As a freelancer specializing in all things books, I'm here for your project from start to finish. Combining my illustrative eye with my decade of experience in the world of literature, I am here for every book need. When I illustrate for your creative project, I come at it with an author's eye, thinking about your characters, the world you crafted, and the small details that make your story as unique as it is. If you mention some tiny detail about a cup, you better believe that detail will make it into my watercolor illustrations for you! And in a world that's digital, I'm proud to say all of my work is done by hand, giving your work that one-of-a-kind feel - because it is. Contact me today - let's get to work!

Nikita Andester

As a freelancer specializing in all things books, I'm here for your project from start to finish. Combining my illustrative eye with my decade of experience in the world of literature, I am here for every book need. When I illustrate for your creative project, I come at it with an author's eye, thinking about your characters, the world you crafted, and the small details that make your story as unique as it is. If you mention some tiny detail about a cup, you better believe that detail will make it into my watercolor illustrations for you! And in a world that's digital, I'm proud to say all of my work is done by hand, giving your work that one-of-a-kind feel - because it is. Contact me today - let's get to work!

Available to hire

As a freelancer specializing in all things books, I’m here for your project from start to finish. Combining my illustrative eye with my decade of experience in the world of literature, I am here for every book need.

When I illustrate for your creative project, I come at it with an author’s eye, thinking about your characters, the world you crafted, and the small details that make your story as unique as it is. If you mention some tiny detail about a cup, you better believe that detail will make it into my watercolor illustrations for you!

And in a world that’s digital, I’m proud to say all of my work is done by hand, giving your work that one-of-a-kind feel - because it is.

Contact me today - let’s get to work!

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Language

English
Fluent
French
Advanced
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate
Russian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Author, Visual Artist at Freelance
June 1, 2018 - November 14, 2025
Provide oil painting portrait commissions and illustrate people, cityscapes, and nature scenes with watercolors. Teach art courses at a local studio in Toulouse and sell art with Garonne Express every Sunday. Host writing events and literary salons promoting indie authors, speak on writing convention panels, and edit debut novel.
Assistant Competition Director at NYC Midnight
August 1, 2020 - November 14, 2025
Judged and provided in-depth feedback on over 12,000 scripts and short stories. Since 2023 promotion to Assistant Competition Director, interview challenge winners, coordinate prizes and sponsorships, and oversee judge feedback.
Author, Visual Artist at Snail Mail Sweethearts
October 1, 2025 - October 1, 2025
A subscription art service and newsletter about historical snail mail. Each month, I mail postcard-sized original artwork to subscribers worldwide, research historical letters, and write them with thematically linked microfiction. In addition, I host creative ateliers in English and French.
Artist at L’Evasion
April 1, 2025 - April 1, 2025
Seven oil paintings hung for a month-long exhibition at a local community space, including an open night vernissage.
Artist at Nectar
July 1, 2022 - July 1, 2022
Two oil paintings and eighteen photo embroideries hung in a month-long exhibition at a local community gathering point.
Panelist, Workshop Leader, Moderator at EasterCon
April 1, 2025 - November 14, 2025
Panelist on 'Taking a Toll? Chronic Illness and Creative Work'; 'Maker, Crafter, Artist: What’s in a Name?'; and 'Talking Swords and Thinking Machines: Sentient Inanimate Objects'. Moderator for 'Damn Fine Cherry Pie', a retrospective on Twin Peaks.
Installation Artist at Portland Winter Lights Festival
February 28, 2023 - February 28, 2023
Created a room-wide installation in two weeks combining soft sculpture, fabric art, and technology, presenting a cozy interpretation of extraterrestrial plant life.
Artist at Nectar
July 1, 2022 - July 1, 2022
Two oil paintings and eighteen photo embroideries hung in a month-long exhibition at a local community gathering point.
Panelist at WorldCon (World Science Fiction Convention)
August 1, 2024 - August 1, 2024
Panelist on topics including 'Talking Swords and Thinking Machines: Sentient Inanimate Objects'.

Education

Master of Arts in Professional Creative Writing at University of Denver
January 1, 2017 - August 1, 2018
Bachelor of Social Work in Social Work and Russian Language at Florida State University
January 1, 2009 - May 1, 2012

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other