We recently connected with Mahsa Dehghan and have shared our conversation below.

Mahsa, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I lived in Iran for most of my life, working as a designer by day and pursuing photography and illustration projects after hours. One of my personal projects was photographing street sellers, people who set up small stands or carry their goods through crowded sidewalks. I was drawn to them not just visually, but because I love talking to people and hearing their stories. Every person I met had a unique and inspiring journey.

One woman, in particular, left a deep impact on me. She sold clothing and socks, and during our conversation, she opened up about her childhood in poverty, her experience with female genital mutilation, and the challenges she faced as she entered adulthood. She came from a small village, and I remember thinking how much life seemed to have changed in recent decades, education had spread, conversations were more open, yet oppression of women had only shifted form. It might not always be physical mutilation anymore, but it still appears in beauty standards, cosmetic surgeries, the influence of pornography, and countless other ways that women are shaped, limited, or judged simply because of their gender.

That conversation became the seed for my “Untrimmed” collection. I combined elements of traditional Iranian art, known as Tazhib, with depictions of the female body, unaltered, natural, and as intricate and beautiful as the Iranian art itself. It was my way of reclaiming and reframing the conversation: honoring women’s bodies in their most authentic form, while weaving them into the richness of cultural heritage.

The Untrimmed collection grew into seven pieces, each with its own story drawn from the women I met and the conversations we shared. Some speak to resilience in the face of cultural pressures, some to the courage of self-acceptance, and others to the beauty found in imperfections that society often tries to hide.

In each piece, the female form is shown natural and unaltered, accompanied by a single Persian Tazhib flower, a dialogue between tradition and truth. This delicate flower recalls the richness of cultural heritage, and beside the female forms it emphasizes that beauty is not something to be carved, trimmed, or corrected. It already exists, intertwined with history and personal narrative.

For me, Untrimmed is not just an art series. It is a visual archive of trust of women who allowed me into their stories, and part of my own journey to understand how culture, gender, and beauty intersect. Each artwork carries a conversation that began on the busy streets of Iran and continues wherever the work is shown.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a senior graphic and motion designer with a passion for storytelling through visual communication. My journey began in a small town in Iran, where, as a teenager, I explored various artistic disciplines including graphic design, oil painting, and animation. At eighteen, I moved to Tehran to deepen my skills in illustration, graphic design, and photography.

Early in my career, I painted traditional Iranian motifs on everyday objects like clocks and mirror frames to make a living. Over time, my work evolved, and I transitioned into professional graphic design, adding motion graphics to my skill set to help clients communicate their brand stories more dynamically. For me, every project is like solving a puzzle; it’s about understanding the client’s vision and challenges and creating a visual solution that connects deeply with their audience.

I’ve worked with diverse clients across Iran and Dubai, from food brands to banks and mobile apps, tailoring creative strategies that reflect the unique tastes and cultural nuances of different markets. In 2020, my billboard designs for the *Top* app were displayed in fifty cities across Iran, which was a valuable experience for me.

Seeking new challenges and perspectives, I moved to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree in Graphic Design at Pittsburg State University. Since then, I’ve been honored to receive ten advertising awards, including Gold and Silver ADDY Awards and the Mosaic Award, which recognize creativity and excellence in design.

What sets me apart is my global perspective gained from working with clients from various cultures and industries. This diversity has broadened my understanding of how advertising resonates differently around the world and sharpened my ability to create designs that are culturally sensitive yet universally compelling.

In addition to commercial work, I’m deeply invested in personal art projects that explore social themes and storytelling. Some of my collections include *Street Sellers* photography, *Untrimmed*, a painting series, and *The Bird Will Carry Me* illustration collection.

My work is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and a dedication to telling authentic stories. Whether through a bold campaign or a personal artwork, I strive to create visuals that not only look beautiful but also spark connection and understanding.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative person for me is the ability to tell stories, whether for people or businesses, that truly connect with others. I love transforming ideas and experiences into visuals that spark empathy, curiosity, and understanding or help businesses achieve their goals.

Solving creative challenges for my clients brings me joy, and through my personal art projects, I explore important social themes and give voice to stories that might otherwise go unheard.

Creativity allows me to build meaningful connections and make a real impact beyond just the visuals.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Non-creatives might struggle to understand that creatives move through life seeing and feeling differently. Where others see the ordinary, we notice hidden stories, details, and emotional undercurrents. This sensitivity fuels our work, but can also make us feel out of step with a world that values speed over depth. Our journey is about turning this unique way of seeing into something others can experience too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mahsadehghan.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: @graphic_mahsadehghan
• Facebook: N/a
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahsadehghan
• Twitter: N/a
• Youtube: N/a
• Yelp: N/a
• Soundcloud: N/a
• Other: N/a

Image Credits

Mahsa Dehghan