Esther Kent

I grew up in England and the countryside of the Scottish Borders, surrounded by books and drawing paper. After school I headed off to art college in Dundee where I finished with a first class degree in illustration and printmaking and an even deeper love of picture books. Studying publishing at Oxford Brookes University led me towards working with authors and artists, helping to organise events that bring stories to life for children. I then spent a number of years at the Scottish Storytelling Centre managing storytelling, theatre and author events and meeting lots of interesting people.

Now I live in the countryside again and work as a freelance illustrator, creating pictures for individuals and organisations and trying to include children, animals and birds whenever possible. My first picture book as author and illustrator will be published in 2020.

I enjoy running creative workshop sessions in and out of school with children and families, exploring mark-making, self-expression and telling stories through pictures.

(Photo credit: Vicki McLean)