Seel.illustrations

Hello art directors, editors, and agents! ✨
I create illustrations for picture books, nonfiction, and chapter books and I’d love to connect through this .
If my work feels like a fit, I’m also open to representation.

Behind the scenes of Yasi and Mina’s Pomegranate Tree

Slide 2: It all started with sketching the main characters. I tried showing them while playing so the author could get a better sense of what they would look like in motion.

Slide 3: The author suggested a more Eastern look. They turned out pretty cute!

Slide 4: Then it was cover time! I sketched five ideas and …

Slide 5: The art director and editor chose this one and suggested adding a Persian-style margin around the illustration.

Slide 6: Tada! The cover was ready!

Slide 7: This was the most challenging and joyful part for me—playing with different layouts, zooming in and out, changing the point of view, and watching the story come together.

Slide 8: This sketch never made it into the final book.

Slide 9: This one became one of my favorites.

Slide 10: This spread turned out joyful.

Slide 11: And this one turned out so sad.

Slide 12: If you look closely, you’ll find objects representing Persian culture—books of famous Persian poets, rugs, jewelry, and textiles.

Slide 13: And here is a picture of Yasi’s family celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year!

Slide 14: This book is one of the precious things I’m proud to have created.

I hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at the journey of creating this book!