About
Laura Sorvala is an illustrator and graphic recorder known for creative thinking and being able to turn key ideas into inspiring illustrations. Her images have supported research teams, organisations and charities to engage audiences all over the world.
Selected clients
Arts Council of Wales • Arup • Cardiff University • Carers Trust Wales • Co-production Network Wales • Geovation • GW4 Alliance • Hydrock • IDH Sustainable Trade Initiative • IKEA • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) • Natural Resources Wales • Nesta • Nexthink • NHS Wales • OneTeamGov • Public Health Wales • Royal Holloway • Studio Response • Swansea University • University of London • Tate Galleries • The Young Foundation • Trinity College Dublin • University of Exeter • University of Oxford • Viadynamics • WCVA • Welsh Government • Y Lab
Themes and topics I have worked with:
Climate change
Environmental engineering
Mental health
Cybersecurity
Safeguarding in healthcare
Deaf culture
Intergenerational learning
Climate change Environmental engineering Mental health Cybersecurity Safeguarding in healthcare Deaf culture Intergenerational learning
Memory and identity
Education
Decolonisation
Co-production
Digital employee experience (DEX)
Volunteering and caring
Antiracism and intersectionality
Memory and identity Education Decolonisation Co-production Digital employee experience (DEX) Volunteering and caring Antiracism and intersectionality
Dementia
Menstrual health
Marine sciences
Renewable energy
Digital technology & AI
Museums and heritage sites
Biodiversity and pollination
Probation and policing
Hate studies
Dementia Menstrual health Marine sciences Renewable energy Digital technology & AI Museums and heritage sites Biodiversity and pollination Probation and policing Hate studies
Still reading? Here's a bit more background:
I set up my illustration business in 2011 after a career in graphic design. However, I was drawing and copying cartoonists from a young age – I was the kid in class who drew all over text books so the signs were all there!
I got into live illustration after realising the process is exactly how my brain works. A bit uncanny at first! Nowadays I love a mix of live and studio work to satisfy my curiosity.
I'm fluent in English, Finnish and visual icons: I often say graphic recording is like translation but using a visual vocabulary instead words.
I’m originally from Finland (Hyvä Suomi!) and I’m based in Cardiff, Wales. It works great: I get to enjoy the mountains, forests and sea whilst supporting clients across the world.
I recharge my creative batteries by spending time outdoors, either in the garden or going for walks. If I've had a busy week the best thing I can do is to hike up a hill!
I used to compete in gymnastics when I was younger but these days I stick to yoga / pilates / running with varying degrees of continuity.