A hypnotic haze of 90s nostalgia, grit, color, and gloss lingers around 3D motion designer and artist Aliina Kauranne’s work. In a shambolic world, Aliina finds comfort in her childhood years. Perhaps most recognizably known for her ‘Pamper Boots’ project, where she illustrates fantastical platform boots as a tribute to her childhood obsession with the Spice Girls, their iconic footwear, and her own unfulfilled childhood dreams. Aliina who is described by her mother as “sensitive, skillful, and very dear”, first got into 3D motion design and graphic illustration at Aalto University in Finland, where she studied graphic design. “There, I was introduced to Cinema 4D, and it really inspired me. I then started learning the software and had fun creating whimsical projects. It felt liberating to create something using computer-generated imagery rather than, for example, drawing by hand”. Designing through computers and 3D software has also helped her navigate sharing her work online, finding it easier to handle critique when software is involved in the creative process. However, she has mixed feelings about AI. “I don’t want to dismiss its possibilities and ways to help creatives, but at the same time, it feels empty and soulless. Seeing companies use AI illustrations instead of hiring real people also feels off.” A sentiment shared by many creatives.
In our interview, we chat with Aliina about her favorite childhood toys, her most-rated modes of public transport, the nitty-gritty of her design process, and the importance of creating more than just visually appealing work.
Some have described your work as retrofuturistic – if you could live in the future or any decade of your choosing from the past, where do you think you’d feel most at home?
Aliina: I think growing up in the 90s and experiencing all the aesthetics from a child’s perspective and wonder made it very impactful for me. I love the late 90s and early 2000s futuristic, space-themed, funky stuff, like lava lamps and robot toys. I’m not sure if I would want to go back to live in the 90s, but there’s something comforting and safe about those times. Maybe it’s just the lovely haze of nostalgia—no adult responsibilities, just feeling the magic of life.
How would your mum describe you?
Aliina: I asked! Her response translated into English: “sensitive, skillful, and very dear”
Which project or work are you most proud of? And which was the most challenging?
Aliina: A boring answer, but I feel proud of all (or at least most) of my work. The challenging ones are usually the projects that take a long time.
Are you team Cinema 4D or team Blender? And what are some of your pros and cons for your favorite motion graphic program?
Aliina: I have always used Cinema 4D and have been considering switching to Blender, but I haven’t had enough time to get accustomed to the different software. An obvious pro/con situation is that Blender is free while Cinema 4D is not. However, my current workflow with Cinema 4D feels easy and effortless, and changing software seems like too much of a hassle.
How did you get into 3D motion design and graphic illustration?
Aliina: I always wanted to be an illustrator but thought it wasn’t a real enough job, so I applied to study graphic design at Aalto University. There, I was introduced to Cinema 4D, which really inspired me. I began learning the software and enjoyed creating fun and whimsical projects. It felt liberating to create something using computer-generated imagery rather than, for example, drawing by hand.
Rate these three modes of public transport from your most to least favorite, and if you have any reasons why we’d love to hear them: bus, metro/subway, tram?
Alinna: The tram is the best. It goes at the perfect speed, and I love that you can see outside. The clattering of the rails also sounds nice.
The bus would be my second favorite. Maybe it’s because I just like being able to see outside, see the sky, etc. Double-decker buses are my favorite!
My least favorite is the metro. Even though I love the smell of the metro tunnels and rails, and the stations are often really beautiful, being underground makes me a bit anxious.
Take us BTS when you are working to a brief, what is your process like…
Aliina: The process might go something like this: taking notes from the brief, conducting research if needed, sketching drafts, presenting the drafts to the client, gathering feedback, digitizing the drafts, modeling or animating them in 3D software, reviewing the work with the client again, making any necessary adjustments, possibly going through additional rounds with the client, finalizing the illustrations, and delivering the final files to the client!
What about the technical and creative side of your process: do you use any programs outside of Cinema 4D? Are you a Mac user? Where do you usually look to for inspiration? And do you ever avoid looking for external inspiration as creativity motivators?
Aliina: I use Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects. I’m very heavily invested in Adobe software. I’m slow to adapt to new options unless necessary. I use Figma for some tasks, but it’s not really part of my workflow.
I work on a MacBook Pro and store my files on an external hard drive, with some also saved in the cloud. I probably still need to perform some backup duties with these files.
My inspiration comes from various sources: movies, magazines, emotions, music, and places. I use Pinterest for reference searches but try to avoid it for generating ideas, as I’ve noticed it can sometimes steer my work in the wrong direction, causing something to get lost in the creative process. I believe my work should be more than just visually appealing. I feel disappointed if I create something cute without a deeper meaning; it feels empty and meaningless. Even though I rarely articulate the meaning behind my work, I need it to be there for me.
“I believe my work should be more than just visually appealing. I feel disappointed if I create something cute without a deeper meaning; it feels empty and meaningless. Even though I rarely articulate the meaning behind my work, I need it to be there for me.”
Did you have a favorite toy as a child? If so, what was it, did it have a name, and could you show us an image of it? (Just one from the internet is ok, if you don’t have a pic on hand.)
Aliina: Hmm I don’t remember being that into toys, I enjoyed drawing and playing outside in the woods more. But I remember having this one toy in blue and loving how it looked, even if I don’t actually remember playing with it that much though!
Can you give us a bit more context about this graphic illustration:
Aliina: Fan art for mosquitoes <3 I feel that explaining things too much can make them seem meaningless. Everyone sees what they see; I believe there needs to be room for reflection!
Have you dipped your toe into the world of AI yet? And if so, how so?
Aliina: No, at the moment I don’t think it is for me. I have mixed feelings about AI. I don’t want to dismiss its possibilities and ways to help creatives, but at the same time, it feels empty and soulless. Seeing companies using AI illustrations instead of hiring real people also feels off.
Article written by: Marijana Jocic
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