Illustrator Spotlight: Farnaz Nadim

© Farnaz Nadim

 Dec. 1, 2024

We are pleased to feature illustrator Farnaz Nadim and her website banner design for Kidlit411. Welcome!

Tell us about yourself and how you came to illustrate for children

 

I discovered my passion for art during high school when I enrolled in a painting class during summer break. This experience ultimately guided me towards art school, where I majored in Persian Art and Handicrafts, later obtaining a master's degree in Graphic Design, and eventually becoming a college instructor.

 

© Farnaz Nadim

Later, while reading to my kids, I developed a deep love for children's books. I designed some novelty books based on my background in graphic design, but I wanted to explore visual storytelling further and delve into picture books. Therefore, I enrolled in several illustration courses, and my artwork was showcased in various exhibitions.

 

© Farnaz Nadim

After our family's move to the United States in 2020, I committed to my dream of becoming a full-time illustrator. I've since been refining my skills and learning more about the industry through different resources like SCBWI and Kidlit411.

 

Congrats on your website banner design? How did you approach this project?

© Farnaz Nadim

 

Thank you for providing artists the opportunity to share their art!

 

In designing the banner, my aim was to visually capture the essence of KidLit411. To achieve this, I chose to incorporate birds into the design. After various sketches featuring birds and books, I found inspiration in my daughter's love for reading. Her favorite lounging pose while immersed in a book perfectly suited the banner's wide format. Initially, I had the birds carrying the logo as a carriage with ropes, but ultimately decided to depict them flying freely out of the book to evoke a sense of imagination and magic.

 

© Farnaz Nadim

What is your preferred medium and illustration process?

  

Although I have focused on digital illustrations recently, I enjoy experimenting with various traditional materials, particularly mixed media. In the future, I aspire to invest in a high-quality scanner or camera, which would allow me to blend digital and traditional techniques in my artwork. That would provide me with the best of both worlds, enabling me to explore new creative possibilities.

© Farnaz Nadim

 

What projects are you working on now?

 

I'm currently refining my portfolio to start seeking representation. In addition, I'm working on a book dummy that I've been developing for quite some time. It's an exciting project, and I'm eager to see where this book takes me!

© Farnaz Nadim

 

What is one thing most people don't know about you?

 

One thing most people don't know about me is my immense passion for creating. Whether it's an art piece, a design, or crafting with various materials like paper, cloth, or recycled items, I'm constantly engaged in some form of creative activity. I find great joy and satisfaction in the process of bringing new creations to life.

 

© Farnaz Nadim

Where can people find you online?

 

You can find me with my name everywhere: website: farnaznadim.com Instagram and Bluesky: farnaznadim

 

Farnaz Nadim is a visual artist and illustrator who’s born and raised in Tehran, Iran. She discovered her love for art during high school and graduated with a master’s degree in Graphic Design. She started her career as an art instructor, but she became fascinated by children's books when read to her kids. After moving to California with her husband, and two children in 2020, Farnaz decided to chase her dream of becoming a full time illustrator.

 

Her recent achievements include winning the first place in 2024 SCBWI-SoCal calendar design contest, obtaining Honorable Mention in 2024 PB Rising Stars, as well Honorable Mention in KidLit411 Banner Design Contest.