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The Art of Heikala: Works and Thoughts
The Art of Heikala: Works and Thoughts is the first major publication by popular Finnish illustrator Heikala. Heikala’s artwork combines traditional watercolor painting and inks with a fresh, enchanting approach - fans love her charming characters and scenes that are largely influenced by Finnish and Japanese cultures. This combined with her in-depth sharing of her processes and knowledge, has given Heikala a social media following of over 400,000 on Instagram alone; she also has growing audiences on Tumblr, Facebook and Twitter.
This visually appealing and coffee-table worthy, hardback art book not only includes Heikala’s sketches, works in progress and beautifully presented paintings that her fans will be familiar with, it also includes never-before-seen images from along Heikala’s creative journey; all new in-depth tutorials, thought processes and advice on watercolor painting; detailed how-to product design guides; and how she has built a successful career as an artist. A valuable book for fans, budding artists and experienced illustrators alike
This visually appealing and coffee-table worthy, hardback art book not only includes Heikala’s sketches, works in progress and beautifully presented paintings that her fans will be familiar with, it also includes never-before-seen images from along Heikala’s creative journey; all new in-depth tutorials, thought processes and advice on watercolor painting; detailed how-to product design guides; and how she has built a successful career as an artist. A valuable book for fans, budding artists and experienced illustrators alike
152 pages, Hardcover
First published March 19, 2018
30 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Heikala
8 books41 followersHeikala is an illustrator based in Finland. She works mainly with inks and watercolours.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 7, 2019
It's almost like Heikala is just having a conversation with me, which really works for me as far as the written portion of this book goes.
THE ART IS SOOOOOOOOOOOO FANTASTIC!! AND I'M SO GLAD I DECIDED TO SUPPORT THEIR KICKSTARTER!!
The Art of Keikala is the perfect addition to my art book collection!
THE ART IS SOOOOOOOOOOOO FANTASTIC!! AND I'M SO GLAD I DECIDED TO SUPPORT THEIR KICKSTARTER!!
The Art of Keikala is the perfect addition to my art book collection!
August 19, 2021
This book is so well written and illustrated! I think Heikala did an awesome job, as the book itself seems a work of art. It was interesting to read about her journey as an artist in Finland, as well as her inspiration in nature and Japanese popular culture. I just love her paintings and I have been following her on Instagram for a while now. I like how she describes her painting processes and the ideas behind her art. Keep doing a great work Heikala, filling the world with joy!
July 8, 2024
This art book was so well done; not only do we get to see the finished art, but Heikala walked us through her entire process creating a watercolor piece and an inked piece. It was wonderful to hear about her art journey, including her training and influences. I also loved that she shared a lot of her raw sketches; one tip she shared was that she uses materials that can't be erased so that she can finish the sketch she started and not overthink it. I also liked that she talked about how she applied her art to products, such as enamel pins, art prints, and tote bags.
January 9, 2020
Beautiful guide to the work of Heikala. Even though I am not an artist, I really enjoyed the tutorial section included towards the end. Love this treasure of a tome!
January 12, 2020
Didn't read, just looked at the art 🤷♀️
February 2, 2023
Beautiful and high quality illustrations. Very inspiring to read about the artist's background, inspiration and creative process.
October 12, 2024
Estoy muy contento con este artbook es bellísimo y también da muchos consejos de dibujo.
March 23, 2025
It is a super pretty book and it made me want to try picking up drawing again
October 6, 2020
Heikala's art is always stunning so when I saw this at the bookstore I snapped it up. Its primarily an art book but unlike alot of art books I've read in the past it puts a lot of emphasis on explaining the artists tools and techniques and is also largely biographical. There's many tutorials and tips which are super helpful as well as well as manufacturing advice on making physical products.
The book itself is a work of art, the cover has a wonderful feel and has slight cutout indents on the back for the birds and several types of paper as used for various sections to better convey the art, for example the sketching section as a wonderfully textures slightly rough paper reminiscent of sketch book paper. Overall this is a lovely book to dip in and out of and Heikala's work always has a cosy and mystical feel which is so inviting.
