Meet illustrator from Tehran, Narjes Mohammadi

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in Mashhad, then moved to Tehran to study in higher educations. I studied Graphic Design at university, but designing a poster or logo wasn’t enough for me. I was looking for something to present my emotions, perspective to the world, and feelings. Something that presents my personality. Then I fell in love with illustration and my life changed forever.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

I’ve been living in Tehran (the capital city of Iran) for the last ten years. Tehran is overcrowded, most of the times is polluted and full of huge office buildings as well as other megacities, but there are also many galleries and art centres. It’s the major centre of lots of publishing houses and magazines, so I can access so many opportunities easily. Tit for tat!

The best thing about living in Tehran is being in a connection with many professional artists and having access to libraries and workshops.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The best thing about living in Tehran is being in a connection with many professional artists and having access to libraries and workshops. Though a good view and fresh air are rare in this city. I ought to go to the countryside to do sketches for my projects.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

That’s a tough question. Mixing and matching traditional and modern techniques and symbols.

How did you start your career in art?

My first job was a part-time graphic designer in a studio. Then I continue by doing illustrations for magazines and newspapers.

My first job was a part-time graphic designer in a studio. Then I continue by doing illustrations for magazines and newspapers.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

Somehow. It wasn’t a well-paid job in comparison with a dentist. That’s why my parents were worried about the future. My spouse was the only one who has supported me all the time.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I have an ambition to feel the world with my illustrations.

I have an ambition to feel the world with my illustrations.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

That’s a nice question. I wish I could collaborate with Oliver Jeffers, animation and movie studios like Studio AKA.

How would you describe the women around you?

There are many powerful female artists around me, who work independently. They do their best to.

There are many powerful female artists around me, who work independently. They do their best to.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

Although there were many creative female artists in my hometown, I didn’t know them. Frida was my first hero. I read her notes several times. Reading her notes and reviewing her paintings made me alive.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

There are lots of things. Working in an unfair market is the most difficult challenge in this industry. You have to work harder if you are a female. And if you come from the middle east you ought to try more than American or European female artists.

You are unique. Believe in it.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Respect your feminine feelings and present them in your artworks. Don’t change your style because of the market. You are unique. Believe in it.

Photos courtesy of Narjes Mohammadi