Matej Ilčík is a Slovak illustrator based in Senica, Slovakia, specializing primarily in editorial illustration and non-fiction books for older children.
He loves portraying people and animals (among other creatures) in both possible and, above all, impossible situations. With a natural affinity for humor, he creates multi-layered illustrations that tell several stories at once within a single space. He loves weaving in witty details that delight the attentive viewer.
Matej draws inspiration from everyday life and his records of various situations or conversations. Whether experienced firsthand, overheard, or read about. Working mainly digitally, his style is characterized by a distinctive linework and the use of rich, varied textures.
He regularly contributes to prominent Slovak and Czech children's magazines, including Bublina, Slniečko, and Raketa. To date, Matej has illustrated 9 books, including 6 non-fiction titles and 3 storybooks.
Notably, the book Veronika z paneláku ide dobyť svet (EJ Publishing, 2022), featuring his illustrations, was selected for the prestigious White Ravens list of the best international children’s books in 2023, awarded by the International Youth Library in Munich.
His clients included: Albatros, B4U Publishing, EJ Publishing, Martinus, META, SME, Krajina čitateľov, and others.
He is also a member of the Slovak illustration association ASIL.
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List of books I illustrated so far:
Všetko o vajci, Albatros SK | 2019
Všechno o pírku | Albatros CZ, 2020
All About the Eye | B4U Publishing, 2020
Ako ľudia športovali a športujú | Albatros SK, 2022
Veronika z paneláku ide dobyť svet | E.J. Publishing, 2022
Mozart. Vĺčikove Vianoce | Bratislavské rožky, 2023
Od šamanů k neurochirurgům | Albatros CZ, 2024
Jekh, Duj, Trin | KHER, 2024
Stories of Prehistoric Young and Their Parents | Albatros Media, 2025