When other kids were in sports, I was in art classes daydreaming of becoming a designer. Now I spend my days working on that dream: working in fashion, graphic design and illustration.

I studied product development at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in LA, where I was able to develop the aesthetic sense so central to my upbringing into professional knowledge of design principles and the technological skills necessary to realize the products I envision. I learned color theory, typography, illustration, photo editing, sewing, and pattern-making. Now these are the tools I draw upon to create art and products that express my experience and point of view.

I am a child of Persian Immigrants who left Iran before the 1979 Revolution because of religious persecution. As members of the Baha’i Faith, they had always experienced prejudice, but under the new regime, the systematic attacks toward Baha’is intensified. Had my parents remained in Iran I would be living a completely different life. Growing up outside of Iran, never allowed to visit, has only strengthened my desire to have a deep connection to my heritage. I dream of a day when I can go visit my parents’ home country and experience its rich culture and history. I pray for change so I can return with my family. In the meantime, I will share the Iran of my dreams through my illustrations.