Afsan (@4FS4N) paints from a place where the real and the imaginary meet — where daily life, personal reflection, and emotion take visual form. A painter and digital artist who sees creativity as her native language, she uses art to process the world around her and give shape to the world within. Her work speaks softly yet powerfully, exploring identity, memory, and social experience with a delicate intensity. In this thoughtful interview, she opens up about her inspirations, her process, and the way she weaves reality and imagination into every piece she creates.
🟥 Can you share a bit about your background and the journey that led you to becoming an artist?
I have been interested in painting since I was a child, and I tried to create things I wanted with collage and pasting. I majored in graphic design at university, but later I realized that painting is something that brings me closer to my ideas to express my ideas in depth. I started painting seriously and as a self-taught artist in 2013. I had many group and solo exhibitions and also had two of my works published in the American magazine “Hand”.
I started digital painting when I entered Web3, because I wanted to create a new world with new tools, and also the NFT space demanded it.
🟥 Was there a defining moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue art seriously?
Yes, as I mentioned that. I treated art as something personal, something I did for myself. But the turning point came when I realized that my work resonated with others — that it had the power to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and even challenge perspectives. One particular moment was when I exhibited my work and saw firsthand how people connected with my paintings. That experience made me realize that art is not just a passion. My goal was to commit myself fully to it from that moment on, not just as an artist, but as someone who wanted to make a meaningful impact through creativity.
🟥 Do you remember the first piece of art you created, and what inspired you to make it?
Yes, I remember it well. The piece “Her Eyes” was inspired by a poem by the Iranian poet Hafez and was created for a girl who had lost her eyes.
🟥 What inspires you the most when creating your art?
Well, before I was mostly concerned with women and the limitations they face (because of the clothes I live in), but my new work is more influenced by femininity, growth, and nature.
🟥 Are there specific activities, rituals, or moments that fuel your creativity?
Generally I paint my ideas and feelings, but if there is a calling to a subject that I can connect with, yes.
🟥 How would you personally define art, and what deeper meaning does it hold for you?
For me, art is a language one that goes beyond words and speaks directly to the soul. It’s a bridge between the inner world and the outer reality, a way to capture emotions, experiences, and ideas that might otherwise remain unseen. Art is both deeply personal and universally connected; it allows us to express our truths while also resonating with others on an emotional level.
On a deeper level, art is a form of freedom. It’s where I can be my most authentic self, unbound by rules or limitations. It’s also a way of exploring themes that are important to me, especially the relationship between femininity and nature, transformation, and self-discovery. Through my work, I seek to create a space where people can pause, reflect, and perhaps even see a part of themselves within the colors and forms I create.
🟥 What part of the creative journey excites you the most — conceiving an idea, the act of creating, or finishing the piece?
Creating and finishing. Because when I finish my work, sometimes the result surprises even me.
🟥 Do you follow a structured plan when creating art, or is your process more spontaneous?
I create spontaneously most of the time, unless I have received a feeling from nature somewhere and it has influenced me.
🟥 What time of day do you feel the most creative, and why do you prefer that time for your work?
It depends on my mood. Sometimes I resort to creating to get rid of my thoughts, but most of the time I do it at night when it’s calmer and I don’t have any worries.
🟥 Do you listen to music while creating, and how does it influence your process?
Yes, I always listen to music, it increases my energy. But sometimes I prefer to listen to the sound of my thoughts while creating.
🟥 Do you have any specific rituals or routines you follow before starting a new project?
No, not at all, I’m just starting.
🟥 What is the most challenging aspect of creating art, and how do you navigate those?
In my opinion, it’s when I work on a piece for a long time and don’t get results. So I abandon that work and come back to it after a while.
🟥 What keeps you motivated during times when creativity feels like a struggle?
When creativity feels like a struggle, I remind myself that it’s just part of the artistic journey. Nature is a big source of inspiration for me, walking outside, observing light and colors, or simply listening to the sound of water helps me reconnect. I also look back at my previous works to see how much I’ve grown. Watching animations and films is another way I reignite my creativity, as they offer new perspectives and visual storytelling that inspire me. Most importantly, I allow myself to rest, knowing that creativity always returns when the mind is ready.
