Hester van Toorenburg is a Dutch designer and illustrator living in Belgium. She loves making book covers and illustrations that look great. Her signature designs have a bright, minimalistic, friendly, open and elegant aesthetic. She has over a decade of experience in book design and work for both publishing houses and self-publishing authors.
I love to design books, book covers, illustrations for books and children’s books.
I studied Industrial Design with a Masters in Strategic Design (innovation, marketing, branding, user centered design) at the Technical University in Delft, The Netherlands. At the same time I did a Bachelors in Art History at the University of Amsterdam. After my graduation I started working as a (graphic) designer.
After a couple of years of working in the design industry I followed my longing to live a monastic life and direct my attention to what it means to be alive. I lived in nature and in silence for many years on the countryside. It was a beautiful journey, that knows no end and is still unfolding. I did make the transition back to working and family life but my life is still in service to being ever more loving.
I work mostly on books that contribute to a better and beautiful world where wisdom, joy, community, emotional balance, love, connection and equality are central.
I have created two children’s books. The dancing animal forest are two colourful yoga books for children, parents and teachers that combine (partner)yoga poses, the power of animals and music / songs into a powerful empowering whole. It inspires children to move, play, discover and be centered in their bodies. It helps grown-ups to connect with the children in a new and positive way.
Clients
Samsara Books
Unieboek | Spectrum
Van Goor
.. & many other self-publishing authors
Services
Cover design
Cover illustration
Illustrations for books
Children’s book illustration
Books I made
Het dansende dierenbos - Kinderyoga op muziek
Het dansende dierenbos 2 - Kinderyoga voor met z’n tweetjes
The name Nai’a means dolphin in Hawaiian. I feel so much love and honor for these special animals and a week in the clear blue Hawaiian waters surrounded by hundreds of them changed me deeply. In honour of their love I named my business Nai’a.
This is Obi, the reason I walk one hour each day before I get to work
My two illustrated children’s books with music published by Unieboek, The Netherlands.
Get in touch!
If you are interested in my work for a project or if you have a question, feel free to drop me a note and let’s see if we can work together. If you want to talk, send your phone number and I’ll get to you as soon as possible.