The book itself is a work of art, the cover has a wonderful feel and has slight cutout indents on the back for the birds and several types of paper as used for various sections to better convey the art, for example the sketching section as a wonderfully textures slightly rough paper reminiscent of sketch book paper. Overall this is a lovely book to dip in and out of and Heikala's work always has a cosy and mystical feel which is so inviting.
October 20, 2020
I recommend this book to everyone who is interested in arts. Every page is filled with very beautiful illustrations. I loved heikala’s biography too. This is one of the best books i have bought in 2020. I am in love with this book.
May 8, 2019
Beautifully designed and made. I really enjoy how she takes us through her artistic journey as well as seeing her pretty illustrations.
July 29, 2024
So dang beautiful! The process of their art is so inspiring, and I feel like I learned a lot.
January 30, 2020
I bought this art book at a physical bookstore, but if you buy it directly from Heikala’s website, it also comes signed by the artist.
Heikala is a Finnish artist who has gained popularity in recent years through her series of Inktober paintings and process videos. This book includes sketches, processes and finished pieces ranging from 2015 to 2018, plus some scattered pieces from her earlier years as a student. I’ve followed her work on Inktober for the last three years or so, and I hadn’t yet seen a lot of the pieces in here.
She clearly breaks down her media of choice (watercolor and ink), and is also very systematic about describing the challenges and advantages of each one, and how these affect her artwork.
The middle of the book pauses to showcase 16 pages of sketches from her sketchbook, and is followed by two of her paintings printed in a huge fold-out paper. (However, these cannot be detached from the book to use as prints, and I would NOT recommend that you try, lest the adjoining pages fall out.)
The last section includes tutorials for watercolor and ink techniques, as well as the process of designing an enamel pin.
That last one was very eye-opening, as she addresses the unique design considerations that a pin requires, such as: the less colors the better, using the metal as one of the colors can sometimes be a good design choice, and the less empty spaces, the better.
Highly recommended to anyone interested in Heikala’s art; both seasoned and beginning artists can find something to love and learn about in this art book. It feels very nostalgic and will leave you feeling peaceful and fulfilled in your heart.
But I would especially recommend it to high school students who might be considering going into a career in the arts. Heikala is very clear and straightforward about her path to running her business as an artist and how you need to be creative and enterprising in more than just the surface of the paper.
Heikala is a Finnish artist who has gained popularity in recent years through her series of Inktober paintings and process videos. This book includes sketches, processes and finished pieces ranging from 2015 to 2018, plus some scattered pieces from her earlier years as a student. I’ve followed her work on Inktober for the last three years or so, and I hadn’t yet seen a lot of the pieces in here.
She clearly breaks down her media of choice (watercolor and ink), and is also very systematic about describing the challenges and advantages of each one, and how these affect her artwork.
The middle of the book pauses to showcase 16 pages of sketches from her sketchbook, and is followed by two of her paintings printed in a huge fold-out paper. (However, these cannot be detached from the book to use as prints, and I would NOT recommend that you try, lest the adjoining pages fall out.)
The last section includes tutorials for watercolor and ink techniques, as well as the process of designing an enamel pin.
That last one was very eye-opening, as she addresses the unique design considerations that a pin requires, such as: the less colors the better, using the metal as one of the colors can sometimes be a good design choice, and the less empty spaces, the better.
Highly recommended to anyone interested in Heikala’s art; both seasoned and beginning artists can find something to love and learn about in this art book. It feels very nostalgic and will leave you feeling peaceful and fulfilled in your heart.
But I would especially recommend it to high school students who might be considering going into a career in the arts. Heikala is very clear and straightforward about her path to running her business as an artist and how you need to be creative and enterprising in more than just the surface of the paper.
April 26, 2019
Книгата е красива сама по себе си, без да я четеш. Само да прехвърляш страниците и да се наслаждаваш на рисунките е достатъчно да се размажеш от удоволствие. Но! Ако я и прочетеш, отиваш на едно по-различно ниво на удоволствие и благодарност към авторката, че е положила толкова усилия и любов да сподели своя път като професионален илюстратор.
