Elizabeth Salonen was born in Canada, and studied design in Finland and the U.S., acquiring a degree in Industrial Design from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit.

Salonen's versatility can be seen in projects for prominent Finnish and international brands, and her work ranges between product, furniture, interior and graphics. Nordic influences are evident in the form language of her designs, and in her desire to push the limits of material and manufacturing processes. Her work has earned several international design awards. Since 2005, Salonen has been working independently under the company name Mottoform.