Discover the magical world of freelance illustrator and character designer Arezou Gholizadeh (@Arezou69195500). Her work brings dreams to life, singing lullabies of love, peace and kindness. She has 24 years of experience as a physical artist. Over the past three decades, she has illustrated around 30 children’s and teenage books in Iran, as well as participating in several group exhibitions within the country and abroad.
She finds inspiration for her imaginative storytelling and soul-embracing visuals in silence, where myths and fantasy are brought to life. For Arezou, art is not just a profession, but a divine mission to promote beauty and compassion in humanity. Read the inspiring interview to find out how she transforms the world into captivating illustrations that speak to the heart.
🟥 Can you share a bit about your background and the journey that led you to becoming an artist?
I am Arezou Gholizadeh! I’m Iranian! I’m a freelance illustrator and character designer, a permanent member of the Iranian Illustrators Association. I am a physical artist with 24 years of experience. I started painting when I was 15 years old and illustrated nearly 30 titles of books for children and teenagers that were published in Iran. Moreover I participated in numerous group illustration exhibitions in Iran and abroad. Also I sing lullabies to the world with my dreams which are based on my own imaginary story; In order to It can open it’s eyes a morning with love, peace and kindness!
🟥 Was there a defining moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue art seriously?
What has kept me determined to pursue art from the very beginning has been nothing but the voice of my heart. My motivation to become and remain an artist comes entirely from within.
🟥 Do you remember the first piece of art you created, and what inspired you to make it?
Yes, I remember, and it was inspired by one of my dreams.
🟥 What inspires you the most when creating your art?
The world of nature and the silence within it — there is a constant dialogue between all possibilities of existence, both living and non-living. These conversations can only be heard through silence, deep listening, and infinite observation.
🟥 Are there specific activities, rituals, or moments that fuel your creativity?
I am deeply fascinated by legends, myths, and folklore. They are filled with the spirit of imagination, allowing me to escape and dream freely. This dreaming, however, originates from within me — I revisit these stories in my solitude and silence, reshaping, interpreting, and visualizing them in my own way.
🟥 How would you personally define art, and what deeper meaning does it hold for you?
To me, art is the pure expression of a mission that God has entrusted to my soul. By nurturing myself and my character, I continuously refine the image of this spirit, making it clearer for the world through my illustrations. A mission whose ultimate outcome is love and creation.
🟥 What part of the creative journey excites you the most — conceiving an idea, the act of creating, or finishing the piece?
In truth, I see all three of these stages as essential parts of creating an artwork — each one must be carried out. The moment I envision an idea, I feel a deep excitement, and this sense of exhilaration stays with me throughout the entire creative process, from execution to completion.
🟥 Do you follow a structured plan when creating art, or is your process more spontaneous?
My process is entirely spontaneous.
🟥 What time of day do you feel the most creative, and why do you prefer that time for your work?
There isn’t a specific time of day for me. Creativity may come to me at any point throughout the day, unpredictably. However, if I were to choose a time that brings me the most peace, it would be night, with its unparalleled silence.
🟥 Do you listen to music while creating, and how does it influence your process?
Listening to instrumental music has a greater impact on me. It takes me to a world where I am allowed to create words and phrases, weaving them together to tell my own story. Then, I can translate the music into my own visual narrative.
🟥 Do you have any specific rituals or routines you follow before starting a new project?
Yes, definitely! First, I research the topic thoroughly, gathering all the necessary information. Once the narrative is formed, I begin creating the storyboard. Then, I move on to designing the characters and working on the composition of the piece.
🟥 What is the most challenging aspect of creating art, and how do you navigate those?
It’s about not being a literal narrator of words but having the ability to convey our personal interpretation of a story, poem, etc., while maintaining the original structure. In other words, we should be able to read the text once through the writer’s lens and once through the illustrator’s perspective (which, of course, would differ when the illustrator is also the writer).
🟥 What keeps you motivated during times when creativity feels like a struggle?
My God, who always speaks to me through my heart and keeps the feeling of creativity alive within me forever.
🟥 Can you share an experience or lesson that contributed the most to your growth as an artist?
For 12 years, I worked as a graphic designer and print supervisor, with no opportunity to focus on illustration or pursue my personal passion. I was very upset because my heart was telling me something different, but due to my circumstances, I had to do something else. Every night, after coming home from work, I would illustrate until midnight, despite all the exhaustion. It was very taxing on me. But in reality, I was fighting for myself, for my heart! Finally, with God’s help and support, I succeeded. Perhaps if it hadn’t been for that hard work and those experiences, I would never have become so proficient in my craft from all aspects.
