Career. Esa Ojala (b. 1948) graduated as a graphic designer at Lahti Institute of Design in 1973 and Master of Arts at the University of Industrial Arts in Helsinki in 1990. In the 1970s, Ojala worked as a graphic designer at Marimekko and Martela. Since 1983 he was a partner and a design director in several graphic design agencies.

Ojala has worked teaching widely and lectured at MG School, Aalto University, University of Lapland and Art Academy of Vilnius, Lithuania. He was with developing the branch of graphic design as the chairman of Grafia ry, Graphic Designers ry and Friends of posters ry as well as the member of the State’s Design Committee. Ojala held over 10 exhibitions of his own works both in Finland and abroad, and participated in over 130 joint exhibitions around the world. He has also operated as a jury member and in expert positions in several European countries.

Awards and acknowledgements. Ojala received the State of Finland Award for Industrial Design in 1990, and he was rewarded as the Graphic Designer of the year in 2000. The President of Finland gave Ojala the title of a professor in 2017. Ojala has received several graphic designer awards, and won several prizes in competitions.

Field of specialization. Ojala is versatile as a designer. He has worked in company, product, publication, poster and exhibition graphics. Ojala is especially known as a graphic designer for companies and posters.

Handprint. Ojala's works are typically full of colours and the themes are clear and large. The starting point in design is always the task at hand, for which he aims to find a suitable, personal and visual style, not forgetting individuality.

Design philosophy. ”I always design for a certain need. I aim to help the client to reach the goal that is important for them. I want to be versatile in my design work, therefore I teach and participate in the organisation work of the branch. Finally, my work and hobby found each other in a good way. I strongly realise the responsibility in my work, because its results will influence on crowds of people at its best."

Sources of inspiration. ”I collect my inspirational resources by following art, architecture and design and reading books and magazines. I follow various series and documents on television. I also find inspiration in nature. But if I just waited for the inspiration here and now, the work could be left undone. I believe that you will find your inspiration when you just start working. Then also your subconsciousness starts solving the case.”

Idols. ”I have many idols in all areas of life, whose thoughts, operation models and production I have followed to learn from them. I admire Antti Tuuri's engineer-like punctuality and diligence in his creative writing work. I get excited over Ahti Lavonen’s informalistic large paintings. I marvel the Textile Artist Maija Isola's large, colourful, timeless patterns on fabric. The visuality of the Film Director David Lynch and the industrial noices are fascinating. The reduction, colourfulness and playfulness of the posters of the Danish Graphic Designer Per Arnold are inspiring. The analytic views of Minister Lauri Tarasti on the phenomena of the society and his wide operation for culture are admirable.”