Reimagining Helsinki's Global Identity

The Challenge

Helsinki, renowned for its quality of life and innovation, struggled with global visibility, limiting its appeal to visitors, talent, and businesses. With Helsinki Partners merging its business, talent, and visitor initiatives, the city required a unified strategy to resonate internationally.

The Approach

Rather than reinventing Helsinki’s identity, the two-year collaboration with Kallan&Co focused on refining and extending its brand. Anchored in the vision “Welcome to Your Happy Place,” the strategy emphasized key pillars—belonging, sustainability, design, nature, innovation, and wellbeing.

The visual identity evolved to feel more personal and inviting, incorporating handwritten-inspired typography, warm colors, and raw imagery to capture authenticity. A global channel strategy ensured tailored content across platforms, aligning messaging with diverse audiences.

The Impact

The MyHelsinki website became a seamless digital hub for visitors, talent, and businesses, complemented by a cohesive presence across social platforms. A live-action brand film brought Helsinki’s story to life, reinforcing its ethos of being “real, not perfect.”

By balancing authenticity with a bold yet human-centered expression, Helsinki’s brand now stands out on the world stage—welcoming, distinctive, and unmistakably its own.