Juho Vesanen
Jack Sachs
English
Helsinki sounds like a really fun and unique place.
Jack Sachs
Jack Sachs is a Berlin-based 3D illustrator and animation artist who is taking part in the Helsinki Curious project. Three artists have been invited to create their own artistic vision of Helsinki without ever having visited the city itself.
Pretty much the only thing Sachs knew about Helsinki before the project was that it was a coastal town in the south of Finland. The artist and his acquaintances mostly imagined ice and blue sky,
“Maybe it’s because of the flag,” Sachs says.
Sachs originally used pen and paper in his artistic work, but while studying he injured his drawing hand. This forced him to look for new ways to make images while his hand was healing. He subsequently started working with 3D software. Since then, his hand has recovered and he could draw again by hand.
“I still draw a lot, but that is just my personal work.”
Recently, Sachs has really been enjoying tattooing. For him, it’s a really special way to share his drawings with people.
While working on the Helsinki Curious project, Sachs read all of the stories about the nightlife and culture in Helsinki and became really interested in experiencing these things for himself.
“I'm really excited to try the food and drinks that they mentioned. I also heard about the architecture in Helsinki, which is a really unique mix of old and new.”
The artist is looking forward eagerly to visiting Helsinki.
“From what I've heard, it sounds like a really fun and unique place with a lot of nature close by and with an exciting cultural scene.”
During his visit, Sachs wants to walk along the waterfront and check out the city’s second-hand shops.
“I’ve heard that Helsinki is a great city for thrifting second-hand clothes.”
Take a look at Jack's Helsinki Curious artwork.
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A curated list for Jack, compiled from the tips of our local guides
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From national parks to hideaway bars - let your local guides lead the way
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Let's get the nightlife sorted first. Whenever anyone asks DJ Janne Siironen's advice on where to go out in Helsinki, he names "the Complex" area, consisting of Siltanen bar and clubs Kuudes Linja, Kaiku & Post Bar. "Post Bar represents most precisely the type of thinking that aligns with my own. The impeccable taste travels from underground electronic music to the minimalist interior and the collectable posters graced with artwork by Finnish artists."
Another partying tip comes from actor and entrepreneur Jasper Pääkkönen. His summer favourite is the Sunday afternoon party at the Vallila industrial zone. "The vibe is right and people are happy and dancing on the rooftops. You shouldn’t say this out loud, but I often don't even know who is playing. The relaxed atmosphere matters to me most. Of course enthusiasm for electronic music connects the people. At Ääniwalli the music is guaranteed to be good.”
Next let's pamper your taste buds with a true classic. A Finnish underground and alternative music scene legend M.A. Numminen recommends visiting his second living room Elite. "As a student, I would save money with my friends for months to have dinners at fancy places like Elite, Torni, or Kämp. Nowadays, the clientele is luckily quite mixed, and Elite is no longer the number one place for spotting celebrities. I usually order the Baltic herring which is supposed to be fried very crisp and brown! My drink of choice is often the dark beer Laiskajaakko."
Second-hand clothes are not hard to find in Helsinki. Our next tip comes from entrepreneur Atte Heiskanen, who finds that Helsinki locals have a very unique and personal dress sense, including everything from early-2000s throwback aesthetics to futuristic and minimalist fashion. "UFF is the perfect place for making special second-hand finds in clothes and accessories. It’s hard not to be inspired by the colourful racks, and you can spend hours just trying out different looks or planning an outfit for your next party."
We could make a whole list of the architectural gems in Helsinki but this time we're settling with one that you just can't miss. American 3D designer Marcelo Meijome moved to Helsinki a few years back, soon after Helsinki's new central library opened. "Oodi is super modern and has nice architecture even from the outside. There is a computer section that has 3D printers people can use for a very modest price. It's interesting to go and see what people are printing. The terrace at the top floor is also a nice place to hang out."
We are guessing that the Kallio neighbourhood might be of interest to you. Miriam Trabelsi and Caroline Suimner (a.k.a. Pehmee Collective), and many others, list this bistro as one of their favourites. "Harju 8 has a unique atmosphere, but what makes the place really special is how multifaceted it is. On summer Sundays you can listen to jazz bands playing outside, and in winter you can experience Kallio in the light of red heat lamps. Harju 8 is Kallio's living room, a place where you can work, read, play cards with friends or enjoy a fine date – at a reasonable price!"
We really could not make a list without saunas, could we? Miki Kuusi, CEO of Wolt, loves to keep untypical working hours and that's one of the reasons he prefers Löyly. "Löyly is a great place with cool saunas and a nice overall design. The place gets sun all day and has an amazing view of the open sea. Whenever I visit, I also take a dip in the sea, summer or winter. The combination of hot and cold brings you to life. After having a sauna, I might get the salmon soup or the venison meatballs."
If tattoos are your thing, maybe you would want to check out the local ink vibe as well? Musician Ringa Manner has a habit of getting a tattoo as a keepsake of her solo gigs abroad. Sometimes she gets one afterwards, and she thinks Tatuata is a great place to do this. "I love their visual style, they follow a wonderful story. Tatuata also invites many talented international tattoo artists for guest spots. They have created a wonderful community, the feeling is very charming."
You said something about seagulls, didn't you Jack Sachs? Well, the ultimate place for spotting them is the Market Square, while waiting for your ferry to the nearby islands. Helsinki natives Iida & Nelli have a word of warning though: "The Market Square is a real summer tradition. You cannot avoid buying fresh peas and strawberries there. It’s also fast and easy to get from the market to Allas Sea Pool or by ferry to Suomenlinna or the other islands. You can buy all your picnic supplies from the market, just be careful of the seagulls!"
We could go on and on but this time 10 is the limit. So the last tip comes from Helsinki-based Noora Al-Ani. Because Helsinki without an island would not be Helsinki. "Mustikkamaa is a small island close to the city centre where you can do everything possible. There is a climbing park, a forest, you can cross the pedestrian bridge to Helsinki Zoo, you can sit on the beach in the morning and have fun at an underground party in the evening."