Pamela Samel (b. 1985) is a freelance illustrator. She studied textile design at the Estonian Academy of Arts, received a bachelor’s degree in art education from Tallinn University, and has participated in several other illustration courses.

Samel works as a costume designer for film and television. She has collaborated with several Estonian publications including the children’s magazines Täheke and Hea Laps. Her style is novel and trend-conscious in the context of Estonian children’s literature: naively laconic illustrations dominated by elegant color combinations on surfaces, all of which inspire fun and enjoyment. Her characters are pleasantly peculiar and highly relatable in their sincerity.

Several of Samel’s illustrated books have been awarded in both Estonia and abroad.

 

What fascinates me about illustration is that it’s an endless and limitless world. While drawing has always been something I’ve done, I place particular focus on illustrating children’s books, which allows you to visualize longer stories. When working on a book, I like to maintain a certain kind of discipline that compels you to make decisions. What tools should I use? What will the format be? What colors? Not to mention the strong emotions that come with making picturebooks. I like flipping through children’s books, inhaling their scent, and returning to them again and again to discover something new. It’s a magical form of art to tinker with.

24.04.2023

Profile picture: private collection