About me

Hi, I’m Yasmin Esteves.

I am an artist focusing on environmental layouts, and I’m diving into storyboarding and animation as well. Animation has many layers, and I am continuously learning and pushing myself to grow in the field. It’s a craft I am deeply passionate about, and I’m always excited to continue exploring aspects of it.

I moved to the U.S. from Mexico City when I was 3, and I’ve lived in Chicago ever since. The shift from such a big city like Mexico City to Chicago was a huge change, but it’s also what helped shape my childhood and perspective on the world. Growing up in this vibrant, colorful city has been a big part of my artistic journey. From a young age, I was surrounded by art in all forms—crocheting, drawing, and painting murals. My neighborhood was a constant source of inspiration, and school was where I began to dive deeper into my creative side.

Along the way, I had some incredible mentors who really shaped who I am as an artist today. In middle and high school, I was lucky to have Mrs. Locke, my art teacher, who introduced me to the fundamentals of art. She taught me how to meet deadlines, work through projects with dedication, and how important it is to bring the best of yourself to every creative endeavor. She helped me understand what it meant to be part of a larger artistic community, and I’ll always be grateful for her support and guidance.

Later, I connected with local artist Nancy Rosen, who opened my eyes to the world of solo studio work and creative independence. She helped me embrace my own process, feel deeply about my work, and not be afraid to pour my emotions into it. Nancy’s influence has been a huge part of how I approach both my art and life—she taught me the value of truly feeling what I’m working on, both internally and externally.

As I continued on my path, I faced some tough financial struggles growing up in a lower-income family. Being a DACA student added extra challenges, but I always pushed forward. I had to step up, take responsibility, and work hard to save up for my education. I attended Wilbur Wright Community College and earned my associate’s degree, all while continuing to explore different career paths. Even though I took classes in film, photography, and music, art always called me back. I knew that no matter what, creative expression would always be a core part of who I am.

Along the way, I became drawn to animation specifically. I realized that it’s the perfect medium for me to bring together my love for storytelling, world-building, and creating experiences that resonate on a personal level. Animation allows me to dive into different worlds, and I love the process of building stories with other people. Whether it’s bouncing ideas around or helping bring concepts to life, working on collaborative projects is one of the things I enjoy most.

Right now, I’m finishing my animation degree at Columbia College Chicago, where I’m continuing to hone my skills and expand my knowledge. I live with my family and my dog, Fanny, who’s a constant source of joy. Every day, I’m more excited to take on new challenges in the animation world and continue to grow in my career. Outside of school, I work at Home Depot, and I find so much inspiration in talking to customers about their projects and experiences. Every story shared reminds me of the world around me and influences my work in unexpected ways.

Looking ahead, I’m ready to keep building on everything I’ve learned and take my passion for animation to the next level. I’m excited for the future and the endless opportunities that come with it, and I can’t wait to see where this creative journey takes me.