Heikala ме накара да видя цялостно колко комплексна е работата на един илюстратор и въобще всеки човек, решил да поеме пътя да бъде артист. Повечето хора си мислят, че да може да рисуваш е достатъчно, но не е. Имаш нужда от комбинация от толкова различни умения в толкова различни сфери, че понякога е изумително, че един илюстратор успява да отдели време и за доста рисуване.
Heikala не навлиза в някакви сериозни подробности, разказвайки за своя път като професионален илюстратор, но е достатъчно да видиш нещата като цяло. Мда, знаела е от много малка каква иска да бъде (но истината е, че всички знаем от рано какви искаме да бъдем, просто някъде по пътя се отказваме) и е имала подкрепата на близки, приятели и учители да преследва целта си. Това са важни неща, но начина, по който споделя своята история, те кара да видиш отвъд това, че всъщност най-важното е неизчерпаемия извор на любов към това, което правиш.
Бонус в книжката е споделянето на много добри трикове и уроци за всеки, който се интересува да използва водни бои и мастило в своите илюстрации. :)
Heikala ме накара да видя цялостно колко комплексна е работата на един илюстратор и въобще всеки човек, решил да поеме пътя да бъде артист. Повечето хора си мислят, че да може да рисуваш е достатъчно, но не е. Имаш нужда от комбинация от толкова различни умения в толкова различни сфери, че понякога е изумително, че един илюстратор успява да отдели време и за доста рисуване.
Heikala не навлиза в някакви сериозни подробности, разказвайки за своя път като професионален илюстратор, но е достатъчно да видиш нещата като цяло. Мда, знаела е от много малка каква иска да бъде (но истината е, че всички знаем от рано какви искаме да бъдем, просто някъде по пътя се отказваме) и е имала подкрепата на близки, приятели и учители да преследва целта си. Това са важни неща, но начина, по който споделя своята история, те кара да видиш отвъд това, че всъщност най-важното е неизчерпаемия извор на любов към това, което правиш.
Бонус в книжката е споделянето на много добри трикове и уроци за всеки, който се интересува да използва водни бои и мастило в своите илюстрации. :)
May 29, 2019
El trabajo de Heikala se me hace muy bueno, porque, a pesar de que dibuja personajes parecidos y brujitas desde hace tiempo, no sólo su técnica al dibujar ha ido evolucionando, también su narrativa, así que sus ilustraciones no llegan a cansar y te permiten imaginarte cientos de historias al verlas.
Recomiendo este libro para fans de su trabajo y para personas que quieren dedicarse a la ilustración, porque cuenta cómo es que inicia su camino a volverse profesional y te comparte tutoriales de su proceso creativo.
También, su manera de escribir es muy sencilla y entendible, por lo que no tienes que ser un experto para poder disfrutar de su libro.
Recomiendo este libro para fans de su trabajo y para personas que quieren dedicarse a la ilustración, porque cuenta cómo es que inicia su camino a volverse profesional y te comparte tutoriales de su proceso creativo.
También, su manera de escribir es muy sencilla y entendible, por lo que no tienes que ser un experto para poder disfrutar de su libro.
June 28, 2022
Such a beautiful and well-written book with so many insights and helpful tips to make you understand Heikala's beautiful art craft and the whole process her creations take. And on top of that, as the book goes with the different techniques and media that the artist uses, a really interesting biography of Heikala is displayed accompanied with a series of beautiful sketches, illustrations and amazing art that is included in this beautiful art book worth the read not only for any Heikala fan, but also for any person interested in the world of art and illustration. Highly recommended 💜
January 2, 2023
The Art of Heikala: Works and Thoughts is such a lovely artbook. No page was wasted, each containing lovely illustrations, narrative, or how-to's and tips. I especially appreciated the look at their design process of designing for enamel pin production.
This book was my first experience with Heikala's work, and it was a delightful read.
It was a wonderful addition to my artbook shelf, and I would recommend it to others.
This book was my first experience with Heikala's work, and it was a delightful read.
It was a wonderful addition to my artbook shelf, and I would recommend it to others.
December 15, 2024
I have been a fan of Heikala’s work since I started painting with watercolors. In fact, many of the techniques I use in my work nowadays were learned from watching her paint on social media. This book made me admire her even more (if that was possible) as it shares her background, inspiration and explains with detail her workflow in three different tutorials (watercolor, colored ink and enamel pins design)
Also de book’s design itself is beautiful, the paper, the printing, the editorial, just perfect!
