Esther Rou Jiao is a New York-based artist specializing in 3D, motion, and graphic design, whose practice has recently expanded into the world of AI art. Her work reflects a dedication to crafting visually engaging designs that resonate with audiences.

Esther's perspective on art is rooted in idealism. She views technology as a tool, similar to language, that serves as a bridge for creators to express their ideas and visions. Rather than being consumed by the rapid evolution of tools, Esther is focused on refining her creative process and overcoming the perfectionism that can hinder spontaneity in creation.

We asked Esther about her art, creative process, and inspirations.

Can you tell us about your background as a digital artist? How did you get started in this field?

My primary passion lies in creating compelling designs and visuals that spark interest and engagement. While translating those ideas into print-based works requires additional time and a deeper understanding of printing techniques — which may not always align directly with the creative process — I'm open to exploring that world when it aligns with the vision. If I ever develop an idea so extraordinary that print becomes the essential medium to bring it to life, I would fully commit to mastering the craft to realize its potential.

What inspires your art? Are there any particular themes or subjects that you enjoy exploring through your artwork?

My creative process is evolving, and I’m feeling optimistic about where it’s heading. Inspiration used to feel unpredictable — on some days, a simple walk could spark endless ideas, while on others, nothing seemed to flow. I’ve realized that relying solely on these bursts of inspiration was holding me back, rooted in a kind of perfectionism — the belief that if a piece isn’t “good enough,” it shouldn’t even exist.

To break free, I’ve adopted a new mindset: creating daily, no matter what. I set a timer, dive in, and make something, regardless of how polished or “perfect” it feels. This shift has been incredibly liberating, helping me embrace imperfection and let go of the pressure to wait for inspiration to strike. I’ve also stopped dismissing ideas that seem underwhelming at first, choosing instead to explore their potential and find ways to make them better.

This process has brought a playful, curious energy to my work, and I’m excited to see how it will shape me over time. As for my creations, I don’t stick to a single theme—I draw inspiration from everyday moments, whether it’s screenshots of striking designs or photos of quirky things I notice while out and about. My works are essentially mashups or collages, blending and reimagining elements to create something entirely new. This approach keeps things fresh and reminds me to enjoy the process, wherever it leads.

Living and working in New York, how has the city influenced your creative process and vision?

Oh, absolutely! New York is packed with art exhibitions and events, so there are endless opportunities to meet people and discover new works. It’s a huge source of inspiration and resources. Another thing I love is that Manhattan has so many pedestrian-friendly streets. Compared to other U.S. cities that rely heavily on cars, being able to walk around for long stretches and really soak everything in is super important to me.

How do you handle feedback and critique of your artwork? Can you share an example of a time when feedback has helped you grow as an artist?

I believe critiques can be divided into two types: those that genuinely help improve your design's effectiveness and those that stem from personal preferences without adding much value. I choose to focus on the constructive kind. A pivotal example of this was when I was working on my animation Overdose. Long-form storytelling was a new challenge for me, and I went through five iterations of the animatic to get it right.

The fourth version was a personal favorite — it was a burst of inspiration with a distinctive style that I felt truly proud of. However, viewers found it difficult to follow the story, and their feedback pushed me to rethink my approach. For the fifth version, I made significant compromises, completely restructuring the narrative and cutting several scenes. While it was tough to let go of the stylistic storytelling I loved, the result was an animation that resonated with audiences and told a story they could connect with.

In the end, the final version not only worked — it exceeded my expectations, earning recognition and even winning awards. This experience taught me the value of adaptability and the importance of balancing personal vision with audience understanding. It reminded me that critiques, when thoughtfully applied, can transform a good idea into something truly impactful.

You’ve mentioned creating experimental designs to break out of your comfort zone. Can you share an example of such a project and what it taught you?

I believe my entire design portfolio speaks to how I consistently challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone. It showcases not only traditional graphic design but also 3D work and motion graphics, demonstrating my drive to explore new possibilities and expand my creative skill set.

Early in my career, I realized that commercial projects often come with strict parameters, leaving limited room for unconventional or experimental ideas. While these projects are valuable, relying solely on them would stifle my creativity. To thrive as a designer, I actively seek opportunities to push boundaries and engage in work that keeps my passion alive. For me, stepping out of my comfort zone isn’t just a professional goal — it’s a necessity for sustaining my creative spirit and continuing to grow as an artist.

AI art is a relatively new addition to your portfolio. How do you see it complementing or transforming your work in 3D and motion design?

Right now, my exploration with AI is mostly focused on static images. While using Photoshop’s generative AI, I’ve come across some hilariously absurd outputs, and I’m thinking of creating something new with them. For 3D projects, I plan to experiment with using AI-generated images as textures for objects. As for video creation, I’m hoping to find time to revisit some unused concepts from past projects and try incorporating AI into them. Stay tuned!

What is a fun fact about you?

I’m currently obsessed with playing yo-yos!

What else fills your time when you’re not creating art?

I stick to a daily to-do list, which usually includes work, creating art works, exercising, tackling tasks, going for a walk, learning, gaming, and spending 15 minutes playing with my cat.

Looking ahead, what emerging technologies or trends are you most excited to explore in your future projects?

As an idealist, I view technology, much like language, as a tool — a means for creators to express their ideas and visions. Instead of fixating on the capabilities or advancements of these tools, my focus is currently on refining my own creative habits. While it’s certain that tools will continue to evolve and become more powerful, my real goal is to move beyond the perfectionist mindset that insists on having a "perfect" idea before I begin creating.

By letting go of this self-imposed barrier, I can embrace the creative process with greater ease and curiosity. This shift not only allows me to create more freely but also positions me to explore new technologies and trends with confidence and an open mind. For me, the essence of creativity lies not in the tools themselves but in how they empower authentic expression and discovery.