Modern Atlanta

Belgium-based young Finnish illustrator talent Jarno Kettunen is dedicated to high fashion, lifestyles and luxury. He has developed a highly personalized and expressive style inspired by the traditional techniques of fine arts. After he was asked in January 2007 to draw backstage at the 2007 Wendy&Jim Homme fashion show in Paris, Jarno Kettunen’s unique illustrations have been in increasing demand in the world of designer fashion and luxury.

In his young career as an illustrator, Kettunen is best known for his action drawings that he makes directly backstage at designer fashion shows. These spontaneous sketch-like drawings describe the collection and the mood of the show in an expressive manner. After the show the drawings are exhibited and published in magazines and books.

At his studio in Brussels, he also makes artistic illustrations of the latest high fashion collections and coming trends by using photographs and his inside knowledge of the fashion industry as inspiration. Recently MA caught up with Kettunen in Antwerp, Belgium:

MA Jarno, where are you originally from? JK I come from Helsinki, Finland but I am based in Brussels, Belgium. I’ve been living in Brussels for six years.

MA Where did you study art? JK I studied art in Brussels and I have a master’s degree in graphic design.

MA MA found your work on the Belgium website Addictlab, and because we loved your work with fashion, contacted you to participate in Design Is Human in Atlanta, Georgia. Tell us about the concept of action drawings? JK The idea for action drawing is based on my knowledge of the fashion industry and in fashion trends. I create them backstage at fashion shows. They are bought to life really fast just before the models hit the runway. The purpose is to make an artistic expression and presentation of the collection and of the mood around the collection at the show.

MA Who are some of the designers you’ve worked with? JK Most recently, I participated in NOOVO festival for international fashion and photography. There I was asked to draw the collections of designers Boudicca, Mikio Sakabe, Romain Kremer, Eley Kishimoto, Gareth Pugh, Patrik Söderstam, and Petar Petrov. Some of these designers are more established and others are emerging talent. I have also drawn for the Wendy&Jim Homme Collection which took place in Paris.

MA What are your preferences in art material? JK I select the technique according to the collection and what I see. When I’m asked to draw, I take as much material as possible and try to learn as much about the event as possible.

MA So there is considerable preparation involved? JK Absolutely. Usually I want to know how the collection looks before I go on site so that I can select the proper material for artistic expression.

MA How did the technique evolve? JK It began during my studies. There was a level of experimentation out of my love for fashion and drawing models. I think the style fits very well in context to fashion.

MA What lies in the future for Jarno Kettunen? JK I’m very comfortable working with classical drawings and photography for inspiration which can be used in more detailed illustrations as in advertising or fashion magazines.

MA Have you had the opportunity to work outside of Europe? JK Not really, actually I’m just starting out but opportunities keep popping up to give me more exposure. For example, my participation in NOOVO festival caught the eye of and was featured in Diane Pernet‘s fashion blog which got me lots of exposure. I’ve received very positive feedback because of it.

MA Inspiration? What inspires you to draw? JK I am more inspired by techniques of fine arts. I like the technical part, for example using traditional materials but doing very spontaneous drawings. Also the way of perception, looking at things, I draw the model without looking at the paper which makes the artwork more personal.

MA What was your first break? JK My first break was doing the Wendy&Jim show in Paris. I had introduced myself to them and showed them my work. They proposed their project to me. Since then people have been noticing my work.

MA You are participating in Design Is Human. What made you decide to accept? JK I like the idea and with Design Is Human you have the fashion show. It has Belgium designers and I love their collections, which of course is a big reason for me.

Jarno Kettunen participates in Design is Human, taking part in Belgium Design and Fashion Weekend. His live illustrations will be for sale following the fashion show as part of the Darfur fundraiser. For more Jarno Kettunen visit modern-atlanta.com and checkout his website http://www.jarnok.com.

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