We recently connected with Atieh Sohrabi and have shared our conversation below.

Atieh, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

As an Iranian illustrator, I worked with many Iranian publishers back home, and in 2015, when I moved to the U.S. whit my family, I hoped that my professional background would help me transition smoothly as an artist in a new country.
However, it wasn’t as straightforward as I had anticipated. I faced many challenges, from building connections in a new country to finding opportunities to showcase my work.it certainly wasn’t a steady source of income from the beginning.
To build my network, I focused instantly on my Instagram, sharing self-commission pieces daily to showcase my style and engage with an international audience. I applied to numerous fairs and exhibitions, hoping to find a community that would connect with my work and story.
When I received my first commission from NPR, it was a turning point. It felt like a confirmation that I was on the right path, and it encouraged me to keep pushing forward.

Atieh, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Atieh Sohrabi, an Iranian illustrator and visual artist based in New York. My work is rooted in my culture heritage, with a focus on intricate, colorful designs inspired by Persian art. I specialize in creating vibrant illustrations and paintings that often depict Middle eastern women, blending traditional floral patterns with modern visual storytelling.
Since moving to the U.S. in 2015, I’ve worked to build a bridge between my culture roots and broader, diverse audiences i engage with now. I strive to create pieces that are not only visually striking but also meaningful, inviting viewers to explore stories that celebrate resilience, beauty, and tradition.
I think that sets my work apart is my dedication to merging bold colors and detailed patterns that reflect my heritage, while also reaching people from various backgrounds who find a connection to my art. One of my proudest moments has been having a piece included in Women Defining Women in Contemporary Art of the Middle East and Beyond, and exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
It was an incredible the voices and perspectives of Middle Eastern women.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view society can best support artists and foster a thriving creative ecosystem by prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility. As an immigrant artist, I understand the challenges of navigating a new system without established connections or guidance.
Simplifying access to grants and resources, creating mentorship and networking opportunities, and amplifying diverse voices are essential steps. By removing barriers and celebrating the unique contribution of all artists, society, can create an environment where creativity flourishes and enriches everyone.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I started working on my instagram, I had no idea how to build it, attract an audience, or decide what to post. It took time to find my way, and I believe everyone has their own unique approach. However, I didn’t give up, I kept working consistently on my subjects and ideas. Over time, I realized that the people who appreciated my work naturally started following me, and I was able to create a meaningful connection with them through my art.
My advice to artists looking to grow their audience is to trust their feelings and ideas, work on them consistently, and share their creativity authentically. When you stay true to yourself, your audience will find you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://atiehsohrabi.wixsite.com/atieh-sohrabi/portfolio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atieh.sohrabi/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atieh-sohrabi-464a3857
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/atiehsohrabi?lang=en