Ashley Herman is a self-taught illustrator originally from Minnesota whose work features a retro style, nature, graphite lines, and cute characters. Her illustrations draw inspiration from mid-century illustrators and natural environments. She works in traditional materials.

Her work is inspired by illustrators such as Robert McCloskey, E.H. Shephard, Leonard Weisgard, Pauline Baynes, and Mary Blair. One of her favorite illustrated books is The Little Golden Guide to Stars. She loves to create a sense of nostalgia, and childhood magic in her work. Something between Brambly Hedge, Little House on the Prairie, Narnia, and Winnie the Pooh.

She also finds inspiration in film, and animation such as the movies Klaus, Sea Beast, Prince of Egypt, and Black Stallion,