About Me

I am an illustrator based in Scotland, creating detailed ink illustrations and ceramics rooted in the realms of folklore, wild places, landscape and history. My interest in traditional stories was born from a feeling of disconnection with the land around me and partly as a reaction to the climate crisis. I believe that we can strengthen our connection with nature through the exploration of folklore and land enchantment; continuing to build on folklore as a living tradition. I am particularly interested in Scottish folklore, culture and history and the way that it relates to land and perceptions of nature. Much of my work explores these concepts, which I visualise through intricate ink drawings, watercolour paintings, printmaking, and ceramics. Each project is underpinned by a desire to conduct explorative and thorough research, especially archival and location-based research which I record in drawing journals and sketchbooks.

Book Illustration

My main focus is book illustration, both fiction and non-fiction, particularly inspired by traditional illustrators such as Arthur Rackham, Alan Lee and John Bauer. I have a keen interest in anything related to folklore and folktales, especially traditional stories from Scotland. For the last two years I have been working on an ongoing book project collecting and illustrating folk tales and folklore from the Outer Hebrides. Recently I have been working on a few Scottish folklore projects illustrating stories told by Orcadian storyteller Tom Muir and tradition bearer Duncan Williamson.

Other book illustration projects include scientific illustrations of insects for a published non-fiction book, illustrations for short stories by Edgar Allen Poe and HP Lovecraft published by Helios House Press, an early stages project for Penguin Random House, illustrations for a BBC ALBA documentary covering Bram Stoker’s Dracula as well as illustrations for zines.

Album covers, merchandise & poster design

My other avenue of commercial work is album covers, merchandise and poster designs for bands and festivals. I have been working in this industry for 8 years and clients include Beltane Fire Festival, Season of Mist, Nuclear Blast, Young Edinburgh Storytellers, Fortress Festival, Green Lung, Svalbard, Saor and Incineration Festival. I have also illustrated for activist groups The Stars Are for Everyone and Right to Roam to protest land access rights.

If you would like to discuss a commission, please email me at hesterasplandillustration@gmail.com
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