Hey there, I'm Ester Gouw, an illustrator with a knack for crafting heartwarming stories through hand-drawn art rich in textures. Coming from a small town in Borneo, Indonesia, and now calling Madrid my home for the past 7 years, I infuse my work with a blend of traditional media like collage, watercolor, crayons, and acrylic, giving my pieces a crafty, childlike charm. What sets my art apart is the inclusion of my children in the creative process, adding a touch of innocence and whimsy to my characters that have captivated me since I was a child and meaningful beautiful patterns in the last touch.

My journey as an illustrator stems from a deep-rooted passion for educating children, cultivated during my years as a teacher and further fueled by motherhood. Drawing inspiration from my faith in Christianity and also folk tales, I aim to share uplifting stories that resonate with young minds, steering clear of themes conflicting with my beliefs. Through a meticulous approach that involves meticulous planning, research, and feedback, I weave intricate details, vibrant colors, and a mix of whimscal textures into my work, creating visually engaging illustrations that speak volumes about the power of storytelling and art in education.

From my early days sketching characters and fashion outfits, comics, writing stories to crafting intricate compositions that evoke emotions and spark imaginations, my artistic journey has been shaped by a blend of childhood influences by my artist mom and my little friends´commisions which leads me to a deep-seated desire to connect with children through art. As a humble creative soul, I find joy in observing children in their natural element, drawing inspiration from everyday life and nature to breathe life into my illustrations. Balancing my roles as a devoted illustrator, mother to a one-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter, i strive to instill a love for art, faith, and storytelling in the hearts of young minds, one colorful creation at a time.