Scandinavian Design Blog

Student stories, what’s new with us and insights on scandinavian design.

How James got into Aalto University!

How James got into Aalto University!

Exploring your passions and striving to achieve your goals can be challenging but fulfilling. James…
Get into Aalto University – See how Fabian did it!

Get into Aalto University – See how Fabian did it!

Fabian, a talented aspiring industrial designer from Slovenia, embarked on an incredible journey from the…
From SDS to LAB: Waka’s journey

From SDS to LAB: Waka’s journey

Waka Yasuda from Japan was accepted to study Product and brand design at LAB University…
Yukiko's experience with Scandinavian Design School

Yukiko's experience with Scandinavian Design School

Yukiko Wada from Japan, has always liked Scandinavian and Finnish design. therefore, she wanted to…
Natalia was accepted to Eindhoven Design Academy – See her work!

Natalia was accepted to Eindhoven Design Academy – See her work!

Natalia Alvarez from Mexico City was accepted to study at Eindhoven Design Academy. Get to…
Let's prepare for your application together!

Let's prepare for your application together!

Do you have an interest in design and dream of studying at universities like Aalto…
Architecture challenges

Architecture challenges

When facing the challenges of architecture studies, it becomes evident that they closely align with…
Design challenges!

Design challenges!

Throughout design studies, we often encounter challenges that make the learning process difficult and time-consuming.…
Get to know your materials: ink edition

Get to know your materials: ink edition

This post will explain the materials and give insights into the inking process. It will…
30 days = 30 faces

30 days = 30 faces

Are you a lover of art? If so, SDS has a fantastic challenge for you…
Acrylic paint do's and don'ts 

Acrylic paint do's and don'ts 

Do you paint with acrylics? Do you want to improve your painting skills? Don’t worry!…
Aalto University

Aalto University

Aalto University is a renowned multidisciplinary university located in Espoo, Finland. It was established in…
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is a prestigious art and design college located in…
The New School

The New School

The New School is a renowned university located in New York City, United States. It…
Politecnico di Milano

Politecnico di Milano

Politecnico di Milano, also known as Polytechnic University of Milan, is a leading technical university…
The Glasgow School of Art

The Glasgow School of Art

The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is a renowned art school located in Glasgow, Scotland.…
Design Academy Eindhoven

Design Academy Eindhoven

Design Academy Eindhoven is a prestigious educational institution located in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. It is…
The University of the Arts London

The University of the Arts London

The University of the Arts London (UAL) is a leading arts university located in London,…
Paint urban space with us!

Paint urban space with us!

Summer is the time when we all can relax in the sun and there is…
Get to know your materials: watercolour painting

Get to know your materials: watercolour painting

Are you an aspiring artist or an experienced painter looking to enhance your artistic toolkit?…
Get to know your materials: watercolours

Get to know your materials: watercolours

This post will work as a guide on what to consider when buying watercolour paints.…
Blog yourself a study place – Become an ambassador of Scandinavian Design School!

Blog yourself a study place – Become an ambassador of Scandinavian Design School!

Are you interested in studying architecture, design or other fields of art on a free…
Embrace practice and artistic repetition with us!

Embrace practice and artistic repetition with us!

Countless online resources offer tips and tricks to improve your drawing skills. However, there is…
Guide to Drawing Materials

Guide to Drawing Materials

Drawing is an enthralling art form that allows us to express ourselves and bring our…
Doodle like a pro

Doodle like a pro

Doodling is a simple activity which can be turned into a form of art and…
How to present your work in your portfolio?

How to present your work in your portfolio?

Portfolio is a collection of your best works, but also a visual representation of you…
Doodle basics

Doodle basics

When talking over the phone or listening to lectures, we catch ourselves drawing or scribbling…
Free Portfolio Review - Get feedback from professionals!

Free Portfolio Review - Get feedback from professionals!

Are you applying to study creative fields with a portfolio? Or did you miss out…
Umeå Architecture program in Sweden -The preliminary assignments are out!

Umeå Architecture program in Sweden -The preliminary assignments are out!