🟥 Can you share an experience or lesson that contributed the most to your growth as an artist?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as an artist is that persistence matters more than perfection. There was a time when I doubted my work because it didn’t get the recognition I hoped for. But I realized that art isn’t just about external validation, it’s about staying true to my vision and continuing to create, even when things feel uncertain.
Another defining experience was earning a residency in France. It reinforced the idea that growth comes from stepping outside my comfort zone, embracing challenges, and constantly evolving. Every artwork, successful or not, is a step forward in my journey.
🟥 Is there a piece of advice you received that completely changed the way you create or think about art?
No, I don’t think anything happened.
🟥 When you view a piece of art, what qualities or emotions do you look for?
My impression of the artwork.
🟥 How do you perceive art’s purpose and its impact on individuals and society?
Art is a powerful form of expression that helps individuals explore emotions and find identity. It also sparks conversations, challenges perspectives, and brings awareness to important issues in society. Whether personal or collective, art has the power to inspire, heal, and transform.
🟥 In your view, what do concepts like “passion” and “uniqueness” represent in art?
Passion is what makes art meaningful — it’s the feeling and energy behind every piece. Uniqueness comes from being true to yourself and creating in your way, without trying to copy others.
🟥 What are the non-negotiable essentials in your workspace?
I don’t think there is anything special.
🟥 Do you have a favorite tool or object in your studio that holds sentimental value?
All my tools are valuable to me, because with them I create my feelings and my works.
🟥 What’s the one thing you always need by your side while creating art?
Currently iPad and Sketchbook.
🟥 Who are the artists or people you admire the most, and why?
I admire artists who are fearless in expressing themselves and bring depth to their work. Those who blend emotion, storytelling, and strong visuals inspire me the most. I’m also drawn to creators who push boundaries and evolve constantly, staying true to their vision while exploring new ideas.
🟥 Imagine you could create a piece of art in collaboration with someone from history. Who would you choose and why?
I have done a few pieces in collaboration with a friend (Diyaco Paymazd), who is a 3D artist. But in the future I would like to collaborate with other artists who work in different media than me.
🟥 What’s your superpower?
My superpower is my ability to express emotions and stories through art. I can turn feelings into visuals, creating pieces that connect with people on a deep level. Also, my persistence no matter the challenges, I keep creating and evolving.
🟥 What does success as an artist mean to you — recognition, impact, or something else entirely?
Success, for me, is a combination of global recognition and visibility, impact and personal satisfaction. I want my art to connect with people, evoke emotions and inspire. At the same time, being able to support myself financially through my work is equally important.
🟥 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, the piece “Did you touch the grass today?”
This work expresses a person who is caught up in modernity in the modern world and turns to nature to escape from it and find himself
This piece won the French AFA award last year.
🟥 What are your dreams or goals for the future?
My work will be exhibited in the most famous galleries and museums.
🟥 How would you define a “creative person”?
A creative person is someone who sees the world differently and expresses ideas in unique ways. Creativity isn’t just about making art it’s about thinking outside the box, experimenting, and finding new ways to communicate emotions and stories.
🟥 In your opinion, what are the positive and negative differences between being an artist today and being an artist a century ago?
Today, artists have more freedom, global exposure, and digital tools to create and share their work. However, the competition is higher, social media adds pressure, and artists must handle self-promotion alongside their creativity.
🟥 In your opinion, what are the best and most challenging aspects of being an artist?
Making money, establishing yourself in the art community, and standing out in a highly competitive field.
🟥 What advice would you give to aspiring artists who want to build a meaningful career?
Stay true to your vision, keep creating consistently, and don’t be afraid to share your work. Building a career takes time, so be patient and persistent.
Relevant Links:
Instagram: instagram.com/4fs4n
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/saeedeh-hajiani-3126b983/
Twitter: x.com/4FS4N
HUG: hug.art/artists/afsan
Note: The answers given by the artist have been quoted verbatim without any editing to preserve the artist’s authentic voice for our readers.
