Esther Tang is an illustrator and designer graduating from the School of Visual Arts in 2022. Her surroundings, sounds, smiles, and touch all have an impact on her artworks in different ways. She uses drawing as a way to communicate with the world. Her creative thought has often been influenced by the metropolitan environment, including its architecture, transit systems, cultural variety, and social interactions. She argues that art is about individual spirit, ideas, and emotional value. The mission, at the heart of her artistic endeavors, is to develop an audience-resonant visual experience. Through her deliciously subtle and broadly resonant art, she interacts with the world and expresses her feelings. Her art is fundamentally based on its capacity to evoke feelings, to motivate others, provoke ideas, and start conversations on the influence of art on modern society.
Her illustrations combine the accuracy and perfection of contemporary digital media with the subtle tactile drawing methods of watercolors and ink, showcasing a remarkable use of color and shape. The World artistic Awards, Creative Quarterly, and the Society of Illustrators have all acknowledged her unique artistic style. In a variety of fields, such as editorial work, design projects, and pattern development, she has refined her abilities to produce narrative and educational images. Not to mention the numerous group exhibits she has participated in. After working as a freelance artist for companies including Lumist, Ellemen Magazine, and Tongji University, she most recently joined the product development team at OMG Accessories as a graphic designer. Esther Tang is based in New York City.
Esther Tang‘s official site | Instagram
How did you decide to pursue a career as an illustrator? What inspired you? Can you tell us about your beginning?
I have been drawing since childhood, finding joy in capturing everyday moments and expressing emotions through art. Growing up in Shenzhen, the fast-paced energy of city life deeply influenced me, and after moving to New York City to study at the School of Visual Arts, I realized illustration was my true calling. I have always been drawn to storytelling—whether through visual narratives or picture books—and during my studies, I explored various mediums before becoming captivated by digital illustration. I love blending traditional textures with modern techniques, creating works that evoke emotion and meaning. For me, illustration is not just about making beautiful images; it’s a powerful tool for communication, self-discovery, and connecting with the world on a deeper level.
Which illustration impressed you the most as a child? What are your favourite childhood memories related to the fields? Who shaped you as a person and illustrator?
As a child, I was deeply inspired by the works of Jimmy Liao, whose picture books left a lasting impression on me. His gentle style, characterized by delicate lines and vibrant, smooth watercolors, captivated my imagination. I often found comfort in his storytelling, which seamlessly blended whimsical imagery with profound emotional depth. His influence, along with my childhood memories of drawing to express myself, played a significant role in shaping me as both a person and an illustrator.
Do you remember your very early drawing? What was it about?
I remember my very first drawings from when I was around three years old in kindergarten. My teacher introduced us to different materials like colored paper, oil pastels, and colorful tape, which made creating art feel playful and exciting. I loved drawing goldfish because they were so vibrant and constantly moving – I could sit in front of a fish tank for hours, mesmerized by their fluid motion. As I grew older, I began learning sketching and still life drawing. Though it felt tedious at times, it significantly improved my ability to observe details, shape forms, and understand composition, which later became fundamental in developing my illustration style. Looking back, these early experiences shaped my deep appreciation for storytelling through art and my fascination with movement, color, and emotion, which remain central themes in my work today.
She decided to go beyond aesthetic appeal in her aim to communicate concepts and feelings: the emotional and social narratives of her subjects that underlie everyday events are captured in a potent mix, as is the essence that helps deeply connect to the human world
What do you enjoy most about your work? What is your creative process for your illustrations, and what are your favorite themes to draw?
What I enjoy most about my work is the ability to tell stories and connect with people emotionally through my illustrations. I love the process of translating thoughts and feelings into visuals, especially when my work resonates with others. It’s always exciting to see how different people interpret my art in their own way.
My creative process usually starts with a lot of observation and sketching. I gather inspiration from daily life, cityscapes, conversations, and emotions. I often create loose sketches before refining them digitally, blending traditional textures with modern techniques to bring depth and warmth to my work.
I’m especially drawn to themes of urban life, mental wellness, and human connections. I love illustrating scenes filled with movement and storytelling, whether it’s the energy of a crowded city or the quiet emotions in a single moment. I also have a deep love for children’s illustrations and hope to create more picture books that spark imagination and comfort.
What better highlights your personality via your illustrations? Does your style and color pallet represent how you perceive the world?
My illustrations are a direct reflection of my personality—full of movement, color, and layered emotions. I love capturing the energy of daily life, whether it’s the chaotic beauty of a city or the quiet moments of self-reflection. My work often has a balance between playfulness and introspection, which mirrors how I experience the world.
My color palette plays a big role in expressing emotions. I tend to use vibrant, layered colors to bring warmth and energy, but I also love incorporating soft tones to create a sense of calm and nostalgia. I think colors hold emotions, and I use them to shape the mood of each piece. My linework, which blends structured elements with fluid strokes, also represents how I navigate between control and spontaneity in both art and life. Ultimately, my illustrations tell stories not just about the world around me, but about how I personally see and feel it.
