Hello! I'm an illustrator living in Scotland working in colourful mixed media (mostly inks, coloured pencil digitally finished) for all sorts of artwork and design projects. I'm always interested in capturing character, movement and emotion, through rich colour and a lively line.
I gained a first class degree in Illustration and Printmaking at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in 2002, before going on to study publishing. Having spent several years working in arts management I returned to creating and making, with a special focus on narrative illustration for children.
My first picture book as author and illustrator, 'Molly's Circus', was published by Little Door Books in 2020, and my second book as illlustrator is published with Floris Books in 2027. I enjoy thinking about picture books as portable, tangible, interactive art experiences. In a similar way, I see my range of papergoods and folded mobiles as carrying emotion, memories and stories within them.
My second solo exhibition, FLOCK, runs at Made in Stirling until November 2026. The previous year I was delighted to be selected for the Picture Hooks mentoring scheme.
I'm passionate about community arts and wholeheartedly believe in the delight that experiencing and making art brings to all our lives. I love running hands-on art workshops for children and families, where the emphasis is on exploring process and creating space to experiment and play.
I live in Kinross with my husband, three children, some chickens and a cat and a dog. I'm inspired by circuses, mid-century homeware, reading with children, faded printed ephemera and plenty of strong coffee.
Coming up...
Flock | Made in Stirling, Gallery 2 | 28th September - 8th November 2026
Inky flocks, groups and murmurations swirl across paper, creating rich layers of pattern and movement. Illustrator Esther Kent’s collection of bird-inspired artwork brings celebratory energy and stands for ideas about community and the joy of being part of something bigger.
Expect drawings, prints, a flock of colourful paper birds and an unusual family album. There’s the chance to interact and contribute your own work to the exhibition or join in with family-friendly hands-on workshops throughout the October school holidays. Esther’s prints and cards will also be available to buy.
Paper Birds Workshop | Made in Stirling, Gallery 2 | 1.30-3.30pm, 14th October
Esther will guide you through an exploration of mark making, pattern and decorated surfaces using colourful materials, before you turn your richly decorated paper into a unique hanging bird sculpture to take home. This workshop is designed for adults and children to work alongside each other and experiment together. All materials provided - just bring an apron or clothes that can get messy, and your imagination! Booking essential via Made in Stirling
Little Books Workshop | Made in Stirling, Gallery 2 | 10.30am-12noon, 22nd October
Find out a bit about Esther’s illustration work and make your very own little folded book to take home. Esther will help you invent animal characters before you fold, write and illustrate your own little book. All materials provided. This workshop is ideal for families, and is designed for adults and children to work together.Booking essential via Made in Stirling
Interested in stocking my products in your gallery or shop? Contact me direct or find me on Faire.
View my Scottish Book Trust author profile
Have a look at the 2022 community arts project I facilitated, Loch Leven Stories
Visit my 2020 lockdown blog
