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 childrenās magazines TƤheke and Mesimumm, and has been awarded for her works in the 5 Best-Designed Estonian Childrenās 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!Ā Profile photo: Piia Ruber
Awards
2023
5 Best Designed Estonian Childrenās Books, Certificate of Merit (Tarmo Vaarmets. Trouble with Tantrum)
2016Good Childrenās Book (PĆ¼ttsepp, Juhani.
Black Birds)
20095 Best-Designed Estonian Childrenās Books, special prize of the Estonian Childrenās Literature Centre (
The Golden Book of Estonian Fairy Tales)
Autumn: Good Childrenās Book (Mare MĆ¼Ć¼rsepp. āViis vaba kutsikatā)
20085 Best-Designed Estonian Childrenās Books, special prize of the Estonian Childrenās Literature Centre(F. R. Kreutzwald.
Lopi and Lapi)
20075 Best-Designed Estonian Childrenās Books, special diploma for The Most Child Friendly book (J. Vaiksoo.
Uncle Heino Got Lost)2005TheĀ Best European Learning Materials Awards(EEPG), 3rd place (
Aabits)
Exhibitions
2025
Exhibition of Estonian illustrators "A Sound Mind in a Sound Bodyā
, Estonian Childrenās Literature Centre
2024
Exhibition of Estonian and Spanish illustrators āReflectionsā,Ā Estonian Childrenās Literature Centre
International exhibition of illustration "Magical Forest", Estonian Childrenās Literature Centre; JƵhvi Art School Gallery
TIT 2023 and TIT 2020 estonian illustrators, Plock Art Gallery, Poland
Exhibition of Estonian illustrators "Capturing Wonder with Pictures", KƤrdla Culture Centre
2023
VII Tallinn Illustrations Triennial (TIT 2023), Estonian Museum of Architecture
Exhibition of Estonian illustrators "Fresh Book Pictures", Estonian Childrenās Literature Centre, Tapa Library, KƤrdla 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 Childrenās 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 LƤƤne County, Haapsalu, Estonia
2017Tallinn Illustrations Triennial (TIT), Estonia
