In the Name of a Friend
Razie Darzi
Cartoonist, Illustrator, Author, and Animation Director
Art teacher at high school and university levels
My Story
I was born on the 4th of Farvardin 1368 (March 24, 1989) around 10 AM at Hafezi Hospital in Amol. The hospital has now been demolished and replaced by a clothing store! My sister used to say: “She was sitting on the steps of our grandfather’s house, praying for a baby girl!” Although it was a bit late for praying, God answered her prayer positively.
From that moment, I became the youngest child in the family. My siblings are older than me, and my parents, both educators (now retired), surrounded me with books and pens. It was only natural that I began doodling on my father’s books, walls, and anything I could reach from six months old.
I spent my first four years in the coastal city of Mahmoudabad. Without a doubt, the sea is one of my most vivid childhood memories—whether swimming or digging for water in the yard. After that, we moved permanently to Amol (and no, we are not skiers!).
After finishing the first grade, due to my father’s job, we lived in Turkey for three years (at that time, Turkey was considered abroad). Summers were spent in Iran, filled with colors, games, forests, and the sea—memories too many to fully describe. After returning to Amol, painting became an essential part of my life. I decided to join free drawing classes. My father had a friend, Mr. Hosseini, a high school instructor, and I eagerly attended his summer classes. That’s where I discovered drawing and became determined to study at an art high school.
High school was exactly what I wanted: colors, lines, paper, and everything I had dreamed of—all in one place. For university, I applied to the Painting program at the University of Art and Architecture in Tehran and was accepted. With some difficulty, I convinced my family to let me move to Tehran.
During my undergraduate years, alongside my studies, I interned in comic strips (at Hamid Bahrami’s company—Sticker: sunglasses!) but never created a comic myself. In the final years of my bachelor’s, I got my first job at Tima Film Animation Company (alongside Fatima Yathrabi) and later worked at several other animation studios. In 2012, my first illustration order changed the path of my career: I worked on two children’s books and was soon accepted into a Master’s program in Illustration (though I had wished to study animation). Since then, I have illustrated numerous books, single frames, stickers, and more.
While studying for my master’s degree, I worked at children’s publishing houses (Michka, Mobtakeran) to gain practical experience alongside my studies. There, I met many skilled friends (half of whom have since emigrated). Throughout this time, cartooning has been an inseparable part of my life, now shared through publications (as long as any remain!). I enjoy that more audiences see my work.
Currently, I work at my desk, sipping my Nescafé, completing commissions, and sometimes teaching at universities and high schools to share my world with enthusiasts. Since 2020, I have run a brand called “Blour Khanom,” through which I offer my works as practical products. This brand led me to create the animation series “Shah and Blour Khanom” and, in 2024, to formally establish “DarziLand Animation Studio.” I strive to manage my projects efficiently, with many ideas in mind. Join me on my journey through my story…
Education
- Master’s in Illustration, University of Art and Architecture, Tehran – 2016
- Bachelor’s in Painting, University of Art and Architecture, Tehran – 2012
- High School Diploma in Graphics, Pardis Art High School, Amol – 2006
- Invers School Program
- Pattern School Program
Books
- Participation in “Abfoo” (World Peace) for Guinness Record – 2025
- “Reading and Educational Conversations,” Noamooz Publishing – 2024
- “Mash Ferrari,” Mehrstan Publishing – 2024
- Author & Illustrator of “A New Thing” – 2023
- “Pioneering Women, Vol. 2” – 2021
- Four-volume “Popo California” Series, USA – 2018/2019
- Page design for over ten books
- Book cover designs for Michka Publishing – 2013–2017
- “Reading This Book is Forbidden,” Michka Publishing – 2017
- “A Good Chapter of Joining,” Nistan Publishing – 2017
- “Pedram and the Dinosaurs,” Gholamian – 2016
- “Prize,” Tafreshi – 2016
- “Worm and Thread,” Sorkhei – 2015
- “The Dream of Trees and Two Other Stories,” Faray Elm Publishing – 2013
- Educational Math Book, Mobtakeran – 2013
- “Mushe Goes to School,” Mobtakeran Publishing – 2013
- “Hileh,” Mobtakeran Publishing – 2012
- “Seed Sowing,” Mobtakeran Publishing – 2012
Awards & Festivals
- Selected at Olive Festival, Cyprus – 2020
- Selected at Cartoon Festival “Lifestyle” – 2018
- Selected at First Workshop for Picture Book Creation, Elmi Farhangi Publishing – 2014
- Selected at Cartoon Festival “Anti-ISIS” – 2014
- Honored at First Persian Gulf Cartoon Festival – 2013
- Selected at 10th Iran Cartoon Biennale – 2012
- Selected at Cartoon Festival “Young Art” – 2012
- Selected at “Tasvir Sal” Cartoon Exhibition – 2010
- Selected at Cartoon Festival “Digital Media” – 2010
- Selected at Hope Cartoon Festival – 2009
Animation
- Produced the animation series “Shah and Sougoli” – 2024
- Established DarziLand Animation Studio – 2024
- Animated commercial for Dokan Chasht – 2024
- Animation “Qamar Al Molouk Vaziri” – 2022
- Collaboration with Hozeh Honari animation productions – 2016
- Collaboration with Asha Film Studio (Animator) – 2013–2014
- Collaboration with Snowman Animation Studio (Storyboard) – 2012
- Collaboration with Tima Film Animation Studio – 2011
Professional Memberships & Activities
- Member of ASIFA (Iranian Animation Filmmakers Association) – 2025
- Full member of the Iranian Illustrators Association – 2013
- Manager of Blour Khanom brand – 2020
- Manager of Amolay Art School – 2023
Collaborations
- Nik Andish Institute
- Soroush Kavir Weekly
- Khatsh Weekly, Isfahan
- Nishkhat, Satire & Cartoon Publication
- Album cover design for Hossein Parnian
- Michka & Mobtakeran Publishing – 2013–2018
- Hamshahri DoCherakhe Magazine – 2011
Exhibitions
- Numerous domestic and international exhibitions, including:
- Art Book Fair – 2025
- Solo Cartoon Exhibition, Amol / Atlas Gallery – 2013
- 20th Anniversary of Iranian Illustrators Association – 2023
- Five editions of “Art Evening: Cartoon” exhibitions – since 2017
- Group Exhibition, Naphthalene – Dec 2018
- Group Cartoon Exhibition, “Roozi Halal,” Bojnord – 2018
- Iranian Illustrators Association Exhibitions, Tehran – 2016, 2017
- Solo Cartoon Exhibition, Cartoon House, Tehran – 2013
- Two-Person Design Exhibition, Amol / Zarr Shenas Gallery – 2010