What I love the most are those quiet, almost magical moments when nobody needs anything from me. Like sitting on the limestone rocks by the sea with a cup of tea, watching the sunset turn everything pink and gold — especially in June, when it never really gets dark. I'm obsessed with old things: vinyl records, second-hand books with handwritten notes inside, and vintage clothes from flea markets. I listen to a lot of Estonian choral music, but my secret playlist is full of Aurora and Hozier. I also genuinely love rainy days — not the kind where you have to run somewhere, but the kind where you can curl up in a blanket, light a candle, and just sketch whatever comes to mind. And I absolutely adore taking the ferry to Helsinki — it's small, but it always feels like an adventure to me.

My biggest goal right now is getting into the Estonian Academy of Arts — specifically the graphic design program. Not because it sounds cool, but because I genuinely want to create things that make people feel something. My dream for next year is to have my own tiny exhibition in some underground art space in Tallinn — just my film photos and ink drawings, nothing too fancy. Long-term? I want to travel around all three Baltic countries with my sketchbook and create a whole series about Baltic winds — I think there's something poetic about them. I also dream of learning to play the guitar properly (right now I only know three chords) and writing at least one song in Estonian. But most of all, I want to stop being afraid of being seen. Right now I feel like I'm just a girl from a tiny country, but deep down I really believe I can make something that stays — even if it's just one postcard that makes someone smile on a grey day.

Hi! I'm Elvie, I'm 18, and I'm from Tallinn, Estonia. I grew up right here in the city, but my heart actually belongs to the countryside — especially Saaremaa island, where my grandma lives and where I spend every summer. Right now I'm finishing high school and trying to survive my final exams. Nothing stuck until I discovered drawing and photography. At 16, my dad gave me his old Soviet-era film camera, and I completely fell in love with the whole process — the waiting, the mystery, the tiny imperfections. I'm a bit shy around new people, but when I talk about something I truly care about, I can go on forever. On weekends, I work in a tiny café in the Old Town, making cappuccinos and dreaming about bigger things.

I can't stand being rushed. Estonians are usually calm and quiet, but sometimes at school or in the city, I feel this tense "hurry up" energy, and it drives me crazy. I also hate fake people — you know, those who smile at you and then gossip behind your back. Just say what you mean, it's not that hard. Another thing: I really dislike when people play loud music from their phones in public transport — like, don't you ever want silence? And okay, this is silly, but I hate big chunks of onion in soup. Also, I hate when people say "you have to suffer for your art." No, you need inspiration, not suffering. I'll save suffering for my math exams, thank you.