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Tuulike Kivestu

Biography

Tuulike Kivestu (1976) is a Tallinn-based illustrator, graphic designer, and member of the Estonian Graphic Designers’ Association. She illustrates and designs children’s books and collaborates with the children’s magazines Täheke and Hea Laps.

Kivestu has studied music, folk textile, photography, and illustration. She’s spent most of her life in the music field, playing saxophone and guitar, teaching, and directing the music department at Tartu University’s Viljandi Culture Academy. Kivestu also currently works in journalism.

Her book illustration and design studies were completed at Tartu Art School and the Estonian Academy of Arts’ Open Academy. Kivestu’s unique style produces delightfully lively characters and witty inventions.

I’ve been a big bookworm my whole life. As a kid, I’d sometimes even play hooky from school to read books and snack on candy in bed all day. I love to come up with stories while writing and drawing. As an illustrator, I have the ability to create worlds and characters exactly as I see fit. The only limit is my imagination.

 

Margus Haav.The Wolf Mother's Secret Recipe. Koolibri, 2023, digital drawingMargus Haav.The Wolf Mother's Secret Recipe. Koolibri, 2023, digital drawingMargus Haav.The Wolf Mother's Secret Recipe. Koolibri, 2023, digital drawingKristiina Kass. The Queen Caroline's Glasses. Päike ja Pilv, 2023, digital drawingKristiina Kass. The Queen Caroline's Glasses. Päike ja Pilv, 2023, digital drawingA Child is Not Afraid of Poetry. Eesti Lastekirjanduse Keskus, 2023, digital drawingEno Raud. The sprat felt cold. Tänapäev, 2023, digital drawingInga Lunge. Nora Goes to School. Tammerraamat, 2024, digital drawingJohanna Iisebel Järvelill. Mart a Beetle. Koolibri, 2024, digital drawingJohanna Iisebel Järvelill. Mart a Beetle. Koolibri, 2024, digital drawingIllustration for magazine Täheke, 2023, digital drawing
2023
5 Best Designed Estonian Children’s Books, Special Prize for a young artist (Margus Haav, The Wolf Mother's Secret Recipe)

Good Children's Book (Margus Haav, The Wolf Mother's Secret Recipe)