Overview
Eshi (絵師) is a endearing Japanese term on the internet by those who appreciate the works artist. There are often given this name within subcultures. Another, more respectful term of this is painter-sama (絵師様).
Although it is an honorific, albeit slang term, many individuals in private conversations or on subculture-related message boards refer to themselves as eshi, or to all illustrators, including themselves, collectively as eshi. However, there has been a movement to make it inappropriate to call oneself an eshi or an amateur an eshi.
However, the term has become an established honorary title for illustrators, and in subculture related information exchange forums.
