Inspired by the natural world, animals, and humanity, the goal of my work is to form an emotional connection with the viewer.

I focus on bringing out the tactile beauty of hand-painted art, often elevating it with the modern touch of digital graphics.

Hello there! I'm a painter and designer who crafts whimsical illustrations for books, products, nature-loving brands, and curious souls.

colorful gouache painting of a swans
colorful gouache painting of a swans
a book cover with painting of a swift and tulips
a book cover with painting of a swift and tulips
a book cover with a grebe bird and frog classic fairytale style
a book cover with a grebe bird and frog classic fairytale style
a book cover of two owls and a lightning bolt classic fairytale style
a book cover of two owls and a lightning bolt classic fairytale style

I believe in creating visuals that not only capture attention but also reflect the story's themes and mood, whether it's mystery, nostalgia, or personal growth. Each cover is thoughtfully created in close collaboration to honor the unique voice of the story.

Books should feel like little treasures that stand out on the shelf and are a joy to hold in your hands. Whether figurative or abstract, the painterly textures, delicate details, organic forms, and conceptual compositions result in timeless covers that inspire and spark curiosity.

Book Cover Designs

For those who have a particular design style in mind...

Sometimes, a very specific style or concept is already envisioned for a book cover.

If there's a clear direction in mind, feel free to share it and I would be happy to explore whether I can help with the project.

Exploring new styles and creative approaches has always been a rewarding part of my work, and there's always the chance it could lead to an unexpected, great collaboration.

an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background

”She was an absolute pleasure to work with! She created custom artwork on time and went WAY above and beyond to fulfill every project requirement. Along the way, she did a brilliant job communicating options and providing visual aids to clearly understand her vision. I highly recommend her for all your graphic designs and artwork needs!”

- "A Fire for Christmas" client

"I cannot fault her work, communication and professionalism. Every aspect and every step was beyond my expectation. I was so lucky to have come across her and will certainly hire her again in the future. Thank you much."

- "A Hakka Woman" client

★★★★★
★★★★★

Illustrated Children's Books

I am a Pencil

Have you ever wondered where the objects in your home come from? Sometimes, they travel thousands of miles to be with us. And just like us, they each have their own story to tell.

This collection of eight heartwarming stories, beautifully illustrated with vibrant, atmospheric artwork, inspires mindfulness and curiosity about the objects we encounter every day.

Written by Chau Minh Truong
Illustration and book layout design by Aki Letvio

Jojo Adventures Books

This series is centered around Jojo, an Asian-American toddler, who is learning about the world around her. Each book features a new adventure that Jojo goes on with Mommy and Daddy. The books showcase the different animals, fruits, and other encounters along the way. There is so much to see in the world and Jojo loves to explore!

A bilingual children's board book series for Cantonese and English speaking families and is accessible to all levels of literacy in Chinese.

Written by Emily Shan
Illustrated by Aki Letvio

Postcard collections

Whimsical black and white postcards with birds and their curious companions.

Collection #2「Pals」
Collection #1「Growing」

Postcards of animals enjoying their lives in a particularly grand manner.

A selection of customer favorites, these postcards have found their way into cozy corners in local cafés in Turku, Finland and a market in Niigata, Japan. While they are not currently available for online purchase, inquiries are welcome for bulk orders, licensing, or display in shops and public spaces.

Paintings & Drawings

Whether you're a publisher, a small business, or a larger brand launching something new,
I'm happy to help bring your ideas to life with artwork that feels genuine and thoughtful.
Here are some examples of what we can work on.

For Publishing
  • Book covers

  • Full spread and spot illustrations

  • Editorial illustrations

For Branding
For Products
  • Brand assets

  • Packaging, labels & tags

  • Marketing materials

Services

Have something different in mind? Reach out even if you are not sure where to start.

  • Stationary collections

  • Textiles and apparel

  • Home decor items

Illustration

Perfect for clients who have in-house designers and just need custom artwork to bring their vision to life.

Licensing
Illustration + Design

Ideal for those looking for a complete visual package, including illustration along with layout and typography design.

For clients who want to license existing artwork or commission custom illustrations for their project without a full buyout.

Choose the approach that is most suitable for your project.

Thanks for stopping by!

I am an artist based in Turku, Finland, but have lived in several countries throughout my life. Thanks to that, I can work with you in five languages (English, Finnish, Japanese, Russian, Spanish)!

I work with gouache, watercolor, oil, ink, and pencil, blending traditional techniques with contemporary design. I love experimenting with various styles and media. What's life without experiments!

I am a little (?) obsessed with painting birds, in all their glorious textures and colors. I also find hands an interesting drawing subject and am fascinated by all the wonderful things they are able to create.

I am a hoarder of new experiences, so I often end up taking a course on a new topic, volunteering at events, and walking around tiny alleys of foreign countries.

Aki Letvio is a pseudonym I use for my creative endeavors. Aki comes from initials of my real first and last names. It also means autumn in Japanese, which is when I was born. Letvio is just a wordplay on "violet", which is my favorite color (surprise!).

~ Ana

Let's chat!