Dr. Elnaz Rostami Gharagozloo

Available to hire

Hi there! I’m a visual artist and art educator with a passion for painting, mixed media, and digital art.

About

Hi there! I’m a visual artist and art educator with a passion for painting, mixed media, and digital art. My creative and academic work often overlap, exploring themes such as identity, memory, feminism, and cultural history.

I’ve been teaching art for over 15 years and have exhibited my work in both solo and group shows, as well as completed mural and illustration commissions in Iran and Malaysia. I hold a Master’s degree in Visual Arts, with research focused on children’s visualisation in art education, and a PhD in Visual Arts, where I explored self-portraiture by Middle Eastern women artists, examining the intersections of identity, feminism, religion, and politics.

In 2025, I moved to Germany—my husband’s home country—where I’m continuing my studio practice and developing a new series of paintings that reflect personal and political themes.

My portfolio on Instagram:
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Languages

  • PersianFluent
  • EnglishFluent
  • GermanIntermediate
  • TurkishIntermediate
  • ArabicBeginner

Industry experience

  • Education
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Non-Profit Organization
  • Professional Services
  • Other

More experts in Düsseldorf, Germany

Projects · 10

Watercolor & Mixed Media Illustration

This spontaneous illustration was created using watercolor and mixed media, allowing the colours and textures to flow naturally without heavy pre-planning. The piece embraces the unpredictability of the medium, resulting in a vibrant, organic composition full of movement and layered detail. The idea and technique can be adapted for children’s book illustration, offering a playful and imaginative visual style that sparks curiosity. Medium: Watercolor & mixed media Link to view on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BlVIzwKlUqw/?igsh=MThmNjNucDU4cDNmcg== Similar projects; https://www.instagram.com/p/BxzPECwldmY/?igsh=N2xndjE2NzQ4NWRn And https://www.instagram.com/p/BxzPECwldmY/?igsh=N2xndjE2NzQ4NWRn

  • Artworker
  • Children’s Book Illustrator
  • Concept Artist
  • +1
The Baby Capsicum Creature – Concept Art Series

This ongoing concept art project began in 2019 with a spontaneous idea: what if a baby capsicum suddenly came to life? The thought sparked the creation of a fantasy character—part fairy, part mystery—whose personality remains deliberately ambiguous. Is she helpful or mischievous? Gentle or a troublemaker? This layered ambiguity gives the character emotional depth and narrative potential. The project explores character and world-building through digital illustration, blending themes of food, nature, and environmental consciousness. It reflects my interest in playful visual storytelling and imaginative creatures, designed for potential use in visual narratives, games, or children's media. Media & Role: Digital illustration (Procreate) | Concept artist & creator Year: 2025 Themes: Fantasy character design, environmental storytelling, food & nature. Character idea-2019: https://www.instagram.com/p/BsraXFkAE2I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MXJ2YnUxMjQ3dHY5MQ==

  • Artist
  • Artworker
  • Children’s Book Illustrator
  • +1
Educational Illustration: Coal Rank and Formation

This digital illustration was created for an educational YouTube video titled “Coal Rank and Formation” in 2018. The artwork visualises the formation process of coal rocks over geological time, from peat to anthracite, with a clear, easy-to-follow layout designed to support visual learning. Commissioned as part of a science education series, this piece aimed to engage students and viewers by breaking down a complex natural process into a visually accessible format. I worked closely with the client to ensure scientific accuracy while maintaining an illustrative style suitable for video. This project is one of several examples of my ability to create educational content that communicates technical or scientific concepts through art. Medium: Digital Illustration Purpose: Educational content for video Link to view on YouTube: 3.20/10.40 https://youtu.be/JNS3jVIWX6Y?si=NfHyK_o_ME2WS6RU

  • Artist
  • Artworker
  • Designer
  • +2
Mother and Child – In Memory of a Friend

This digital painting is a tribute to a friend who tragically passed away during childbirth. While based on reference photos of her, the moment depicted—a tender embrace between mother and child—was imagined, as she never had the chance to hold her baby. Created in Procreate, the artwork blends portraiture and emotional storytelling, using soft textures and warm tones to honour her memory and the bond that never fully unfolded. The piece was shared with her family as a gesture of remembrance and remains one of my most personal works. Media & Role: Digital painting (Procreate) | Artist Year: 2025 Themes: Motherhood, memory, tribute, loss, emotional portraiture

  • Concept Artist
  • Freelance Digital Illustrator

This character design features a whimsical chameleon I’ve developed over several years. Lazy but kind, and wrapped in a bit of mystery, this creature has the potential to be part of a children’s book or illustrated story.

I’ve explored the character’s personality and expressions through both digital and traditional media, including watercolor. With its gentle, quirky nature and colourful appearance, this chameleon is adaptable to a variety of visual narratives and age groups.

This project reflects my approach to character development — giving emotional depth and narrative potential even to the most unexpected animals.

Links to view the illustration:
Digital illustration with the environment


Watercolour illustration

Purpose:
Character development for children’s books or illustrated narratives

Character Design: The Chameleon
  • 1st Assistant Director
  • Artist
  • Artworker
  • +2

This commissioned double portrait, completed in 2017, depicts a Thai mother and daughter. While the figures were based on photographic references, the background and overall composition were created by me with input and approval from the client. The aim was to craft a warm, intimate scene that honours their relationship while offering a timeless, painterly quality.