Did you know there is a great English Architecture BA & MA program available in…
Design program admissions - what skills do I need?

Design program admissions - what skills do I need?

Design includes a vast field of professions focused on some specific areas of life: Industrial…
How to become an Architect? -Prepare for the admissions with us!

How to become an Architect? -Prepare for the admissions with us!

Architecture is a design field where you need both technical and artistic skills. The field…
Aalto BA in Design preliminary assignments published

Aalto BA in Design preliminary assignments published

Aalto university’s BA in design -preliminary assignments are now published. This year’s assignment has a…
Aalto BA in Design program - Elina's experience

Aalto BA in Design program - Elina's experience

Elina has studied in Aalto University’s BA program in Design for two years. During that…
Be the early bird who gets the study place - design edition

Be the early bird who gets the study place - design edition

Are you dreaming about a career in the field of design? Have you already found…
Aalto BA in Design  – See works that got Elina in!

Aalto BA in Design – See works that got Elina in!

Starting from a young age, Elina has wanted to became a designer. This wish became…
Studying at Aalto University – What is it like?

Studying at Aalto University – What is it like?

School of Arts, Design, and Architecture (Aalto ARTS) is where creativity is born. A place…
The Power of Art - What is it?

The Power of Art - What is it?

Have you ever thought about the power of art? Or about influential art? What is…
Level up your skills with Basics of Digital Design!

Level up your skills with Basics of Digital Design!

Have you ever wondered how to become a top designer or artist? I know there…
The Basics of Drawing diary

The Basics of Drawing diary

One-week challenge Sunday 10.07.22. I haven’t drawn for two and half years, and recently I…
Let's speak Fashion!

Let's speak Fashion!

“The process of sharing information, especially when this increases understanding between people or groups.” Communication…
Become a part of the creative jungle

Become a part of the creative jungle

Graphic Design Foundation course The graphic design field is trend, news, and movement-based. Everything that…
What is design? Learn with us!

What is design? Learn with us!

What is design? Is it clear to you? Of course, you can google it; let’s…
Start your journey with Architecture Foundation!

Start your journey with Architecture Foundation!

The Architecture Foundation course at Scandinavian Design School gives the possibility to acquire the basics…
Boost your creative skills with summer studies!

Boost your creative skills with summer studies!

– sign up before June 15 and get a 25% discount! Do you already have…
Build your creative foundation with us!

Build your creative foundation with us!

I have always been curious about – how can you define a creative person? I…
Create outstanding portfolio with us!

Create outstanding portfolio with us!

Your portfolio is a visual representation of your personality and your interests. That’s why you…
Entrance exam preparation course - Linh's experience

Entrance exam preparation course - Linh's experience

The application process can be challenging. Sometimes, after even reading the assignment description, you don’t…
How to feed your creativity?

How to feed your creativity?

Long hours of practicing can be exhausting. Your creativity isn’t unlimited! Sometimes it can run…
Change your practice routines and be more creative!

Change your practice routines and be more creative!

When there are slight variations in exercises, the adoption of a new one takes place…
How to refine your technique?

How to refine your technique?

Different art techniques require a lot of practice. If you want to be able to…
Get better by practicing

Get better by practicing

Practice equals growth. Growth is an important aspect that is needed in each person’s career.…
Tips & tricks - on how to prepare for an interview

Tips & tricks - on how to prepare for an interview

Are you nervous about the upcoming university interview? Don’t worry, with these tips it can…
The Art of Isolation During the Pandemic

The Art of Isolation During the Pandemic

You will never feel truly satisfied by work until you are satisfied by life!– Heather…
Give yourself more than one chance. You still have time!

Give yourself more than one chance. You still have time!

