Working with Esther Nariyoshi

Hand holding a red marker over a piece of paper with colorful paint swatches.
FAQ

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 Esther 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.

Esther's Art Lab offers comprehensive courses teaching artists how to combine traditional media like watercolor and gouache with digital tools like Procreate and Photoshop. The signature course includes 11 hours of video instruction with real commercial projects. Visit esthersartlab.com to browse available classes.

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.