Meet Mahsa Dehghan

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

Mahsa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose gradually, through listening to others, to myself, and to the world around me.
Growing up in a small town in Iran, I was drawn to visual expression early on. I didn’t think of it as a “purpose” at the time; I just knew that creating felt natural and meaningful.

Over the years, through client work and personal projects, I began to realize that what drives me isn’t just making things look good. It’s using design and art as a way to communicate stories that matter. Whether I’m working on a campaign for a brand or documenting the life of a street vendor through photography, I’m always searching for connection, truth, and impact.

It’s that combination, creativity, empathy, and curiosity that helped me understand my deeper purpose: to use visual storytelling to reflect human experiences, especially the ones that often go unnoticed.

It’s not about having all the answers, but about being present, asking thoughtful questions, and creating work that invites others to see differently.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a graphic and motion designer with a deep focus on visual storytelling. What I do lives at the intersection of design, culture, and emotion. Whether it’s branding, motion graphics, or a personal art project, I’m always trying to create work that feels honest and connects with people on a deeper level.

What excites me most is the ability of design to act as a bridge between people, ideas, and cultures. I’ve worked with clients in Iran, Dubai, and the U.S., across industries like healthcare, economics, food, and retail. Every project brings its own challenges, and I love crafting creative solutions that reflect both the client’s voice and the culture of their audience.

Outside of client work, I do art projects that explore social themes. One of them is *Untrimmed*, a painting series inspired by conversations with women in Iran, where I combined traditional Persian art forms with depictions of the female body in its natural state. Another is *Street Sellers*, a photography collection focused on the lives and stories of people selling goods on the streets. These projects are deeply personal to me; they’re rooted in listening, trust, and the belief that every person’s story matters.

I recently began expanding my *The Bird Will Carry Me* series, which looks at the human-animal connection and questions how we assign value and compassion. Through this work, I’m hoping to open up new conversations around empathy and coexistence.

Whether I’m working on a bold campaign or a quiet illustration, I’m driven by the same goal: to create visuals that spark connection, tell real stories, and make people feel seen.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, one of the most important things I learned was how to tell a strong visual story. It’s not just about making things look good, it’s about making people feel something. That’s what gives the work meaning.

Another thing that helped me grow was staying hands-on and curious. I kept experimenting, trying new tools, and pushing myself to learn different techniques. That process helped me find my own voice and style.

And I think being flexible really mattered too, and being able to adapt made me better, both creatively and professionally.

If you’re just starting out, don’t worry about being perfect. Just keep exploring, stay open, and focus on making work that feels real to you.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

What helped me overcome challenges the most was encouragement from others. While some believe harsh criticism drives growth, I found that a simple smile or kind word meant so much more. I often thought about the teachers and managers who showed genuine support and made me feel valued. That positive energy gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward, even when things were tough.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mahsadehghan.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: @graphic_mahsadehghan
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahsadehghan

Image Credits

Mahsa Dehghan