The painting was executed in acrylic on canvas, and the buyer later documented the creation process in a short video.

Media & Role:
Acrylic on canvas | Commissioned portrait artist

Year:
2017

Themes:
Family, portraiture, memory, cultural identity

Link to view on YouTube:

Portrait of Mother and Daughter – Commissioned Painting
  • Artist
  • Artworker
  • Freelance Digital Illustrator

This design originated from one of my monoprints and was later adapted into a tattoo by artist https://www.twine.net/signin The image combines a crow and a skull—symbols traditionally associated with death and mortality. Rather than dwelling in darkness, the composition invites reflection on life itself: a reminder to stay present, live fully, and be ready for change.

The tattoo bearer was inspired by the book “The Teachings of Don Juan”, drawing on its philosophical view of death as a companion that keeps us alert and grounded. I found the transformation of this print into a living artwork both meaningful and creatively fulfilling.

Media & Role:
Monoprint design | Original artist

Year:
2023

Themes:
Symbolism, mortality, transformation, printmaking, tattoo design

Link to view on Instagram:

Crow and Skull – Tattoo Design Based on Monoprint
  • Tattoo Illustrator
Before the Curse: Mahsuri of Langkawi-Character & Mythical Environment

This oil painting reimagines Mahsuri, the legendary heroine of Langkawi, as a character study set within a vivid natural environment. The scene captures her in a moment of peace and dignity before the betrayal that led to her unjust execution and the legendary curse placed upon the island. She stands surrounded by the lush tropical landscape and deep blue sea of Langkawi, her traditional attire vibrant and full of symbolic life. The piece blends portrait, character design, and setting to explore themes of innocence, myth, and cultural memory. It was conceived as both a tribute to a national legend and an exploration of visual storytelling through painting. Media & Role: Oil on canvas | Painter, character & environment designer Year: 2018 Status: Sold Themes: Cultural mythology, Malaysian legend, portraiture, female figures in folklore

  • Artworker
  • Concept Artist
Imaginary Landscape – Digital Environment Concept

This digital artwork is a spontaneous creation of an imaginary environment, fully developed from imagination without any reference material. It explores atmosphere, composition, and form through intuitive mark-making and visual storytelling. The piece invites the viewer into a dreamlike space—neither real nor entirely fantastical—where emotion and mood take precedence over logic or realism. This work reflects my interest in imaginative world-building and spontaneous visual exploration, created as part of my ongoing digital art practice. Media & Role: Digital illustration (Procreate) | Artist & creator Year: 2019 Themes: Imagination, spontaneous creation, environment design, mood & atmosphere illustrator designer conceptart

  • Concept Artist

Description:
Commissioned by the German international law firm Luther, this large-scale mural was created for the employee café in their new Kuala Lumpur office. The artwork was designed to align with the firm’s corporate identity, using their brand colours and visual tone while offering a calm, reflective atmosphere for staff.

The mural contrasts the dynamic energy of Kuala Lumpur’s city centre with the slower rhythms of everyday life in Malaysia. It celebrates the local Malaysia Boleh spirit, showcasing the country’s unique approach to work-life balance and cultural diversity in both form and feeling.

Media & Role:
Acrylic on wall | Lead Artist (solo project)

Year:
2023

Location:
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Link:

Corporate Mural for Luther Law Firm – Kuala Lumpur Office
  • Artist

Work experience· 5 roles

Lecturer · UCSI University, De Institute of Creative Arts & DesignDec 2023 – Apr 2025 · 1 yr 5 mos

Supervised Master's students focusing on art and education, environmental design, and animation. Taught postgraduate subjects including Digital Art and Design in Southeast Asia. Lectured undergraduate courses such as Painting, Drawing, Creative Thinking, Art History, Concept Art, and Digital Art. Conducted creative workshops and collaborated with the marketing department to engage the public.

Lecturer · Raffles College of Higher EducationMay 2019 – May 2022 · 3 yrs 1 mo

Taught undergraduate subjects including Drawing, Illustration, 2D Arts, Colour Theory, Printmaking, and Fashion Illustration. Developed curriculum for a Certificate in Design, organized creative workshops, and created content for the university’s social media.

Chief Art Advisor · Ryan Tose'e Paya Business ConsultingDec 2017 – Jul 2025 · 7 yrs 8 mos

Conducted research on international artists and evaluated the feasibility of hosting exhibitions in Iranian galleries.

Lecturer · Limkokwing University of Creative TechnologyJun 2017 – May 2019 · 2 yrs
Art and Craft Teacher · Various Private International and Local Art InstitutesJan 2004 – Dec 2015 · 12 yrs

Education

Ph.D. in Visual Arts · University of Malaya, Malaysia2020 – 2023
Master’s Degree in Visual Arts · University of Malaya, Malaysia2011 – 2014
Bachelor's Degree in Painting · Tehran University of Science and Culture, Iran2006 – 2009
Associate Degree in Visual Arts · Azad University of Eslam Shahr, Iran2001 – 2003

Certifications and awards

Critical Practices of Teaching & Learning2024
Assessment, Evaluation and Feedback2024
Training Certificate in Arts and Handcrafts2007

Testimonials · 5.0 from 3 reviews

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