Some Pekkas
Photo: Janine Rewell

The award for the Graphic Designer of the Year is awarded annually without applying, primarily for outstanding work noted in the field of graphic design, or any other activity that enhances the level and appreciation of Finnish graphic design. 

I think the award-winner of the year couldn't have been more valid than AGENT PEKKA. Pekka fills the bill perfectly.

Traditionally since 1985 award winner has been a single person (exception: 2007 Dog Design). As a jury member I wanted to contest history. Ways of creating, working and thinking has changed. There are interesting design duos and collectives creating recognisable and unique tones, solving problems as a single unit without underlining any single names. "Auters" are minority.

Illustration by Brian Rea in Aiga's 'Designer of 2015 trend'

While Grafia's nominated committee made preparations and research for the award already in autumn 2010, Design Forum Finland announced The Young Designer of the Year Prize and they awarded even two fresh design collectives for 2010! Jury's angle and motivations supported the same thinking as I was introducing in graphic designer of the year context this year. 

One of the main purposes of Graphic designer of the year prize is to observe the various sectors of graphic design in order to take equal notice of people working in different fields. Use of agents has spread among business and their clients in the creative industy. Without any doubt, Agent Pekka is one of the pioneers in Finland. The influence of Agent Pekka on the world conquest of Finnish illustration cannot be ignored. Work well done! Fresh field. Global expertise wise Agent Pekka takes it to the max without any obsequiousness.

Congratulations Agent Pekka!