Heli Miikkulainen-Gilbert

  • Clothing and Accessory Design
  • Media
  • Photography
  • Service Design
  • Designer
  • Remote
  • Uusimaa

MA in Media Management, BA in Fashion Design

  • Expert

Forward-thinking Designer delves into the fusion of design, technology, and communication to foster the development of sustainable business.

Experience

Work experience

Marimekko

Inspirer-sales associate, fashion and lifestyle collections

2014 – 2022

Heli MG, Ireland

Entrepreneur offering on-demand textile designer and maker services and repairs. Founder and developer of slow fashion brand Heli MG Eco Faux Furs.

2008 – 2013

Tazzia Oy and Texmoda Oy

Designer, ladies’ wear collections

2002 – 2007

Cassinna Oy, Akowest Oy, Hanx Oy, Savon Mediat Oy

Freelance designer of children’s bags and sportswear, and content creator.

1999 – 2005

Education

Arcada UAS

Master of Culture and Arts, Media Management
Thesis work: Digital transformation: how can it provide the most value to fashion brands while enabling sustainable change?

2022 – 2023

Koulutuskeskus Salpaus and Tamora Oy

Specialist Degree in Product Design, Service Design, Design thinking studies, and practical training in public and private sector change management projects.
Degree project: Communication internationalization service for Finnish SMEs.

2014 – 2015

Kuopio Adult Education Centre

Third Level Degree in Business and Management, Marketing

2000 – 2001

Savonia University, Kuopio Academy of Design

Bachelor of Culture and Arts, Fashion Design.
Thesis work: E-measured fashion collection for 65+ ladies in collaboration with Muoti Herrala Oy.

1994 – 1999

Laurea University of Applied Sciences

Corporate Sustainability Reporting (5 ECTS)

2024 – 2024

Works

XR Design

Bringing Nikkilä “Mural House” to Life

The immersive AR street art trail nudges you onto your feet to discover your living environment with new eyes. Developed responsibly, the art experiences leave no trace on the landscape, are largely beyond the reach of physical vandalism, and have an environmental impact of less than a third of physical art. For a sample of a task in the route, please go to the address: Pohjoinen koulutie 2, Sipoo, and use this link: https://adobeaero.app.link/55wAHfvw4Mb . You can also dance with the characters and share it in social media. For more detailed instructions, see the attached video:

3D animationAdobe LightroomAdobe PhotoshopBlenderchoice architectureInclusive designjulkinen taideKäyttäjäkokemuspublic artUser experience

XR Design

2024

A Virtual Dog for Dogless and Lonely People to Play With and Share in Social Media.

A real-world AR effect design and user instructions for global testing on Instagram and Facebook. Conducting insights analysis and further development of the effect. Please see the user instructions in the linked video.

3D animationBlenderchoice architectureInclusive designUser experienceUser testing

Photography

2015

Dress Photoshoot

Dress collection photoshoot for social media marketing purposes. Model: Anna-Maria Kasanen.

Adobe LightroomAdobe PhotoshopPhotographyTeamwork

Collaborators

https://www.ninaco.co/

Photography

2015

Rya “Ryijy” Photoshoot

Photography of Reeta Ek’s 4-piece “Map” wall rug for print media. The photos were published by interior decoration magazines Antiikki ja Taide (1/2017) and Asun (1/2018), among others.

Adobe LightroomAdobe PhotoshopPhotographyTeamwork

Collaborators

https://suomenkasityonystavat.fi/

Service Design

2015

Tikkurila Social Services

Tikkurila Social Services sought assistance in redesigning spaces within their facility. To kickstart the project, the 3-designer team initiated a preliminary research involving ethnographic observation and staff interviews. Service design tools were employed to find solutions for enhanced user experience.Given the pressing user needs, the project primarily concentrated on the public reception and waiting room area. To address customer privacy concerns, we introduced elements designed to divert attention away from others’ affairs. Furthermore, we leveraged cost-effective interior decor elements to create the illusion of privacy within the service area. Our approach prioritized both safety and aesthetics to maximize the benefits for all users of the space. The design encourages customer engagement and fosters more positive interaction. Illustration: Placido Afonso

