Connection
is a Super
Power.
No matter how hard-core professional one is expected to be, I’d always like to embrace the unpolished, real connection.
Yes, it’s a real human here.
We need to stay fiercely human-to-human. That’s why, btw, I chose a real-life photo on this page — not a polished studio shot.
(I’m suspicious of perfection.)
As you might see (to the left), I’m not 27. But I do have 27+ years experience in design, arts and storytelling. I’ve been fortunate to work with Cosmopolitan, Jeep, Swatch, Finnish Broadcasting Company etc. They all have taught me a lot.
Vulnerability is the new Super Power
I don’t believe in “personal branding”. I believe in authenticity. That’s where the true connection is. Tim Chang, a Silicon Valley VC has said: “Vulnerability is the new Super Power”, and instantly became my super hero.
My “why”
I unexpectedly lost my mother when I was 24, and became interested in health and it’s science. That’s been my “why”, as well as crazy Finnish Sisu*.
I also think the brain is not only far more complex but also far more genius than we in our little know-it-all-minds can comprehend. Understanding our neuroresponses in different settings, we can design for wellbeing.
If this resonates, I’d love to hear from you. Write, come as you are.
Ingacassidy@outlook.com
Radical Creative,
27+ years of experience in design & storytelling. MA. Neuroscience-informed designer. Novelist. Scriptwriter. Independent Artist.
PhD-to-be. Foodie. Beginner windsurfer (bad). Mother. Works with crazy Finnish sisu*. Science geek.
Inga Cassidy
*Sisu (see'-soo), noun
*Sisu a uniquely Finnish form of stoic (radical even?) resilience – stoic persistence, tenacity of purpose, grit, bravery, resilience, hardiness, quiet courage, and unwavering determination when the odds are stacked wildly against you.
Some reviews of my novels
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"... J.K. Rowling-level storytellers."
Aamulehti, leading Finnish newspaper
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"...serious themes are softened with dark humor..."
Kaleva, leading Finnish newspaper
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"...masters her style and writes well."
Turun Sanomat, leading Finnish newspaper
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"...a therapeutic reading experience."
Helsingin Sanomat, Finland’s largest newspaper
Radical Learning & Stuff
Degrees
Master of Arts, Design Thinking & Service Design 2025, Thesis: Neurodesign – At The Intersection of Neuroscience and Design through Theory Driven Content Analysis (grade 5, Excellent), EQF Level 7
Master of Arts, Art & Culture Production 2025, Thesis: Festival visitor experience reflecting design thinking methods – Case study: The Irish Festival of Oulu (4, grade very good), EQF Level 7
Bachelor’s Degree, Media & Scriptwriting 2022, Thesis: The Premises of Sitcom – Case Study: Episode of Friends, (4, grade very good), EQF Level 6
Degree in Graphic Design 1998, Studies included: Graphic Designing Studies in Barnet College, London, UK, EQF Level 5/6, 1998
Art Work
Published Novels
Kohti, Tammi Publishers, 2005
Oiva, Tammi Publishers, 2011
Hippiäinen, Tammi Publishers, 2015
Unisammakko, Tammi Publishers, 2016
Film & Television
17-episode series, scriptwriter, Finnish Broadcasting Company
Branding & audience engagement, scriptwriting, Finnish Broadcasting Company
Films, scriptwriting & concept designing, The Irish Festival of Oulu
Curated Reviews Art & Lit
"...is a great example that Finland has its own J.K. Rowling-level storytellers."
– Aamulehti
"…masters her style and writes well." – Turun Sanomat
"...a therapeutic reading experience." – Helsingin Sanomat
Research
Neurodesign – At the Intersection of Neuroscience and Design through Theory-Driven Content Analysis | MA | Grade: 5 (Excellent)
Festival visitor experience reflecting design thinking methods – Case study: The Irish Festival of Oulu | MA
The Premises of Sitcom – Case Study: Episode of Friends | BA
Curated academic feedback
…”groundbreaking research…”
– Professor, University of Eastern Finland
“…the research topic is timely and forward-looking, addressing complex intersections.”…”work is of an excellent standard.”
– Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Lapland
Grants And Scholarships (Art Grants)
Finnish Writers’ Union: Art Grants (2022, 2020, 2 × 2017)
https://kirjailijaliitto.fi/the-union-of-finnish-writers/
Arts Promotion Centre Finland: Art Grants (2022, 2 × 2021, 2 × 2020, 2018, 2013)
https://www.taike.fi/en
City of Oulu: Art Grant, (2016)
Finnish Cultural Foundation: Art Grant (2006)
www.skr.fi/en
Arts Council of Finland: Art Grant (2006)
https://www.taike.fi/en
Independent journalist stuff
Helsingin Sanomat, MeNaiset, dozen other magazines
In the end, what really matters is our connection to each other. Drop me a line, I’d love to hear from you. ingacassidy@outlook.com
