Interview
Sahar Sabaghi
Sahar Sabbaghi, born on August 14, 1980 in Tehran, Iran, is a Vancouver-based graphic designer and visual artist with over 20 years of experience in advertising, illustration, and visual storytelling. Her work blends modern minimalism with traditional Iranian motifs, creating a visual language that reflects cultural fusion, identity, and contemporary storytelling. Inspired by modern art movements, fashion, and music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, her practice explores emotion, memory, and visual rhythm. Recently, she has expanded her creative work into children’s literature, writing and illustrating a book that is currently in the publishing process.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I studied graphic design from high school through university and gradually built her career in the art and advertising industry. Over time, I developed a strong focus on cultural fusion, identity, and contemporary visual narratives. Recently, I have also written and illustrated a children’s book, which is currently in the publishing process, expanding my creative practice into storytelling for younger audiences.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“Yes, social and political issues definitely influence my work. I am an artist who is inspired by my surroundings and the world I live in, but I also deeply integrate the heritage of authentic Persian art and traditional elements into my practice. At the same time, music plays a very important role in shaping my visual language, especially sounds from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, which strongly influence the mood, rhythm, and atmosphere of my work.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“For my painting and artistic work, such as painting on glass objects or using different tools, I usually start very intuitively and emotionally. The projects often begin in a free and spontaneous way, and then gradually become more structured and purposeful as they develop. For commissioned work, I follow the client’s needs and requirements, whether it is advertising design or a custom painting for a specific space. However, even in these projects, my own perspective, feeling, and artistic identity are always present in the final result. For my illustration work, inspiration often comes from reading, poetry, or listening to music. I develop ideas through hand sketches and gradually build them into the final composition.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“Because of my interest in fashion and style, I always follow current trends and visual directions in the fashion world. I also sometimes work as a fashion stylist for both women and men, and this naturally influences my design work. However, even though I stay aware of trends, I try to create work that is timeless, so it does not feel outdated over time and can remain visually relevant in the future.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“The process and materials I use depend on each project and its purpose. I often choose my materials based on the concept, and sometimes I combine different media together. However, I never start working in Adobe software without first making hand-drawn sketches. For advertising and graphic design projects, I usually begin with sketches and then continue the work in Photoshop and Illustrator. For my paintings, I use different traditional materials such as acrylic, poster color, and colored inks. For glass painting, I work with vitrail paints and pastes. Overall, my process always starts with hand sketches, and then develops through a mix of traditional and digital techniques.”
What does your art mean to you?
“I really like a phrase I often use: ‘Art is around you, design is before you.’ For me, art exists everywhere. Every moment, there is a new image in front of us—in nature, in everyday life, and even in the sounds we hear. An artist is someone who sees and feels beyond what others notice, and then transforms those hidden details into visual expression. My art is a way of observing the world more deeply and turning those experiences into something meaningful and creative.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“It is difficult for me to choose only one favourite artwork, as there are many pieces I deeply admire. I have always been inspired by artists such as Modigliani, Picasso, and M. C. Escher, and I really appreciate the creative world of artists from that era. At the same time, I also admire many contemporary artists, including some of my friends, colleagues, and former classmates from art school. Their work continues to inspire me, as I find value in both historical masters and the creativity of today’s emerging artists.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have participated in several group exhibitions during my high school and university years. These exhibitions included works in printmaking, graphic design, illustration, and photography.”
Website: www.saharartstudio.com
Instagram: @vabnad.saharart
Other links: www.linkedin.com/in/sahar-sabaghi