Adobe PhotoshopDouble diamondInterviewObservingService DesignTeamwork

Collaborators

Yodo Kurosava, store designer

Placido Afonso, designer

https://www.vantaa.fi/

Service Design

2014

Christmas Chill-Out Event

The “Christmas Chill-Out” serves as the yearly customer gathering hosted by Tamora Oy. This 24-hour event offers a blend of informative seminars, networking opportunities, traditional Finnish cuisine, and a serene Christmas ambience. The planning and execution of snow-themed occasion were expertly overseen by a team of 4 designers with different backgrounds. Noteworthy moments during the event included a delightful hot dinner starter savoured on a candlelit terrace, and guests wrapped in cosy blankets. The centrepiece of the evening was the main course – lamb shank, slowly cooked in an ember-filled pit in the garden. Beyond conceptualizing the event, the team took charge of its implementation and thoroughly documented the proceedings involving decorations, meticulous meal menus and activity planning, as well as the selection and preparation of Christmas gifts. The above poster served as a printed Thank You! note to the participants.

Adobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopEvent DesignGraphic Design

Collaborators

Tiina Saine, visual merchandiser

Minna Kilpijärvi, software developer

Tom Hagelberg, industrial designer

https://www.tamora.fi/

Public Art

2014

Rosenkulla Nursing Home

The multi-disciplinary team of 3 designers revamped the dining and lounge area of the Rosenkulla Nursing Home in Liljendal. The concept based on ethnographic observation and staff interviews aimed to deviate as much as possible from the institutional feel. It envisioned a warm, inviting, and vibrant space intended for the residents, their families, other visitors, and the staff. Additionally, its objective was to engage the Liljendal village community, motivating their involvement in the utilization of the space and its execution phase. The co-created concept was shown green light by the whole community and the implementation commenced briefly afterwards. Illustration: Olga Veselovskaja.

Adobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopGraphic DesignInterviewObservingOpastesuunnitteluTeamwork

Collaborators

Saara Gröhn, service designer

Olga Veselovskaja, illustrator and interior architect

https://www.tamora.fi/

https://www.loviisa.fi/

Clothing and Accessory Design

2014

Co-created Multi-functional Coats

“6-in-1” rya “ryijy” coat hand-crafted from high-quality natural materials.

Adobe PhotoshopCo-creationIllustrationPhotographyRya rug sewing

Collaborators

Leena Harkimo, member of the Finnish Parliament

Clothing and Accessory Design

2014

Golden A’Design Award 2014

“7-in-1” coat got the golden A’Design Award in Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design Category. It was also exhibited at the MOOD Design Museum in Como, Italy, in autumn 2014.

Rya rug sewing

Collaborators

https://competition.adesignaward.com/

Clothing and Accessory Design

2013

Show Selected Case 2013

Showcase Ireland is an annual design tradeshow held in Dublin. My Butterfly Jacket was nominated for Selected New Design 2013 and displayed in the main exhibition area of the show.

Rya rug sewing

Collaborators

https://www.dcci.ie/

https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/

https://showcaseireland.com/

Clothing and Accessory Design

2013

Show Fashion Case 2013

Showcase Ireland is an annual design tradeshow held in Dublin. My “2-in-1” rya “ryijy” coat entered the curated fashion show running non-stop on the main stage through the 5-day expo. Photo: Sunday Times

Rya rug sewing

Collaborators

https://www.dcci.ie/

https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/

https://showcaseireland.com/

User Experience design

2022

Designing for Digital Thriving

Through interviews with international tenants residing in Finnish apartment complexes, a fellow student and I collaboratively conceived an in-condo private social media platform. Our research unveiled that a substantial portion of these tenants have limited or no familiarity with their neighbors. Furthermore, the majority exhibited reluctance to participate in well-established social media groups due to concerns about their privacy not being fully safeguarded. They expressed a preference for maintaining a discreet profile and safeguarding their residences from potential security risks and unwanted intrusions. Such circumstances have the potential to result in social isolation and a dearth of community cohesion.This is an extension to current housing management communication platforms, aimed at simplifying and enhancing community connections. Our investigations have demonstrated that initiating conversations through a digital channel is less daunting than approaching a neighbour at their doorstep. This solution not only enhances the lives of residents but also offers an appealing value proposition for property owners. By fostering stronger and more tightly-knit communities, it leads to extended tenancies, thus promoting a more sustainable and flourishing living environment.

Adobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopGraphic DesignInterviewObservingPhotographyTeamwork

Collaborators

Adriana Minhoto, communication professional

Clothing and Accessory Design

2012

ITO JAKUCHU INSPIRED Suunnittelukilpailu

ITO JAKUCHU INSPIRED suunnittelukilpailu järjestettiin Designboomin, Japan’s Design Associationin ja Tokyo Designers Weekin yhteistyönä. “2-in-1” ryijyliivini oli 23 voittajatyön joukossa ja se oli esillä Tokyo Designers Weekillä 2012.

Rya rug sewing

Collaborators

https://www.designboom.com/

Business Design

2015

Business Design

Sheep farmer Teemu extended an invitation to a team of six designers to enhance and advance his farm and travel business, which had been in operation for a few years. The designers initiated the project by actively engaging in farm activities and evaluating the envisioned experiences. They closely observed the farmer and conducted interviews with both him and the local community. The scope of their work encompassed crafting a comprehensive plan for refreshing the farmyard, devising captivating farm experiences, enhancing the product offerings in the farm grocery store, and formulating a strategic marketing blueprint. The overarching goal of the project was to create genuine and unforgettable overnight experiences for travelers, whether they hailed from nearby regions or distant locales. Illustration: Olga Veselovskaja

Adobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopBusiness designCo-creationService DesignStrategic Design

Collaborators

Anna Kokki, designer

Jaana Wahlsten, textile designer

Saara Gröhn, service designer

Olga Veselovskaja, illustrator and interior architect

Yodo Kurosawa, store designer

Nuolniemen Lammastarha, Teemu Seppälä

Clothing and Accessory Design

2006

Ladieswear Designer

During my tenure as the Head Designer at Tazzia Oy from 2002 to 2007, I had the privilege of collaborating with production and sales teams and international material suppliers in the design process for four annual collections, catering to both Tazzia and Texmoda Oy. These collections were meticulously crafted in Tazzia Oy’s in-house factory located in Iisalmi, Finland. To ensure an authentic focus on customer-centricity, I routinely engaged with the end-users by working closely within the company’s retail stores. Photos: Riku Isohella

Co-creationConceptual designGraphic DesignIllustrationInterviewObservingStrategic DesignTeamworkUser research

Collaborators

Tazzia Oy

http://www.texmoda.fi/

Tools and methods

3D animation
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop
Blender
choice architecture
Inclusive design
julkinen taide
Käyttäjäkokemus
public art
User experience
User testing
Adobe Photoshop
Photography
Teamwork
Double diamond
Interview
Observing
Service Design
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Event Design
Graphic Design
Opastesuunnittelu
Co-creation
Illustration
Rya rug sewing
Business design
Strategic Design
Conceptual design
User research

Materials

Textile

Collaborators

https://www.ninaco.co/
https://suomenkasityonystavat.fi/
Yodo Kurosava, store designer
Placido Afonso, designer
https://www.vantaa.fi/
Tiina Saine, visual merchandiser
Minna Kilpijärvi, software developer
Tom Hagelberg, industrial designer
https://www.tamora.fi/
Saara Gröhn, service designer
Olga Veselovskaja, illustrator and interior architect
https://www.loviisa.fi/
Leena Harkimo, member of the Finnish Parliament
https://competition.adesignaward.com/
https://www.dcci.ie/
https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/
https://showcaseireland.com/
Adriana Minhoto, communication professional
https://www.designboom.com/
Anna Kokki, designer
Jaana Wahlsten, textile designer
Yodo Kurosawa, store designer
Nuolniemen Lammastarha, Teemu Seppälä
Tazzia Oy
http://www.texmoda.fi/