Teija Vartiainen
- Graphic design
- Illustration
- Textile Design
- Clothing and Accessory Design
- Designer
- Artist
- Uusimaa
Lilith Cooperative
- Competent
My work is guided by curiosity. At the beginning of each project, I look for a new perspective on a topic that interests me. I work with two contrasting methods: drawing expressive, playful patterns, and painting abstract, refined surfaces. Recently hand-drawn patterns have ended up to home decoration products in Japan (Yagi Tsusho, Sangetsu, Senshukai), as well as abstract paintings to wallpapers around the world (Feathr), most recently for the renewed Kiila restaurant in the center of Helsinki. Currently I work on a series of jacquard woven art textiles.
I offer design services, such as pattern or illustration design, which creates a distinctive identity for a product, service, or space. In addition to visual design, I also give private teaching on digital jacquard weaving at the textile workshop Välitila Studio in Helsinki (or remotely). In addition, I create unique jacquard woven art textiles to order.
Experience
Work experience
Updated 10/2025
Lilith Cooperative
Textile and Visual Designer
2018 – present
Joutsen Finland
Visual Merchandiser
2017 – 2023
H&M, New Development (SE)
Print and Accessory Design Assistant
2013 – 2013
Lumi Accessories
Assistant in Design, Visual Merchandise, Customer Service
2010 – 2013
PatternLab, Aalto-yliopisto
Print Designer and Trade Show Responsible
2011 – 2012
Hanna Sarén
Print and Fashion Design Assistant
2010 – 2010
Polka Paper Company
Design Assistant
2007 – 2007
Education
Updated 8/2023
Aalto University
Fashion, Clothing and Textile Design (MA)
2010 – 2016
Kuopio Academy of Design
Clothing Design (BA)
2005 – 2009
University of Central Lancashire
Fashion Design (Erasmus exchange)
2008 – 2008
Works
2025
Participation in the Young Finnish Design x Paapii & Finsket pattern design competition brought victory in the menswear/unisex category. A collaboration collection containing two patterns was released in autumn 2025. The collection tells the story of a curious mind.
Collaborators
Young Finnish Design
2023
In Between is a large-scale wallpaper designed for a Client’s new restaurant space Kiila Food & Bar in the center of Helsinki. The wallpaper is a key element of the interior, as it covers 650 m2 of the restaurant’s walls and ceiling. The wallpaper creates a memorable atmosphere and takes the eating experience to the next level.
Design brief was exceptional since the time between the Client’s first contact to the delivery of the final production-ready file was only a week. The printing and adjusting the final colour was done by my long-term collaborator Feathr, a contemporary wallpaper editor for residential and contract interiors. Since the schedule was tight, I started with existing watercolour paintings that were still unused. The original paintings were worked into seamless pattern, with dimensions of H200 cm x W400 cm.
Pattern DesignAdobe PhotoshopIllustration
Collaborators
CambianoForma Oy
Feathr Oy
2022
I was one of three Finnish designers who were selected to FINNTASIA, a joint project by Business Finland and Japanese print licensing company Yagi Tsusho. My two patterns are used in various home decoration products in Japan.
Pattern DesignAdobe Photoshop
Collaborators
Business Finland – Embassy of Finland in Japan, Trade Section (JP)
Yagi Tsusho (JP)
2022
I was one of three Finnish designers who were selected to FINNTASIA, a joint project by Business Finland and Japanese print licensing company Yagi Tsusho. My two patterns are used in various home decoration products in Japan.
Adobe PhotoshopPattern Design
Collaborators
Business Finland – Embassy of Finland in Japan, Trade Section (JP)
Yagi Tsusho (JP)