Meet Nazli Tahvili

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nazli Tahvili. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nazli below.

Hi Nazli, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Many times, in my professional journey, I’ve faced disappointment and frustration due to incorrect feedback and neglect of my work. This led me to shift towards independent work, distancing myself from profit-driven institutions. Though working alone isn’t easy, it fosters proactive management and a spirit of seeking. The benefits of this approach are valuable. I don’t attempt to conform myself or my work to fit in with others for the sake of acceptance. What matters to me is attracting the right audience. I’ve bounced back and started afresh, rising like a phoenix from the ashes. Working alongside my husband, who’s also a writer and illustrator, creates a supportive environment for us. Our studio, called the “STUDIOSOSPESO” which means “suspended studio,” has not had a fixed location and has moved around a lot in the past 20 years from Tehran to the forests of northern Iran, Bologna, and now in California. In this shared space, we help each other, find solutions to problems, give motivation, and provide constructive feedback on our work. It’s a place where our creativity thrives.
In general, I’m unsure whether I’d label myself as an optimist or a pessimist because I find myself consistently shifting between the two perspectives. But one thing I’m certain of is my determination to create and persevere. I’ll continue to share my thoughts as long as I have something to say.
Moving forward requires energy, and I believe hope and Enthusiasm are the driving forces behind that energy.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an Iranian illustrator, author, and graphic designer.

I earned my Master of Arts in Illustration at the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna, Italy, and graduated in Graphics from the Azad Art University of Tehran, Iran.

I began my career as an illustrator, having illustrated 11 children’s books, some of which have been published worldwide and have earned national and international prizes. My choice of illustration medium varies based on the story’s tone. I don’t confine myself to a specific medium but draw from my experiences and use techniques that best convey the narrative.

I am both the author and illustrator of four picture books, three of which are wordless. I particularly enjoy creating wordless books as I believe they allow the audience to engage actively in the story. One of my wordless books, ‘Chalk Eagle,’ was nominated by IBBY UK for inclusion in the children’s library at Lampedusa, Italy in 2019.

My husband and I live and work in Studiosospeso, which means ‘suspended studio.’ Studiosospeso was initially based in Tehran for many years, then in the northern forests of Iran where ample space enabled us to print and produce books using the silkscreen technique. Subsequently, it was located in Bologna, Italy for three years before settling in California, specifically Irvine, in 2018.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Consistence effort, learning and improving skills.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I was lucky to have clear interests from a young age, which influenced all my choices. My parents’ unwavering support and understanding played a crucial role in keeping me on the right path as I chased my goals. On the other hand, my husband has played a crucial role in this journey. He is a talented and intelligent artist who has been incredibly supportive.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Amin Hassanzadeh Sharif

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,