Are you still thinking about where to study? Does it feel overwhelming?  Let us help…
Study at Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp

Study at Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp

From independent art forms to more applied arts, if that’s what you are looking for…
Study textile design at The Swedish School of Textiles - University of Borås

Study textile design at The Swedish School of Textiles - University of Borås

Are you interested in textile design? Come to study at The Swedish School of Textiles…
Study at Design Academy Eindhoven

Study at Design Academy Eindhoven

If you are still looking for a university where you could study art and design,…
Aalto preliminary assignments – Design Programme 2022 Analysis

Aalto preliminary assignments – Design Programme 2022 Analysis

Preliminary assignments for Aalto University’s Bachelor’s Programme in Design 2022 have now been published! After…
Live Art Foundation class starting in January! (Helsinki, Finland)

Live Art Foundation class starting in January! (Helsinki, Finland)

Are you looking for a preparatory course in creative fields to help you reach your…
Teaching assistant with a heart for design to join our Helsinki team!

Teaching assistant with a heart for design to join our Helsinki team!

Scandinavian Design School offers online preparatory courses to art, design and architecture degree studies. Based…
Aalto Design Bachelor studies - Onni’s experiences

Aalto Design Bachelor studies - Onni’s experiences

Aalto University’s School of Arts, Design and Architecture, located in Finland, is the leading design…
Create a stunning portfolio with personal tutoring - This is how we teach!

Create a stunning portfolio with personal tutoring - This is how we teach!

The key to improving your skills? Interactive tutoring and constructive feedback. We focus on each…
Scandinavian Design School’s Admissions Guide - In search for creativity

Scandinavian Design School’s Admissions Guide - In search for creativity

Download our free Admissions Guide Are you unsure about where your dream career could start?…
Where to study art & design in Finland - English Programmes

Where to study art & design in Finland - English Programmes

Curious about studying art & design in Finland? Finland is known for its high-quality education…

We are looking for a content marketer with a heart for design to join our Helsinki team!

Scandinavian Design School offers online preparatory courses to art, design and architecture degree studies. Based…
We are looking for a digital marketer to join our Helsinki team!

We are looking for a digital marketer to join our Helsinki team!

We are looking for a digital marketer and/or service designer to join our ambitious team…
Aber got accepted to study architecture after taking our preparatory course - watch the video to hear his experiences!

Aber got accepted to study architecture after taking our preparatory course - watch the video to hear his experiences!

When it comes to preparing for university admissions, Aber Amiri learned that feedback and personal…
“Why should I start preparing for university admissions RIGHT NOW?”

“Why should I start preparing for university admissions RIGHT NOW?”

Are you facing undergraduate degree applications next year? Preparing a portfolio for your application can…
Olivia's experience with Scandinavian Design School

Olivia's experience with Scandinavian Design School

Olivia McCombs took Scandinavian Design School’s Art Techniques and Portfolio online courses last winter. Olivia…
Improving art skills - See Jesse’s work in the beginning and after the course

Improving art skills - See Jesse’s work in the beginning and after the course

Jesse attended our preparatory course last year and even though he had only little experience…
Saara Abdi talks about the importance of training and personal tutoring - watch the video!

Saara Abdi talks about the importance of training and personal tutoring - watch the video!

“The competition is already super super rough” says Saara Abdi about applying to an art…
Meet our head teachers Eeva and Sini

Meet our head teachers Eeva and Sini

Scandinavian Design School head teachers Eeva Jokinen and Sini Koivisto have a long experience in…
Greeting from our founder: Sini Koivisto

Greeting from our founder: Sini Koivisto

Sini Koivisto is the founder of Scandinavian Design School and also, a head teacher and…
Career stories: From our course to the AA School of Architecture, Master of Architecture Christopher Kokarev

Career stories: From our course to the AA School of Architecture, Master of Architecture Christopher Kokarev

Christopher Kokarev attended our portfolio course in 2013-2014 after which he got to study at…
Saara got accepted into Aalto University’s Bachelor’s Programme in Design - See her work!

Saara got accepted into Aalto University’s Bachelor’s Programme in Design - See her work!

Saara Abdi attended our year-long preparatory course and got accepted into Aalto University’s prestigious Bachelor’s…
Our alumni collecting awards in design competitions

Our alumni collecting awards in design competitions

The success of our students doesn’t end with the success in entrance examinations and studies,…
Our alumni in all prize places in the international idea competition for Linnanniemi area

Our alumni in all prize places in the international idea competition for Linnanniemi area

The success of our students doesn’t end with the success in entrance examinations and study…