The Art of Eilie★Astara

Writer, Illustrator & Designer

Writer, Illustrator & Designer
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Eilie Astara is an author-illustrator who transforms ideas into worlds that inspire wonder, spark joy, and leave a touch of magic. As a Senior Editor and Art Director, she shapes the visual and narrative direction of titles at Platypus Media and Science, Naturally! By night, she transitions to her art studio, immersing herself in the emotional message of her own mythic stories.

As a member of the Society of Illustrators, Eilie blends professional precision with a soul-deep invitation to a meditative path toward discovery. She creates children’s books and graphic novels featuring whimsical characters and fantastical worlds, where imagination bridges ideas, hearts, and the creative spirit. By refining her ethereal illustrations into their most enchanting form, she ensures every character, symbol, and layout serves a higher creative purpose.

For Eilie, bookmaking is the intentional act of awakening the imagination and distilling the mundane into the magical, turning every page into a transformative experience for readers of all ages. When she isn’t at the drafting table, she is busy sharing these stories with her new baby, who currently serves as her most honest (and toughest) junior editor.

Eilie is currently open to inquiries regarding illustration and author-illustrator projects.

Connect: eilieastara@gmail.com

Skills

Art & Design: Creative Direction, Art Direction, Illustration, Design, Layout, Publication Design, Typography, Brand Identity, Visual Storytelling, Print & Digital, Web Design & Styling (HTML/CSS)

Technical: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Acrobat), Canva, Procreate, Clip Studio Paint, MS Office, HTML, CSS, JavaScript

Creative: Storyboarding, Visual Narrative Development, Color Theory, Composition, Print Production

Interpersonal: Cross-Functional Collaboration, Team Leadership, Mentorship, Client Communication, Creative Management, Relationship Building, Vendor Management

Exhibitions

  • Joy Art Show. Falls Church Art Gallery, February-April 2026

  • SCBWI NYC Conference Illustrator Showcase, January 2026

  • Power in Numbers 7: Postcard Art Show at Gallery Nucleus, October 2022

  • Silverspring Halloween Market, October 2022

  • Manassas Halloween Market, October 2022

  • Burke Centre Festival, September 2022

  • Fairfax Comic Con, August 2022

  • Toronto Comic Arts Festival, June 2022

  • Toronto Comic Arts Digital Festival, May 2020

  • Vancouver Comic Arts Festival, May 2018

  • Fremont Farmer’s Market, 2016-2018

  • Spring for Zines!, April 2018

  • SCBWI Seattle Conference Illustrator Showcase, May 2018

  • Drawn to Books Exhibition, Seattle City Hall, Jan 2018

  • artEast Fantastical Worlds Exhibition, Nov 2017

  • SCBWI Exhibition, WA State Convention Center, Aug 2016

  • Seattle Barnes & Noble B-Fest Featured Artist, July 2016

  • RAW Artists Showcase June 2016

Recognition & Highlights

  • Kickstarter Success: Launched my original graphic novel raising $10,000+

  • Award-Winning Design: contributed to 30+ educational board games designed and illustrated, earning 60+ industry awards

  • 10+ self-published children’s books and graphic novels

Awards

  • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Fellowship (2011-2012)

  • VCU Dean’s List (2009-2013)

  • K.I. Dean’s Scholarship (2012-2013)

  • Dean’s Scholarship (2012)

  • K.I. Award of Excellence (2011)

  • SimplyFun Board Game: Owl Solve That! (lead designer), Teachers' Choice Award (2019)

  • SimplyFun Board Game: ARTributes: Describe & Draw (lead designer), Play on Words (PAL) Award (2018)

  • SimplyFun Board Game: ARTributes: Describe & Draw (lead designer), Play on Words (PAL) Top Ten (2018)

  • SimplyFun Board Game: Amalgam (co-designer), Mensa Select Winner (2018)

  • SimplyFun Board Game: Tempting Treats (lead designer), National Parenting Product Awards (2017)

  • SimplyFun Board Game: What If? Chat Ring (lead designer), Moms' Choice Awards (2017)

  • SimplyFun Board Game: What If? Chat Ring (lead designer), Moms' Best Award (2017)

  • SimplyFun Board Game: What If? Chat Ring (lead designer), Parents' Choice Approved (2017)

  • SimplyFun Board Game: Animal Snacks (lead designer), National Parenting Product Awards (2016)

  • SimplyFun Board Game: Alphabet Woods (co-designer), Play on Words (PAL) Awards (2016)

  • SimplyFun Board Game: Alphabet Woods (co-designer), Play on Words (PAL) Top Ten (2016)

Memberships