Linko

How did you become a designer?

It has been clear to me since I was little, even though the journey to this point has been long and the path winding. Design itself is so universal that sharpening your own work is the most challenging. Having been in the industry for 15 years now, the image of myself as a creator is slowly starting to become clearer. After my studies, I had a small career in design offices. Later I started my own company. During the last seven years, the works have as if by themselves slipped to the side of just making pictures. I consider myself an illustrator and an artist.

A style icon or type you are a fan of in this world?

Haha, I could say Skam's Nora, because probably my new hairstyle (blonde polka dot) is inspired by her character. You could also say that I'm a fan of Skam's screenwriters. So much beauty and universal good message in that series. The kind that the world needs right now.

What do colors mean to you?

Colors are my thing :). I used to only do black and white work. In recent years, I've gotten to know colors in a whole new way.

How do you work?

I draw and paint with ink and watercolors. I also do a lot with the collage technique, and I also take a lot of film photos. Quite an analog mood. One day it would be nice to have a computer, but for now it's a must-have tool.

Where are you getting crackers right now?

I've always had a bit of a weakness for the 70s. As a teenager, I would have liked to be a hippie when my friends wore skateboard clothes. The patterns of the 70s still fascinate, even though they are said to be out of date.

I like patterns that surprise in some way and whose genre is undefined. Now that I'm a son's mother, I look at patterns from a completely different angle. I would like to see more patterns that would work for both girls and boys. Boys should have more fun!

How did you end up as a designer at Vimma?

It was the sum of good coincidences. I have been involved in Vimma since its beginnings. I was interested in the patterns and I had wanted to do something in the textile industry for a long time. You didn't have to think much when you asked to join.

Designing for Vimme has also been an education for me in the deepest essence of patterns. I was just a week old when I started. Fortunately, Vimma as a brand wants to be experimental, this has enabled me as a creator a lot. Making patterns for Vimma is fun, even if it sounds like a cliché, Vimma quilts don't feel like work. I always think at the same time what I would like to wear for my son or myself.

What is the most meaningful of the designs you have designed for Vimma?

I can't name anything specific. It's always an equally exciting moment when you get to open a roll of fabric for the first time and see the print in its actual size. I originally designed the butterfly pattern scaled to a large size, but Marjut's vision was to realize it as a mini as well. I was nervous about how the end result would look, but when the moment came, I was satisfied that the mini butterfly was made. I use the little butterfly myself a lot.

I also like Blurri patterns. It's been nice to see how it fits girls, boys, babies and adults alike. On one it looks like a cute ink pattern, on the other it's quite punk. I am really satisfied with it precisely because of its diversity.

On my desktop right now…

Empty take away coffee, can of paint, post-it notes, bottle of water, Vimma sweater in a plastic bag on the way home. Right now I'm putting together a lecture for the day after tomorrow, but I'd really only be interested in painting.

The radio is playing..

I listen to a lot of girl music. Nothing fancy, just more of the same. It fits my woman cave and gives me a good and energetic feeling.

It feels like autumn now..

Good. Excitement is in the air. It's sunny and hopeful.

The best thing in life is...

Watercolors, and (mostly) time spent with a good-natured 2-year-old son.

My favorite hobby is..

Painting, running up Jättär's stairs, circling fleas, mushroom forest and every Sunday trip to the skate park with my son.

Legs, pillar, dösä, track or car..why that?

Today, all of them. I praise and curse all five in turn.

The most beautiful part of Helsinki is..

Dock area. It's always been my favorite place here, Nowadays I'm lucky when my office is there. In the shipyard area, the sea and the seasons are present. It is so in the middle of everything, but so in its own world.

Future work stuff..

Hmm...I'm terribly not allowed to talk about them, but everything is in the works, from a book cover to a kippo and a cup. At the moment, art matters are closest to my heart, although I'm gathering the courage to one day show that side more outwardly.

Linda's line is..

Exciting, but a little drawn out.

Favorite outfit right now..

The evening dress I designed from Vimma's silky butterfly fabric. It feels nice and airy on top. However, I've only been able to take it outside once.

On Sundays..

Let's go with my son to the Kaivari skatepark to kickboard, and then we'll drink mother-son coffee buns somewhere nearby. Best.

Forest..

There is peace. The opposite of everything else. I'm having fun. In the autumn, a lot of time will be spent in the forests and trails of Nuuksio.

I was playing..

Quite a lot these days. At work I play a lot with colors, and at home I fool around with my son.

I hate it when people..

They talk over each other or otherwise just don't allow space to be. I saw it as an introvert..

I would like to visit again sometime..

I'm still longing for trips to Central America. For some long trip to the volcanoes, some place where the sea is bubbling.

When I was little..

My mother sewed me clothes that I designed myself. My designs were pretty simple, haha. I also did a lot of paper crafting. Usually different characters that were inspired by Asterixis and Dallas. Once I built a paper town for them, there was a home for everyone and a small post office, as well as a bakery. I had thought about everything until the end. However, my sister tore everything to the ground when she apparently thought my work was rubbish.

My biggest dream would be to do...

Work without a computer.

Who do you follow on ig?

I follow my friends' parties on insta. When you're making a picture for work, you'd get really confused if you only looked at what other people were drawing. As an introvert, I am at my most creative in a certain kind of vacuum. So I don't really spend a lot of time on social media.

Where can we see your work in the future?

Top secret :).