I began my journey as an  artist with a focus on 2D studies—painting, drawing, and printmaking. I grew up in Iran, where I earned my BFA and began working as both a lead instructor and an assistant in various classes. Teaching students of different ages helped me develop strong communication skills and a deep understanding of people’s needs, as well as the challenges—both internal and external—that can stand in the way of learning or achieving goals. It also sharpened my problem-solving abilities, as I often had to find creative ways to adapt lessons to individual students and their unique circumstances.

Currently, I teach undergraduate courses at the University of Arizona while continuing my artistic practice and exhibiting my work. When I started my master’s degree, I wanted to explore both art and design more deeply, so I chose an interdisciplinary program that allowed me to expand my artistic practice while venturing into new fields. During this time, I became increasingly drawn to UI/UX design and wanted to learn more. Taking design courses helped me understand user behavior and interaction on a deeper level.

Exploring design thinking alongside artistic thinking significantly affected the way I tackle problems and develop ideas. This shift in perspective made me even more passionate about UX/UI design and how I could integrate my artistic background into the design process.

In the final year of my program, I joined the University of Arizona’s UX team, where I gained hands-on experience in a real-world design environment. Working with cross-functional teams across different departments exposed me to the realities of professional design—the responsibilities, limitations, and opportunities that shape the process. Collaborating on research and design projects, receiving ongoing feedback, and contributing to different aspects of UX work have been invaluable experiences that continue to shape my approach as a designer.