Heiki Ernits (1953) graduated from the Tallinn Pedagogical Institute as a teacher of arts and crafts. He has worked as a photographer, art teacher, art director, and film director. Ernits has made 19 animated films, produced commercials, designed book covers and layouts, and illustrated more than 30 children’s books. Highly popular among Estonian children, he has received six Nukits Awards to date.
Profile photo: Piia Ruber
Awards
2024
Nukits competition, 1st place (Janno Põldma.
Leiutajateküla pulmapidu)
2022Nukits competition, 1st place (Janno Põldma.
Leiutajateküla lood)
2020Nukits competition, 1st place (Andrus Kivirähk.
Ghost and Facebook)
2019Good Children's Book (Andrus Kivirähk.
Ghost and Facebook)
2016Nukits competition, 1st place (Andrus Kivirähk.
Carnival and Potato Salad)
Nukits competition, 3rd place (Kristiina Kass.
Little Witch Buttonnose and the Chimney Sweep)
2014Nukits competition, 1st place (Janno Põldma.
Lotte and the Secret of the Moon Rock)
Nukits competition, 2nd place (Kristiina Kass.
Teacher Kusti Haunts Here)
2013Tallinn Illustrations Triennial (TIT), diploma
2012Nukits competition, 1st place (Kristiina Kass.
Little Witch Buttonnose)
2010Nukits competition, 1st place (Andrus Kivirähk.
Poo and Spring)
20095 Best Designed Estonian Children’s Books, special prize of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre (
The Golden Book of Estonian Fairy Tales)
2008Nukits competition, 1st place (Andrus Kivirähk.
Lotte from Gadgetville)
2007Order of the White Star, IV Class
2004Nukits competition, 1st place (Janno Põldma.
The Ladybugs’ Christmas)
20025 Best Designed Estonian Children’s Books (Janno Põldma.
The Ladybugs’ Christmas)
Exhibitions
2020The picture world of tales and fairy tales, Central Library of the Lääne County
Midsummer spring exhibition of Estonian illustrators, Estonian Children's Literature Centre
2019Spring exhibition of Estonian illustrators, Estonian Children’s Literature Centre
2014Solo exhibition „Inventing Pictures”, National Library of Estonia, Tallinn
2014–2018Tallinn 4th Illustrations Triennial (TIT 2013), Estonian illustrators, Estonia; Kielce, Pacanów, Gdynia, Łomża, Kraków, Poland
2013Tallinn Illustrations Triennial (TIT), Estonia
2011Solo exhibition „Inventing Lotte”, Estonian Children's Literature Centre, Tallinn
2009Solo exhibition „Illustrations”, Estonian Children's Literature Centre, Tallinn
2008„Lotte's World”, Museum of New Art, Pärnu
2003Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava (BIB), Slovakia
Tallinn Illustrations Triennial (TIT), Estonia
The best Estonian animated films, Tallinn Teachers' House and Tallinn Business Centre Atrium Gallery