Heikala keeps on being a big inspiration for me! Thank you!
Also de book’s design itself is beautiful, the paper, the printing, the editorial, just perfect!
Heikala keeps on being a big inspiration for me! Thank you!
April 21, 2019
Un libro precioso sobre una de las ilustradoras que más me gusta. En él comparte su viaje artístico, todo lo que ha llegado a aprender y cómo su estilo y su carrera han ido evolucionando. Escrito de manera que parece que te está hablando en confianza, se hace muy ameno y agradable. Además, cuenta con bocetos, explicaciones, tutoriales y más de un truco práctico a aplicar. Sin duda, una preciosa referencia a releer y a tener en mi estantería.
February 14, 2020
The book is amazing. The journey the artist shared from the time she was sure of what she wanted to where she is now is so inspiring and relatable to artists who are going through what she had gone through. The book has tips and tutorials that watercolour and ink artists would find very useful. The art printed in the book is so pleasing to look at it’s a shame I can’t frame it! This book is a must have for artists who are wavering with their trade and for those who want some inspiration.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2024
Very high quality print with a luxurious feel to the cover and pages. I wish the writing content was more in depth and insightful. The tutorial section on painting was also somewhat surface-level, which I believe could be covered more comprehensively (or maybe it already has been) in a YouTube tutorial. But I did like the progression of work from youth to current day, and especially the incorporation of how studying graphic design also affected Heikala's creative process.
April 2, 2019
I’m so happy I got to Kickstart this book!! The mere quality of it is incredible and the contents of it are all so beautiful and insightful. I highly recommend this to everyone, artists and art collectors alike!!
December 16, 2019
Enjoyed this book a lot. It was very interesting to learn more about Heikala's thought process and inspiration behind her art.
Also, I found the process tutorials very helpful as I am trying to learn more about painting with coloured inks.
Definitely one of my favourite books I read this year.
Also, I found the process tutorials very helpful as I am trying to learn more about painting with coloured inks.
Definitely one of my favourite books I read this year.
May 19, 2020
It's a really beautiful artbook. It talks about the artist's journey and art process. It shows a lot of beautiful artwork and has some detailed and well explaned tutorials. It was a well worth purchase!!
September 25, 2021
I adore heikala’s works, but this is more than just a book to look at their pretty pictures. It goes in depth in the art process, giving wonderful advice on technique, inspiration, and process. A must read for any artist, even for completely amateur doodlers like myself.
November 1, 2022
L'une de mes bibles. Je ne cesserai jamais d'admirer la magie de cette artiste. Quel plaisir de suivre son parcours et de comprendre sa technique et sa maîtrise de presque n'importe quel médium. Un régal ce bouqin !
February 22, 2023
This is the kind of thing that could have been phoned in, but instead she takes the time to explain her creative process in great detail! Very useful to any type of creative, in addition to being an objet d'art. I feel like the selection of pieces isn't my favorite out of all her work though.
September 19, 2023
first art book i fell in love with. totally a work of art. i always love seeing the thoughts of artists and their art journey, and this fits my criteria very well.
art, content, and book quality are just 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. well done, heikala and 3dtotal publishing!
art, content, and book quality are just 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. well done, heikala and 3dtotal publishing!
June 5, 2024
The details of Heikala’s art process in this book are incredibly fascinating. Learning about how she became the artist she is today was very interesting as well. The highlight of course is the art itself. Absolutely beautiful concepts and intriguing visual storytelling.
November 17, 2025
El trabajo de Heikala es precioso 💙
Gracias a este libro podemos ver sus inspiraciones, lo que piensa cuando está pintando, lo que le interesa expresar como artista, y algunos consejos muy útiles respecto a las técnicas que utiliza, como la acuarela y la tinta
Gracias a este libro podemos ver sus inspiraciones, lo que piensa cuando está pintando, lo que le interesa expresar como artista, y algunos consejos muy útiles respecto a las técnicas que utiliza, como la acuarela y la tinta
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews