About

For years, I searched for my own artistic style—something uniquely mine and instantly recognizable. My style has always been fluid and ever-changing, but I’ve come to embrace that. Just as every story is distinct from the one before it, and each day unfolds differently from the last, every new project feels like a fresh start, unique in its own way. The thrill of experimentation keeps my creativity alive, and with every new endeavor, there’s always an element of surprise—wondering what will emerge.

I work with a variety of mediums, from digital tools to traditional materials like oil pastels, colored pencils, and watercolors.

To me, the text is the heart of a picture book, while the illustrations bring it to life and give it its soul.

Alongside creating my own books, I love collaborating with other writers and illustrators, finding joy in shared creativity.

I’m always happy to chat, connect, and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

TIIU KITSIK

Education

  • 2004 – University of Tallinn, Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising and Media
  • 2016 – EKA Open Academy, Book Illustration Course

Creative Work

  • 2016 – Present – Freelance writer and illustrator
  • 2011 – Present – Editorial work for various magazines and newspapers (Hea Laps, Täheke, Mesimumm, Müürileht, Pere ja Kodu, Gecko)

Author Books (Text and Illustrations)

  • 2025 – Aardejaht, Puänt Publishing House
  • 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
  • 2020 – Herkülo büroo, 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 Central Library
  • 2020 – Inspektor Telinski, kummisuti ja kõik ülejäänud, Koolibri Publishing House

Books Written

  • 2022 – Mirjami palett, Tänapäev Publishing House
  • 2022 – Kes seal on?, Koolibri Publishing House

Exhibitions

  • 2025 – Cittadini Creativi/Creative Citizens, Group Exhibition in Bologna
  • 2025 – Terves kehas terve vaim, Group Exhibition at the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre
  • 2024 – Haapsalu Graphic Design Exhibition
  • 2023 – VII Tallinn Illustration Triennial

Acknowledgments

  • 2024 – Karl Eduard Sööt Children’s Poetry Public Award (Musterpere)
  • 2024 – Children’s Story Contest “Minu esimene raamat,” II Place (Me kolime ära)
  • 2023 – Põlvepiku Book Competition, II/III Place (Meie tee)
  • 2023 – Jalad – EKGL Special Prize in the Competition of the Five Most Beautiful Children’s Books
  • 2022 – Emil, Sass ja kivimutukad – One of the Five Most Beautiful Children’s Books
  • 2019 – First Place at the II Salon International Illustration Festival

Memberships

  • 2021 – Present – Member of Illustratoren Organisation e.V. (Germany)
  • 2024 – Present – Member of the Estonian Association of Graphic Designers