Ulla Saar is an Estonian illustrator, author, and comic artist known for her distinctive, design-oriented approach to children’s book illustration. She graduated from the Estonian Academy of Arts with a degree in product design, a background that continues to shape her visual language.

Her debut illustrated book Lift brought her immediate international recognition and was included in the prestigious White Ravens catalogue in 2014. Since then, each of her books has attracted attention beyond Estonia, establishing her as a notable voice in contemporary illustration.

Saar’s work is characterized by a playful and spirited quality, often integrated seamlessly into the overall design of the book rather than existing as independent images. Her illustrations emerge from close engagement with the text, aiming to capture its tone, rhythm, and emotional nuances while supporting and enriching the narrative.

Her relationship with drawing began early. As a child, she reimagined the books around her, adding her own often abstract illustrations. This instinct to respond to existing texts has remained central to her practice. Whether inspired by a fragment of writing, a current project, or an idea requiring deeper exploration, Saar’s work invites viewers to pause, reflect, and discover meaning. For her, technique is not an end in itself, but a tool—carefully chosen and adapted to create a cohesive and compelling visual narrative.