Hey - I'm Saara. I was born in Finland, but have lived 20 years in Switzerland where I studied interior design. I founded ATSK - Atelier Saara Karvonen - at the end of 2019 when I moved to the UK with my partner. My freelance journey has been going for nearly five years now! Starting with only a couple of projects per year and working part-time jobs, to now collaborating with international clients on new launches - creating exciting window displays worldwide, working on digital and print designs as well as assisting on photo shoots!
Atelier Saara Karvonen is the combination of being a freelance designer and a creative design studio + shop owner. The scope of work in both the freelance work and the creative studio is the same, working on all design aspects from interiors and retail to the graphics and visual identity of brands. For now, freelancing funds the creative design studio + shop, until the day I can work myself with freelancers within my design studio.
In 2024, when I decided to become a full-time freelancer, I also launched an online shop with everything I’ve loved over the years! Embarking on the journey of a shop owner is an extension of being a designer - fun pieces, colourful prints and all the homeware you’ll need for dinner parties and more. Focusing on beautifully crafted items, the shop celebrates European design, connecting the makers and designers with you!
In 2020, our house renovation journey started - making this house into something we truly love. It was very much a blank canvas to start with, and became very quickly the perfect playground to experiment and have fun with! Experimenting with colours and textures, finding the materials that worked the best for us, and making it our own! This gives a glimpse of who I am as a designer, and what I like - muted colours, textures through fabrics and soft furnishings, lots of shelves and finding inspiration from what I'm surrounded with. I'm always inspired by mid-century design, with a touch of eclectic and vintage, and always something stripy!
Graphics was the design aspect that came much later in my freelance journey. It was always a side thing to work on. It's exciting to learn more, learn something new!
The house renovation being nearly over, I have focused on perfecting and understanding my graphic design style. It's safe to say that the interiors I love, the pieces I sell through the shop and the graphics aesthetics I like are all linked - always inspired by mid-century and other design eras, muted colours and lots of texture!
I’m always looking to grow, learn more, and collaborate on more projects! If you know anyone in need of a Freelance designer specialised in retail & graphic design, drop me an email! This isn't only for brands, I also work with private clients on any design project you might need help with! Email me, say hi and let's have a chat! I like good coffee - if you're local let's grab a coffee!