Heli Miikkulainen-Gilbert
- Clothing and Accessory Design
- Service Design
- Media
- Photography
- Researcher
- Remote
- Uusimaa
MA in Media Management, fashion designer
- Expert
Forward-thinking Designer delves into the fusion of design, technology, and communication to foster the development of sustainable business.
Contact me
heli@heli-mg.comExperience
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, Hanx Oy, Savon Mediat Oy
Freelance designer of children’s bags and sportswear, and content creator.
1999 – 2002
Education
Arcada UAS
Master of Culture and Arts, Media Management
2022 – present
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.
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
1994 – 1999
Works
Five Rya Sewing Workshops
The exhibition visitors had the opportunity to experience the healing power of handicrafts and collective making in a workshop I produced in collaboration with Mieli ry and Designshopoutlet. The proceeds from the sales resulting from our collaboration were directed towards supporting youth mental health services.
Branding
Collaborators
https://mieli.fi/
Designshopoutlet
2015
Dress Photoshoot
Dress collection photoshoot for social media marketing purposes. Model: Anna-Maria Kasanen.
Adobe LightroomAdobe PhotoshopPhotographyTeamwork
Collaborators
https://www.ninaco.co/
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/
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/
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/
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/
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
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.
http://www.adesignaward.com/design.php?ID=30538
Rya rug sewing
Collaborators
https://competition.adesignaward.com/
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/
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/
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.
https://challenges.openideo.com/challenge/designing-for-digital-thriving/idea/caring-and-sharing-promoting-need-a-hand-add-on-helps-make-strangers-familiar-and-build-up-sustainable-communities?documentId=f5b0a43c37fe00f937cbd1f82682e64f&documentTableId=1297037840348105483
Adobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopGraphic DesignInterviewObservingPhotographyTeamwork
Collaborators
Adriana Minhoto, communication professional
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.
https://www.designboom.com/design/ito-jakuchu-inspired-competition-results/
Rya rug sewing
Collaborators
https://www.designboom.com/
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
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/