🟥 Is there a piece of advice you received that completely changed the way you create or think about art?
Not until now! A few years ago, a process and way of thinking started to form within me, and it continues to grow and blossom with me every moment.
🟥 When you view a piece of art, what qualities or emotions do you look for?
I am in search of the authentic identity of an artist. An identity that is pure and unique to itself, not a copy of someone else’s model.
🟥 How do you perceive art’s purpose and its impact on individuals and society?
Art is a soul that can be breathed into the body of a community and its people. The more authentic the artist, the more life and mental well-being they bring to society. The purpose of art should be to elevate souls.
🟥 In your view, what do concepts like “passion” and “uniqueness” represent in art?
They reflect the uniqueness of that artist!
🟥 What are the non-negotiable essentials in your workspace?
It allows the artist, who is unique in their own style and approach, to play a role. However, society, due to its low taste and lack of visual literacy, doesn’t offer them the opportunity to be present.
🟥 Do you have a favorite tool or object in your studio that holds sentimental value?
All my papers, pencils, brushes, and paints are filled with emotional value for me.
🟥 What’s the one thing you always need by your side while creating art?
God, myself, silence!
🟥 Who are the artists or people you admire the most, and why?
I admire Leonardo da Vinci for his exploratory spirit and his unparalleled mastery in sculpting light and shadow.
🟥 Imagine you could create a piece of art in collaboration with someone from history. Who would you choose and why?
I would choose Pablo Picasso for collaboration because of his courage and audacity in breaking conventions and creating a fresh philosophy.
🟥 What’s your superpower?
My great and merciful God. I draw all my strength and hope from speaking with Him and being in solitude with Him.
🟥 What does success as an artist mean to you — recognition, impact, or something else entirely?
Knowledge, along with the ability to influence towards peace, love, and tranquility.
🟥 Can you tell us about a piece of your art that holds a special place in your heart and why it’s so meaningful to you?
Yes, definitely! I love all my works, but I have a special fondness for “Goleba and Pear Tree,” as it is based on my own mental narrative. The story goes like this:
“Every night under the moonlight, Goleba was reading to her pear tree the stories of the roses in her garden. Because the pear tree did not remember itself! Goleba was reading stories! Kind rabbits were playing her stories and the moon was pouring tea for the pear tree. They romantically; Without the slightest fatigue, were repeating this every night. Until the pear tree remembered that it should brings pears!”
It is meaningful to me because the story refers to people who, for various reasons, have forgotten themselves and live in suffering, unaware of who they truly are. “Golba” symbolizes a lover who dedicates their entire being to freeing them from the chains of darkness and the pain of forgetfulness.
🟥 What are your dreams or goals for the future?
It is to be able to introduce myself as an independent artist to the world and create dreams for them. Dreams made of kindness!
🟥 How would you define a “creative person”?
Someone who is solely and completely loyal to their true self and expresses their inner essence with boldness. (Of course, in the direction of beauty and establishing tranquility, not chaos.)
🟥 In your opinion, what are the positive and negative differences between being an artist today and being an artist a century ago?
Its positive difference may lie in the advancement of design tools and materials, execution techniques, and the easy access to visual resources for study. However, in my opinion, its negative impacts outweigh the positives. Many people who have no artistic ability and whose only concern is being seen quickly take advantage of these tools, creating visual chaos. On the other hand, some who possess a bit of artistry are hindered from thinking and creating from within, resorting to these resources to create their work, which unfortunately results in pieces that lack depth and impact.
🟥 In your opinion, what are the best and most challenging aspects of being an artist?
Having a unique perspective and idea when approaching various subjects while maintaining one’s personal style and aesthetic.
🟥 What advice would you give to aspiring artists who want to build a meaningful career?
They should constantly strive to understand the essence of their own being, as this self-awareness and acting upon it guarantee the authenticity of our art. We must remain loyal to our beliefs, stepping from one stage to the next, until we reach enlightenment, for art is the ever-living spirit of life.
Relevant Links:
Instagram: instagram.com/arezou_gh_0
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/arezou-gholizadeh-bb8425201/
Twitter: x.com/Arezou69195500
Foundation: foundation.app/@Arezou
Note: The answers given by the artist have been quoted verbatim without any editing to preserve the artist’s authentic voice for our readers.
