Kadri Ilves (1977) is an illustrator. She graduated from the University of Tartu with a degree in painting in 2002 and has worked as a freelance artist since then. Ilves has illustrated more than 40 books and textbooks, including over 20 for the Swedish publisher Bonnier Carlsen. She regularly contributes to the Estonian children’s magazines Täheke and Mesimumm, and has been awarded for her works in the 5 Best-Designed Estonian Children’s Books competition.
Member of the Estonian Graphic Designers Association and the Estonian Section of IBBY.
I liked doodling pictures in books when I was little. My mother did not allow me to do so which was a terrible shame because in my opinion they were in desperate need of some additional illustrations. As I got older, the desire to draw for books did not diminish but only grew stronger. This left me with no other options than offer my drawings to publishing houses. And lo and behold, some new books with my pictures were born! Profile photo: Piia Ruber
Awards
2023
5 Best Designed Estonian Children’s Books, Certificate of Merit (Tarmo Vaarmets. Trouble with Tantrum)
2016Good Children’s Book (Püttsepp, Juhani.
Black Birds)
20095 Best-Designed Estonian Children’s Books, special prize of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre (
The Golden Book of Estonian Fairy Tales)
Autumn: Good Children’s Book (Mare Müürsepp. „Viis vaba kutsikat”)
20085 Best-Designed Estonian Children’s Books, special prize of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre(F. R. Kreutzwald.
Lopi and Lapi)
20075 Best-Designed Estonian Children’s Books, special diploma for The Most Child Friendly book (J. Vaiksoo.
Uncle Heino Got Lost)2005The Best European Learning Materials Awards(EEPG), 3rd place (
Aabits)
Exhibitions
2024
Exhibition of Estonian and Spanish illustrators “Reflections”, Estonian Children’s Literature Centre
Exhibition of Estonian illustrators "Capturing Wonder with Pictures", Kärdla Culture Centre
2023
VII Tallinn Illustrations Triennial (TIT 2023), Estonian Museum of Architecture
Exhibition of Estonian illustrators "Fresh Book Pictures", Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, Tapa Library, Kärdla Library
2022International exhibition of illustration "Fox Spirit. Fox Charm", Estonian Children's Literature Centre, Estonian National Museum, Latvian National Library
Exhibition of Baltic illustrators "Running with Wolves. Werewolf", Italy and Latvia
Exhibition of Estonian illustrators "It's Christmas time", Estonian Children’s Literature Centre
2021
Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava (BIB), Slovakia
Exhibition of Baltic illustrators "Running with Wolves. Werewolf", Napoli, Rome, Frigento, Italy
Exhibition of Estonian illustrators "Fox Spirit. Fox Charm", Estonian Children's Literature Centre, Central Library of Lääne County, Haapsalu, Estonia
2017Tallinn Illustrations Triennial (TIT), Estonia