Which traits do you believe are essential for making illustrations that appeal to a wide range of audiences? In your editorial and creative artwork, how do you strike a balance between storytelling and information?
I believe that clarity, emotion, and relatability are essential traits for making illustrations that appeal to a wide audience. A strong visual should communicate an idea effectively, whether through composition, color, or expression. At the same time, I want my work to evoke emotions—whether it’s joy, nostalgia, or reflection—so that people can connect with it on a deeper level. I also try to create illustrations that feel relatable, drawing inspiration from everyday life, human experiences, and emotions that transcend cultural and language barriers.
When balancing storytelling and information, I always start by understanding the core message of the piece. In editorial work, I ensure that my illustrations enhance the text rather than overpower it, using composition and symbolism to visually support the narrative. In my creative work, I let storytelling take the lead but still aim for a structured flow so that the message remains clear. I love blending details and hidden layers into my work, allowing viewers to discover more each time they look at it.
She thinks that people enjoy the benefits brought about by modernisation, but at the same time, they live chaotically in the contradictions of urban society
Your pieces feature traditional technique with digital mediums. How does your narrative approach translate into your artwork on patterns? Over the years, how has your artistic vision evolved?
My narrative approach naturally extends into my pattern designs, where I treat each pattern as a visual story rather than just a decorative element. Instead of repeating simple motifs, I create patterns that flow dynamically, incorporating movement, layered compositions, and elements that invite curiosity. Whether it’s a cityscape, nature-inspired theme, or whimsical characters, I ensure that my patterns feel immersive—like stepping into a scene rather than just looking at a surface. My background in illustration helps me weave narratives into patterns, making them engaging and full of life.
Over the years, my artistic vision has evolved significantly. Early on, I focused on refining my technical skills and experimenting with different styles. Now, I am more intentional about the themes I explore, prioritizing emotion, storytelling, and meaningful connections in my work. I’ve also embraced more playfulness and spontaneity, allowing my art to feel organic while still maintaining structure. Through this evolution, I have found a balance between traditional textures and digital precision, crafting pieces that feel rich, expressive, and deeply personal.
We are living in digital and A.I. era. What do you think about A.I. in the fields of illustrations and design? What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators seeking to create artwork that communicates effectively on multiple levels?
We are undoubtedly living in a digital and AI-driven era, and while AI has introduced new tools and efficiencies in illustration and design, I believe that human creativity, emotions, and storytelling will always be irreplaceable. AI can assist in generating ideas, automating repetitive tasks, and even enhancing workflows, but illustration is more than just visuals—it carries personal experiences, emotions, and cultural depth that machines cannot replicate authentically. I see AI as a tool rather than a replacement; it can help streamline certain aspects of design, but the soul of illustration still lies in the hands of the artist.
For aspiring illustrators, my biggest advice is to focus on storytelling, observation, and emotional connection. Effective artwork speaks on multiple levels, engaging both visually and emotionally. Understanding composition, movement, and human psychology will make an illustration resonate deeply with an audience. Additionally, staying curious and open to experimentation—whether through traditional mediums, digital techniques, or even new technologies—helps artists develop their unique voice in an ever-evolving creative landscape.
International Women’s Day 2025 is focusing on the theme “Accelerate Action”. Change happens faster when women unite. How do you think individuals can better help and mobilize women across different sectors, cultures, and backgrounds to accelerate progress for all? Do you think illustrations can be a tool in this process?
My artwork Womenity embodies the very essence of unity, strength, and collective empowerment among women, aligning perfectly with the “Accelerate Action” theme for International Women’s Day 2025. In this piece, I explore the interconnectedness of women across different backgrounds, illustrating how shared experiences and mutual support can lead to greater progress. The composition visually represents women standing together, each playing a role in lifting the other, emphasizing the idea that change happens faster when women unite.
To accelerate action, individuals must actively support, amplify, and uplift women’s voices across various sectors and cultures. Creating safe spaces for dialogue, mentorship opportunities, and education allows more women to step into leadership roles and drive change. Small yet meaningful actions—such as sharing resources, advocating for equal policies, and investing in women-led initiatives—can create a ripple effect in mobilizing progress for all.Illustration is a powerful tool in this process, and Womenity reflects how visual storytelling can transcend language and cultural barriers to inspire action. Through bold composition and emotional depth, my artwork captures the energy of collective strength, highlighting how women’s stories, struggles, and victories are interconnected. Whether through editorial work, children’s books, public art, or advocacy campaigns, illustration has the power to spark conversations, challenge societal norms, and encourage solidarity. By using my art as a tool for activism, I hope to contribute to the global movement toward gender equality, helping to accelerate awareness and action in meaningful, visually impactful ways.
Photos and images courtesy of Esther Tang
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