Tuulike Kivestu (1976) is a Tallinn-based illustrator, graphic designer, and member of the Estonian Graphic Designersā Association. She illustrates and designs childrenās books and collaborates with the childrenās magazines
TƤheke and
Hea Laps.
Kivestu has studied music, folk textile, photography, and illustration. Sheās spent most of her life in the music field, playing saxophone and guitar, teaching, and directing the music department at Tartu Universityās Viljandi Culture Academy.
Her book illustration and design studies were completed at Tartu Art School and the Estonian Academy of Artsā Open Academy. Kivestuās unique style produces delightfully lively characters and witty inventions.
Iāve been a big bookworm my whole life. As a kid, Iād 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.Ā
Awards
2023
5 Best Designed Estonian Childrenās 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)
Exhibitions
2025Estonian illustration exhibition āHello! Tere!ā, Bologna International Childrenās Book Fair, Italy
2024International exhibition of illustration "Magical Forest", Estonian Childrenās Literature Centre; JƵhvi Art School Gallery
TIT 2023 and TIT 2020 Estonian illustrators, PÅock 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
2021Terza Biennale dei Licei Artistici, Rooma, Itaalia
Exhibition of Estonian artists āFox Spirit. Fox Charmā, Estonian Childrenās Literature Centre, Tallinn; Central Library of LƤƤne County, Haapsalu, Estonia
