Meet Sahar Rahmati Evini of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sahar Rahmati Evini.

Hi Sahar, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Sahar Rahmati Evini, a 31-year-old graphic designer and animator from Tehran, Iran. I’ve always had a deep love for capturing moments. Whether it’s through photography, painting, animation, or graphic design, I’ve been drawn to the idea of preserving and sharing the beauty I see in the world.

About two years ago, I made the life-changing decision to migrate. I wanted to be in a place where I could freely express my ideas and share my work without limitations. But coming from Iran, the journey wasn’t easy. The political situation between Iran and the U.S. adds a lot of complexity to even basic steps like applying for a visa. We don’t have a physical U.S. embassy in Iran, so I had to travel to another country just to take my language exams and attend my visa interviews. After a lot of effort and determination, I finally secured my visa and made it to the U.S.

When I arrived in Los Angeles, I was blown away by the city’s beauty and creative energy. I quickly felt inspired to share these experiences with my friends and family back home. I started creating videos about the incredible sights and opportunities in California, and the positive response motivated me to keep going. Over time, I expanded my content to reach a broader audience people from all over who are curious about the unique culture, landscapes, and even the hidden gems of California.

At first, my work focused on content for Iranian audiences, but I eventually began making videos in English to connect with a more diverse audience. My goal was to create something universal something that could resonate with anyone, regardless of where they’re from.

This journey has been incredibly fulfilling. Even though I’m technically a “foreigner” here, I’ve made amazing friends and connected with people from all over the world. Every day, I learn something new, hear different perspectives, and feel like I’m part of a global community. It’s been a beautiful reminder of how art and creativity can bring people together, no matter where they’re from.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. While the excitement of starting fresh in a new country kept me motivated, the process of getting here was anything but easy. As I mentioned earlier, coming from Iran added layers of complexity to even the simplest tasks. From traveling to another country just to take my language exams to attending visa interviews in unfamiliar places, every step required a lot of planning, patience, and resilience.

Even after arriving in the U.S., settling in wasn’t as seamless as I had imagined. Moving to a new country means leaving behind your family, your friends, and everything familiar. I had to adjust to a new culture, a new language environment, and an entirely different way of life. In the beginning, building connections felt daunting, and I struggled with feelings of isolation.

Professionally, starting over also came with challenges. Creating content for a new audience, especially one as diverse as the U.S., was a learning curve. I had to find ways to make my work relatable to people from different backgrounds while staying true to my own voice and style. Financial stability was another hurdle like many creatives, I had to balance my passion projects with the need to cover everyday expenses.

But every struggle has taught me something valuable. These experiences have shaped me into a more adaptable, resourceful, and empathetic person. They’ve reminded me why I started this journey in the first place to share my perspective, connect with people, and build something meaningful.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a graphic designer, animator, and content creator who has always been passionate about visual storytelling. My journey started in Iran, where I studied at the University of Art in Tehran. I was fortunate to work alongside some of Iran’s respected designers like Kasra Abedini and S Meshki, whose guidance helped shape my understanding of design.

Over the years, I’ve explored different aspects of the creative world. I worked on animations for children’s television networks, including one in Qatar, and gained hands-on experience in film editing at a major production office in Iran. I also had the chance to showcase my work in exhibitions back home, which gave me a better understanding of how people connect with art.

For a few years, I taught art and English to elementary school kids, which turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Working with children opened my eyes to a whole new way of seeing the world full of curiosity, imagination, and creativity. It’s something I’ve carried with me in my approach to design, especially when working on projects for younger audiences.

Since moving to the U.S., I’ve expanded my focus to include content creation. Living in Los Angeles has been a huge inspiration, and I’ve started making videos to showcase the beauty and opportunities here from hidden gems to cultural experiences. At first, it was just a way to stay connected with friends and family back home, but it’s grown into something bigger, and I feel lucky to connect with a wider audience now.

What I love most about my work whether it’s designing, animating, editing, or creating videos is the chance to connect with people. I’m always learning, always growing, and I’m grateful for every step of the journey so far.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to connect with so many people through Instagram some of whom I’ve never even met in person. The support, encouragement, and even collaborations that have come from this space have been so inspiring for me. It’s amazing how people from completely different backgrounds, countries, and cultures can come together and create something meaningful.

If anyone wants to work with me or collaborate, Instagram is the best place to start. I’m always open to hearing new ideas, whether it’s about design, animation, or even creating content that brings people closer. Honestly, what keeps me going is that sense of freedom to express myself and the feeling that, no matter where we’re from, we can all come together like one big family.

This journey has made me truly understand what it means to live in a global community. It’s been a constant reminder of that beautiful saying, “Bani Adam a’za-ye yekdigarand, ke dar afarinesh ze yek goharand” (Iranian poet Sa’adi, from the 13th century) “Human beings are members of a whole, created from the same essence.” That’s a feeling I carry with me in everything I do, and I’d love to continue building those connections with anyone who shares that vision.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/persian_in_losangeles/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@persian_in_losangeles?si=vcoDqm1IEeL866Em
• SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/hLn6BTmx71pnCQ687
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@persian_in_losangeles?_t=8rSJujUPErO&_r=1

Image Credits
My diary