Esther Zhiwen Tang, a respected multiple award-winning illustrator and visual artist based in New York City, has quickly risen as a pioneering figure in the field. Specializing in narrative and informative illustration, she applies her craft across editorial design, personal art projects, and visual communication, bringing a unique perspective and innovative approach to each endeavor. Her accomplishments have earned her prestigious awards, including the ADC Award, Communication Arts, and the Society of Illustrators honors—significant industry recognitions that highlight only the most creative and artistically compelling work.

Last month, Esther was invited to serve as a jury member for both the AIVA Communicator Competition and the competitions of the SkillsUSA Championship, experiences that further reinforced her reputation in the industry and broadened her understanding of creativity and innovation. The AIVA Communicator Competition is dedicated to recognizing excellence, effectiveness, and innovation in interactive design across various media, and Esther’s role involved selecting standout works that pushed creative boundaries. “Serving as a jury member for AIVA was a deeply insightful experience,” Esther shares. “We spent a great deal of time reviewing each work’s context and medium, aiming to fully understand every entry to avoid any biases based on unfamiliar technology.” Her involvement went beyond assessing creativity; she helped set the standard for innovation in visual arts, bringing fresh perspectives to the field.

In contrast, her experience with the competitions of the SkillsUSA Championship allowed her to interact closely with recent graduates and emerging artists. As a judge for the sublimation printing category, Esther evaluated students’ technical skills and understanding of the creative process through direct observation and interviews. She was moved by the passion and creativity of these young artists, many of whom had already begun selling their artwork online. “These students were only sixteen or seventeen, yet they displayed remarkable technical knowledge and an impressive entrepreneurial spirit. Unlike the common pursuit of higher degrees during my college years, I believe that finding and honing a skill you’re passionate about is crucial,” she reflects. “For me, exploring different technical fields and discovering what I loved was vital to staying motivated in both work and life.”

Esther’s interactions with these young artists reminded her of her early days, filled with boundless creativity and imagination. She encouraged them to capture their fleeting ideas on paper and use their technical skills to bring these ideas to life as products. “I hope that these exchanges inspire more young artists to explore their potential,” she adds. For Esther, this mentorship is not only a way of nurturing passion but also of empowering the next generation of creators to shape the industry’s future.

Believing strongly in the value of competitions, Esther views regular participation as essential for growth and self-confidence. “Entering a couple of competitions each year is invaluable—it refines my skills and builds my confidence in showcasing my work. Competing alongside artists from diverse backgrounds and sharing ideas is a rare and enriching opportunity,” she explains. Esther sees competitions not merely as measures of honor but as catalysts for building a thriving artistic community and driving innovation within visual arts.

Having benefited greatly from competitions herself, Esther is committed to helping young artists build their careers. “I have gained countless opportunities and friendships through competitions, and I want to support others on their paths. At the same time, I hope artists don’t feel discouraged if their work isn’t accepted by a specific competition. It’s not a reflection of their value as artists—judges' decisions are influenced by personal preferences and numerous factors. Each result is simply an opportunity for reflection and improvement.”

Esther’s experience as a jury member has been profoundly enriching. “Judging made me realize the complexity of the evaluation process and the significance of each detail. As a new-generation artist, I’ve been fortunate to learn new ideas and techniques from different countries, companies, and projects.” Looking to the future, she hopes to see more young artists joining juries and contributing their perspectives to the development of artistic expression. With her dedication to nurturing emerging talent and fostering a diverse artistic ecosystem, Esther Tang is poised to leave a lasting impact on the field of visual art.