Kate Hester

Kate Hester is a London-based illustrator, designer and professional ballet dancer working across visual storytelling, performance and creative direction.

Trained at Central School of Ballet, Kate began her professional dance career in Europe, performing internationally before returning to the UK to work as a freelance artist. Her performance experience includes appearances at the Royal Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, Sadler’s Wells, London Palladium and Peacock Theatre. She continues to perform professionally and collaborate with choreographers and independent creative productions across the UK and Europe.

Alongside her dance career, Kate has developed a distinctive illustration and design practice rooted in ballet, theatre and storytelling. Since establishing her practice in 2020, she has created work for retail, publishing, marketing and education, collaborating with organisations including the Royal Ballet and Opera and London Children’s Ballet.

Her work encompasses illustration, product and merchandise design, branding, print collections, children’s publishing and creative campaigns. Kate’s designs have been produced across a wide range of formats, from books and educational resources to clothing, homeware and collectible products, with her work stocked by major cultural institutions and retailers internationally.

Drawing upon her first-hand knowledge of the performing arts, Kate combines strong visual identity with an authentic understanding of movement, character and theatrical storytelling. Her multidisciplinary perspective allows her to create work that is both artistically considered and commercially effective.

Kate is represented by Angharad Kowal Stannus Agency for illustration and creative commissions. She continues to balance her two creative careers - performing professionally while expanding her illustration, design and storytelling practice.