Regrettably, as of Septemeber 2019, Sami (Samiarto) Suomalainen, suddenly and unexpectedly, passed away--grieving the loss of his wife just a few months before.

The World lost a talented Fine Artist, a Portrait Painter, a Book Illustrator, and an Advertising Illustrator who created with wonderful free sense of Originality. Most regrettably, I also lost a long-time friend I've worked with for over 30+ years, and a dear client.

In memory of Sami, I have taken it upon myself to keep some of his artistic light alive by continuing to host his website as a memory of his work to those who knew him.

-Christopher Läspä
Creative Director / Principal
999 Art Direction
Toronto, Canada