Already in middle school Kristiina Mäkimattila thought that it would be wonderful to be an illustrator of children's books someday. The wish came true years later and Kristiina Mäkimattila, who has been running a company called Murupumpula since 2014 and now lives in Seinäjoki, has focused on illustrating children's books.
Kristiina considers art and creative work to be a kind of play. Finding interest and joy in small things and getting attached to the background and doing the work.
- It's wonderful to let your imagination fly and find funny things. When I look at other people's illustrations, I enjoy the inventive and whimsical details. I can also find details in everyday life and I can stop to admire a ladybug while walking, says Kristiina.
Working in a narrow field requires a lot of networking and partners. In the past, book projects were often such that Kristiina and the author realized the book material together and offered it to the publisher. The effect of doing different projects and accumulating contacts has started to be seen and more commissioned work has started to come in than before.
- There has been no fast lane, but slow construction. I work long-term, I look for contacts and I also bring my own work track to the fore.
Even now, nets are being cast that not everything comes as job offers.
Kristiina thinks it's nice when her own children are old enough to be able to reflect on ideas with them. Through your own children, you can find out what things interest children and what children's everyday life is like today.
- Being able to be at a vantage point and from a work point of view it supports this own work very well, says Kristiina.
Courage to start a business
Kristiina, who grew up in the capital region, started her art hobby at the age of 7 in the hobby group of the Espoo art school. Through that, the basic things came under control and the hobby that later turned into a job started.
Kristiina's family ended up in Ostrobothnia after her husband's work. The idea of business activity matured while Kristiina was on maternity leave. Courage was found when there was a stage in life where it was possible to try entrepreneurship. A big influence was the spouse, who has reacted in such a way that it has been possible to carry out business activities.
Kristiina started as a part-time entrepreneur in November 2014 and became a full-time entrepreneur the following year. The activity started based on an illustration job commissioned by a publishing house. Along the way, Kristiina has renewed her business operations. All kinds of things have been tried, such as designing children's clothing patterns and running an online store. Currently, Kristiina mainly makes postcards in her own products. The products go to retailers and directly to customers.
A job that suits you
By education, Kristiina is a social worker and a church youth work supervisor, and she has a professional qualification as an office secretary. Previously, Kristiina thought that it would be good to be trained in a field where at least there are definitely jobs. Kristiina has worked, for example, as an early childhood education office secretary, a playground instructor and in kindergartens.
- Based on them, focusing on children's culture has been a natural path. The field of children's culture has been calling for more all the time. Along the way, there have been networks that have further strengthened the feeling for myself that this is the area where I have the most to give and what really interests me.
As much as Kristiina liked her previous jobs, she feels that the current path is one that suits her very well.
- Although I enjoy being around people and I really enjoy working with groups and children, there is a side of me that longs for a quiet working environment. This job answers that very well, as it is possible to focus on your own work.
Deliver business support
The company start-up support received from Liveri encouraged me to do it. Kristiina feels that without the support process, she would not have been able to think so deeply about everything that needs to be taken into account when starting a company.
- Getting support was a big deal. Without the support, I certainly wouldn't have gone into traffic on such a large scale, which the support provided opportunities for. For example, sparring purchased from an advertising agency would certainly not have been purchased without support.
After the foundation support, Kristiina has had individual contacts in the direction of Liiver.
- I have always received advice and help very well and in a very pro-entrepreneurial and humane way
Tue. I feel that it has been encountered in these things. Thumbs up for Liiver's operation, Kristiina thanks.
In the video, Kristiina presents her business activities and tells e.g. what is it like working in the children's culture field in South Ostrobothnia?
In May 2023, the Southern Ostrobothnia Cultural Fund awarded Kristiina Mäkimattila a grant of 14,000 euros to illustrate children's books. Livery congratulates you!