Miki Muster (27 November 1925 – 7 April 2018) was a Slovenian cartoonist, illustrator, and animation filmmaker. Born in Maribor, then part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (present‑day Slovenia), he became one of the most influential figures in the development of comics and animated film in former Yugoslavia.
Career
- After World II, Muster studied graphic arts and began working for Radio‑Television Ljubljana (RTV Ljubljana), where he directed and animated a number of short films for children.
- He created several popular comic‑strip series that appeared in Slovenian newspapers and magazines, including Zuzek and Čebelica (the Bee).
- Muster’s animated works introduced original Slovenian characters and contributed to the establishment of a domestic animation industry.
Recognition
- Throughout his career, Muster received multiple national awards for his contributions to visual arts and children's media, such as the Prešeren Fund Award and the Levstik Award.
Legacy
- Considered a pioneer of Slovenian and Yugoslav animation, Muster’s style and character design continue to influence contemporary cartoonists and animators in the region.
- Collections of his work have been exhibited in museums and cultural institutions across Slovenia.
