Working with Esther Nariyoshi

Yes! I'm available for freelance illustration projects including picture book illustration, children's book art, character design, editorial illustration, food and nature illustration, hand lettering, surface pattern design, and 2D animation. Email me at with details about your project. I will get back with you with more details tailored to your projects.

My process typically includes: (1) an initial consultation to understand your vision, (2) research and mood boarding, (3) rough sketches for your approval, (4) refined sketches with revisions, and (5) final artwork delivery. I work with both traditional and digital media, often combining the two for a unique, handmade yet polished result.

I deliver high-resolution files suitable for both print and digital use. Depending on your needs, this can include PNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD, AI, or PDF files. I'll discuss specific requirements during our project kickoff.

Timeline varies based on project complexity. A single illustration might take 1-2 weeks, while a full picture book can take several months. I'll provide a realistic timeline during our initial consultation and keep you updated throughout the process.

Every project is unique, so I provide custom quotes based on the scope, usage rights, timeline, and complexity. Email me with your project details for a personalized estimate.

Yes, for a typical commercial project, revisions are built into my process. I include revision rounds at the sketch stage (where changes are easiest) and limited revisions at the final stage. The specific number of revisions will be outlined in our project agreement. I also work closely and collaboratively with editors and designers for picturebook projects.

Yes! I work with authors, self-publishers, and publishers on children's book projects. My style blends traditional media textures with digital refinement, creating warm, engaging illustrations perfect for young readers.

I'm fluent in Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Procreate Dreams (for animation). I have a good working knowledge of Adobe After Effects and Davinci Resolve for animation and video editing work. I also work with traditional media including watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, ink, and charcoal — often scanning and enhancing traditional work digitally.

Yes! I create 2D animations and motion graphics using Procreate Dreams and Adobe After Effects. This can include animated illustrations, logo animations, social media content, or short promotional videos.

Esther's Art Lab is my online course platform where I teach artists how to bridge traditional and digital illustration workflows. The signature course includes 11 hours of video instruction covering Procreate, Photoshop, and Illustrator, with real commercial projects. Learn more at esthersartlab.com.

I offer one-on-one coaching sessions for artists looking for personalized guidance on portfolio development, career strategy, workflow optimization, or creative direction. Visit my coaching page for details.

Absolutely. I make my own brushes for digital work and sell custom Procreate brushes that replicate authentic traditional media experiences. Each brush is developed by working closely with physical materials to capture their authentic behavior digitally. Browse at professionaldigitalbrushes.com.

Drawing Room is my virtual co-working space for artists. We meet over Zoom with cameras on and microphones off for focused creative work sessions. It's free to join — a supportive way to find creative companionship and accountability.

I have a Master of Arts degree in Advertising and worked as an Art Director before becoming a full-time illustrator. I've been teaching online since 2018 and was a Skillshare Top Teacher from 2020-2025, with 8 Staff Pick classes, 48,000+ students, and over 1.6 million minutes of classes watched.

You can see my illustrations at MSU Broad Art Museum, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Cloud9 Fabrics, UPPERCASE Magazine, and Spoonflower, among others. I was also named one of UPPERCASE Magazine's Top 100 Surface Pattern Designers in 2019.

Yes, I license artwork for products including fabric, stationery, home goods, and more. My greeting card line is carried by museum shops and botanical gardens. Contact me to discuss licensing opportunities.