We had the good fortune of connecting with Forouzan Safari and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Forouzan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
A combination of passion and independence drove my thought process behind starting my own business. I’ve always loved creating art and wanted to share my work with a wider audience. Over time, I realized there was a demand for custom illustrations, especially in areas like book cover design, mural painting, and other creative projects, where clients seek unique visuals. By turning my passion into a business, I connected with clients on creative projects, offering something deeply personal through my prints and commissioned work. Plus, having my own business allows me to maintain creative freedom and control over my schedule.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art explores themes of women’s strength and societal pressures through vibrant and meaningful visuals. I like to use art as a tool for positive change, especially for communities that often lack representation. I’m proud of how my work has evolved to spark important conversations and address key issues.

The path to where I am today has been challenging. Balancing creativity with running a business and overcoming self-doubt has been tough. Addressing sensitive topics and societal expectations has tested my purpose, but these experiences have only strengthened my commitment.

I’ve learned that art is powerful and my goal is to continue using my creativity to highlight important issues and inspire change, showing that art can contribute to understanding and empowerment.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This itinerary combines outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and local dining favorites to give your friend a memorable and enjoyable week in the area.

Day 1: Downtown LA Exploration
Morning: Visit The Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Lunch: Eat at Grand Central Market.
Afternoon: Explore The Broad Museum.
Dinner: Try In-N-Out Burger.

Day 2: Historical and Cultural Sites
Morning: Stroll through Olvera Street.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Porto’s Bakery.
Afternoon: Visit Union Station.
Dinner: Have dinner at Dune.

Day 3: Arts and Architecture
Morning: Discover The Last Bookstore.
Lunch: Eat at Raffi’s Place.
Afternoon: Explore The Bradbury Building.
Dinner: Enjoy a meal at Azizam LA.

Day 4: Griffith Park Highlights
Morning: Visit Griffith Observatory.
Lunch: Grab lunch at The Trails Café in Griffith Park.
Afternoon: Hike the trails or explore Griffith Park’s Old Zoo.
Dinner: Try Holy Basil Market.

Day 5: Parks and Recreation
Morning: Spend time at LACMA.
Lunch: Eat at Farmers Market at Fairfax Avenue.
Afternoon: Relax at Echo Park Lake.
Dinner: Try Sage Regenerative Kitchen & Brewery.

Day 6: Hollywood and Burbank Experience
Morning: Start the day with a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and explore the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Lunch: Head to Burbank for lunch at Pinocchio Restaurant, a cozy spot known for its delicious Italian food.
Afternoon: Visit Blast From the Past, a unique store filled with retro toys, collectibles, and memorabilia.
Dinner: Wrap up the day with Chinese food at Woon.

Day 7: Coastal Adventure
Morning: Take a day trip to Santa Monica Pier.
Lunch: Eat at The Albright on the pier.
Afternoon: Explore Venice Beach and Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
Dinner: Have dinner at Taco Maria.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my family, who have always supported and encouraged me to pursue my passion for art. Their belief in my work has given me the confidence to keep going, even when things got tough.

I want to acknowledge Michael Schrier, my professor during college, with whom I worked for three years as his assistant. He not only gave me my first job but also taught me so much about the history of art and design from around the world. Working closely with him allowed me to practice and stay updated with design trends. His influence continues to shape my work, even after his passing a few years ago.

Additionally, I owe a lot to the amazing clients I’ve worked with; each project has pushed me to grow and improve. Lastly, I’d like to recognize the art community, both online and offline, where I’ve found inspiration, mentorship, and guidance from other artists who’ve shared their knowledge and experiences.

Website: https://Forouzansafari.com

Instagram: @fusafari

Other: Shop:
https://fusafari.square.site/

Email:
Forouzansafari@gmail.com

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