From Iran to Bournemouth, recent MA Illustration graduate, Masoumeh Ghorbani shares her journey of changing disciplines, overcoming language barriers, winning local exhibitions, and bringing her imagination to life through children’s storytelling.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to Arts University Bournemouth?

I come from Iran, and I originally studied graphic design at university there, completed a Master’s degree, and worked professionally in the industry for around five years. My work covered logo design, typography, packaging, and CGI. Even when working on branding, I always favoured image-based logos because creating visual ideas and pictures is where my passion truly lies.

I wanted to change my surroundings and continue my studies in the UK. When I first arrived at AUB, I initially enrolled in MA Graphic Design. However, after just two weeks, I spoke with MA Illustration Course Leader, Jenni Saarenkylä, about switching. She welcomed me onto the course and making that transition turned out to be the absolute best decision of my life.

What made you realise illustration was the right path for you?

My creative journey actually started with drawing as a child, I always loved creating pictures and building stories in my imagination. Due to the opportunities available to me in Iran, my academic path was guided more towards graphic design. So, when I saw that AUB offered a dedicated MA Illustration course, I realised illustration had always been a part of who I am and I just needed the right environment and opportunity to pursue it fully.

How did you find adapting to a new discipline and studying in a second language?

It was a huge journey with many challenges! While illustration shares foundations with graphic design, focusing purely on character design and complex visual storytelling was completely new to me.

Language was my biggest hurdle though. When I first arrived in the UK, my English was very limited. Jenni would write instructions down for me and my course mates were wonderfully supportive in helping explain key tasks.

I kept believing in myself and pushed through the difficult moments. Now, looking back after graduating, I feel so proud to have completed the degree.

A cartoon child baker in a chef’s hat holds a lattice pie beside jars labelled flour and sugar, while another child flies a toy aeroplane past birds and a castle over a green landscape.

A cartoon child in a firefighter outfit holds a gold medal, with a toy fire engine, a flames poster and bunting in the background.

A cartoon child astronaut singing into a microphone on a yellow moon, with a small rocket and colourful rainbow music notes against a starry space background.

An illustrated potato with a red cape stands beside a bitten biscuit, looking up at a floating orange object inside a circular portal, with the title 'The Chase' above.

During my studies, I entered an art exhibition hosted in Bournemouth Square by Soroptimist International Bournemouth as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. The exhibition focused on raising awareness around gender-based violence, and my piece, titled The Silence We Inherited, won first prize out of 27 entries after receiving the most public votes. It was such an overwhelming and encouraging moment.

I also volunteered with The Story Works, taking part in workshops where local children shared their ideas and I illustrated them live in the classroom. Following the workshops, they commissioned me to illustrate a complete children’s book for them! The story is about a child exploring different jobs and careers through their imagination when asked what they want to be when they grow up. I'm currently working on the artwork and have already finished over half of the book, which has been an incredible experience.

Can you tell us about the children’s books you created during your Master's?

I developed three children's picture books during the course. Because English is my second language, I prefer to rely on visual storytelling so that children anywhere in the world can look at the images and understand the story completely without needing to read the text.

The stories feature a character based on myself and my six-year-old Persian cat. Together, we travel around the world exploring different cultures, traditional clothes, colours, and landscapes. I don't want my books to be purely educational; I want them to inspire children to feel something, spark their imaginations, and explore their own ideas.

How did the academic team at AUB support your progress?

The tutors – especially Jenni and Ben – have been amazing throughout. Jenni’s own work in picture book illustration is so expressive and engaging, and learning from her experience was invaluable. She was always so encouraging, giving me positive feedback and constantly reminding me that I could achieve my goals.

The staff and students never made me feel limited; they always showed me what was possible and helped me find my direction.

What are your plans now that you’ve graduated?

I am staying in Bournemouth for now while I complete my picture books, with plans to publish them and secure a visual creative role in the UK. Long-term, I’m planning to apply for a Graduate or Global Talent visa to keep building my career here.

What advice would you give to international students thinking of studying at AUB?

Don't be afraid to follow what you truly want! Moving to a new country and studying in a second language feels daunting at first, but if you stay focused on your goals, you can accomplish so much more than you think.

I love living in Bournemouth, the sea, the lovely weather, and the friendly people make it feel like a dream environment to live and study in. I’m so happy I took the leap.

Want to see more of Masoumeh's work?

Visit her website now.