Nukitsa Award illustrator Martin Veisman: images should spark questions

Martin Veisman, the illustrator of the children's book 'Osav aju', won the prestigious Nukitsa Award and spoke about his creative process. He spent a long time on the illustrations due to the responsibility he felt toward the clear and simple text written by Jaan Aru. Veisman's goal was to create images that help readers ask new questions.

Martin Veisman, the illustrator behind the children's book 'Osav aju' ('The Clever Brain'), has won the Nukitsa Award — one of Estonia's most celebrated prizes for children's literature. Speaking on the radio programme 'R2 Päev', Veisman reflected on the creative journey that led to this recognition.

Veisman admitted that the illustration process took considerably longer than expected. He felt a strong sense of responsibility toward the text written by author Jaan Aru, which he described as exceptionally clear and simple. That clarity set a high bar for the visual storytelling he needed to deliver.

«I wanted to make pictures that help ask more questions,» Veisman explained. Rather than merely depicting what the text described, he aimed for illustrations that would open up new avenues of curiosity for young readers — inviting them to wonder and explore beyond the page.

The Nukitsa Award is voted on by child readers across Estonia, making it a particularly meaningful recognition for those working in children's publishing. Winning it reflects not only artistic merit but a genuine connection with young audiences.