“Don’t stop drawing”: Maryam Sefati, Catapult Artist for June 2020

“In illustration, we have to understand the writer’s mind as much as we can to make the work.”

We were thrilled when Maryam Sefati said yes to being the Catapult Artist for June 2020. Maryam’s style is unique, bold, and colorful. She worked on a mix of pieces for the magazine, some personal essays and a short story. All of her illustrations were stunning. Her work captured the movement and emotion in each piece.

For our Catapult Artist interview, we sat down with her to chat about her career and her life as an artist.

Did you always want to become an illustrator? Or was there a different path you took that led you here?

I was born into a family of artists. My mother and one of my aunts are professional painters. As a kid, I didn’t know that I wanted to be an artist, but I never could do anything else. Drawing is all I can do, and as it is what my body and mind understand.

Currently, I mostly work in animation—designing backgrounds for TV series for studios such as Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros Animation, and Nickelodeon. Whenever I get the opportunity to illustrate for a book or magazine, it’s a delightful experience as I get to make something closer to my own world and style.

What does your process look like, and what is your favorite part of it?

It depends on the work. But as I read the lines of the story, I usually have an idea in mind, and I will make a few rough sketches based on that and share them with the client. I usually try to share the process of my work with clients to make sure they have what they need. In illustration, we have to understand the writer’s mind as much as we can to make the work.

What does your day-to-day life look like living as an artist?

Drawing used to be my hobby, and now it’s also my job. I am getting paid to do what I love to do. I am drawing all day and usually listen to books or the news as I am working.

Do you have mentors in the field or the industry? If not mentors, then who or what do you look to for that drive or motivation?

I have been lucky to have great mentors growing up in Iran, and here in the animation field. Every show I’ve worked on also had a group of highly talented artists. The animation industry is a group-based workspace, and we love it that way. With that environment, we help each other grow more and more every day.

What tips would you give to emerging illustrators trying to make a career in art?

Don’t stop drawing, and educate yourself a lot in storytelling and life. Be respectful to others. And most importantly, make sure you have excellent communication skills.

How has the process of creating been during these turbulent times?

I learned the best thing is to recognize that I am having a hard time early on and ask for help. I try to step away and get fresh air and then get back to the challenge. What is important at the end is that the job gets done on time and correctly. No one will look down on you if you ask for help. And having trusted friends to go to for feedback and tips is very necessary.