Chances are you’ve come across a Susie Ghahremani illustration without even knowing it. An award-winning illustrator and exhibiting artist, Ghahremani is also the designer and illustrator behind the popular and whimsically illustrated gift brand Boygirlparty. Consisting of more than 300 products, Boygirlparty can be found on shelves of independent boutiques and galleries as well as retailers such as Mod Cloth, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and Nordstrom.
But though the products vary, the subject matter tends to center around the same theme: nature and animals. “Nature is always inspiring to me,” Ghahremani relayed once in an interview with Pikaland, “whether it’s a walk in the woods, or watching close-up as a ladybug purposefully climbs around a leaf. I always feel a surge of inspiration after spending time outdoors, especially if it’s a place I’ve never been before where I can tune in surprised at everything I see.”
Woodland critters, household pets, and other wild animals feature frequently in her work, commercial or otherwise. Her uniquely illustrated and functional paper goods are what Flavorpill calls “The indie, start-up version of Hello Kitty,” while BuzzFeed calls Boygirlparty “a shop you wish you knew about sooner.”
Based in San Diego, California with her husband and zillions of pets, Ghahremani also makes picture books which tend to feature, you’ve guessed it, animals. Her advice to other aspiring artists? “Know who you are & what your work feels like before you jump in! I see many young artists trying to follow in other established artists styles and what not, and it’s just very sad to see for all involved.”
