For years, I was searching for my own style, something uniquely mine and recognizable. It has always been so changeable, and now I’ve made peace with it because, just like every story differs from the last and every day is different from the previous one, every new job is also a fresh start, distinct from the ones before. The most exciting aspect is experimentation, which is why there is always a little surprise with every new project – wondering what will emerge from it. I use a wide range of mediums, from digital to oil pastels, from colored pencils to watercolors.
I find that the text is the heart of a picture book, and the illustrations give it a soul.
In addition to creating my own books, I enjoy collaborating with other writers and illustrators.
I am always happy to chat, meet up, and collaborate.
TIIU KITSIK
Education
2004 University of Tallinn, Advertising and Media, bachelor’s degree
2016 EKA Open Academy, Book illustration course
Creative work
2016 – … freelance writer and illustrator
2011 – … editorial work for different magazines and newspapers (Hea Laps, Täheke, Mesimumm, Müürileht, Pere ja kodu, Gecko)
Author books (text and illustrations)
2024 “Päkapikk ja hambahaldjas”, Koolibri publishing house
2024 “Meie tee”, Päike ja pilv publishing house
2024 “Me kolime ära”, Tänapäev publishing house
2023 „Jalad”, Koolibri publishing house
2023 „Musterpere”, Koolibri publishing house
2022 „Emil, Sass ja kivimutukad”, Koolibri publishing house
2019 „Krokodilli saba”, Koolibri publishing house
2016 „Lepatriinu täpid”, Miimik publishing house
Books illustrated
2024 “Muri mure”, Koolibri publishing house
2024 “Maailma parim liivaloss”, Pegasus publishing house
2024 “Kust tulid muinasjutud?” illustrations and design, Petrone Print
2023 „Omad jutud 4”, illustrations and design, client: Tallinn´s Centre Library
2020 „Inspektor telinski, kummisuti ja kõik ülejäänud”, Koolibri publishing house
Books written
2022 „Mirjami palett”, kirjastus Tänapäev
2022 „Kes seal on?”, kirjastus Koolibri
Exhibitions
2024 Haapsalu Graphic Design exhibition
2023 VII Tallinn Illustration Triennal
Acknowledgments
2024 Karl Eduard Sööt Children’s Poetry public Award (Musterpere)
2024 Children’s story contest “Minu esimene raamat” II place, (“We move away”)
2023 Põlvepiku book competition II/III place (“Meie tee”)
2023 The book “Jalad” EKGL special prize in the competition of the five most beautiful children’s books
2022 The book “Emil, Sass ja kivimutukad” is one of the five most beautiful children’s books
2019 First place at the II Salon International Illustration
Festival
Membership
2021 – … Member of Illustratoren Organisation e.V. (Germany)
2024 – … Member of the Estonian Association of Graphic Designers
