Today we’d like to introduce you to Dzanar Abbas-Zade.
Hi Dzanar, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Of course.
I grew up in Zwolle, the Netherlands, with a refugee background. From an early age, creativity was my language. My mother was an architect, and my father a visual artist whose work is protected by UNESCO, so observing shapes, colors, and perspective was part of daily life. But my path wasn’t handed to me. I had to build it.
As a kid, I was fascinated by worlds that didn’t yet exist. Instead of just drawing what I saw, I wanted to create new realities. That mindset followed me into digital design, where I began working with 3D software like Cinema 4D and rendering hyper-polished visuals that felt both futuristic and emotional.
In the beginning, it was just me and my laptop. No big studio. No investors. Just vision.
I started blending digital precision with physical artworks, turning 3D renders into museum-quality prints and sculptures. One of my breakthrough pieces was the pink glitter basketball, a symbol of breaking masculine norms and showing that strength and softness can coexist. That piece ended up being displayed on Times Square billboards and exhibited during Miami Art Week. That moment felt surreal, from a small city to the world stage.
Along the way, I also created large-scale visuals for major music artists and festivals, merging art, music, and immersive digital experiences. But beyond the highlights, there were challenges, financial pressure, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Those moments shaped me more than the successes did.
A big part of my work today revolves around the concept of time and legacy, especially through my “Value of Time” series, where I use hourglass forms and diamond symbolism to reflect on how precious our time really is.
Where I am today is not a destination, it’s a continuation. I’m still building. Still evolving. My goal isn’t just to create beautiful work, but to inspire people, especially those who start from nothing, to believe that their dreams are possible.
Because I’m living proof that they are.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. It hasn’t been a smooth road.
From the outside, people often see the highlights. The exhibitions, the billboards, the collaborations. But behind that, there were years of uncertainty, pressure, and risk.
Coming from a refugee background, I didn’t grow up with financial safety nets or industry connections. Everything had to be built from scratch. In the early days, it was just me, my laptop, and a strong belief that I could create something meaningful. There were moments where I invested everything into production without knowing if it would sell. Moments where I questioned whether choosing art over stability was the right decision.
There was also financial pressure. At one point, I had to navigate a situation where a large amount of money was unexpectedly due while I was juggling exhibitions and major projects at the same time. That period forced me to grow fast, both mentally and strategically. It taught me discipline, structure, and resilience.
Creatively, there were doubts too. When you’re doing something that doesn’t fit into traditional boxes, pink glitter basketballs, diamond hourglasses, futuristic 3D worlds, not everyone understands it immediately. You have to believe in your vision long before others do.
But those struggles shaped me. They made me sharper, more focused, and more intentional. They pushed me to think long-term about legacy instead of short-term validation.
So no, it wasn’t smooth. But every obstacle added depth to the work and strength to who I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
work as an Art Director.
I build worlds around artists.
Not just visuals. Not just covers. Entire ecosystems.
From album artwork to stage environments to music video language, I translate sound into image and identity into atmosphere. Everything starts with research. Culture first. Context first. What does this moment need? What does this artist represent right now?
My process is concept-driven. I take abstract ideas and reduce them to strong visual systems. Then I execute. Sometimes in 3D. Sometimes physical. Sometimes immersive. Medium is secondary. Message is primary.
I specialize in turning specific visions into structured realities. If an artist has a feeling but no form, I give it form. If they have chaos, I build clarity. And when scale is required, I bring the right people together to make it undeniable.
I’m known for bold range. Digital to physical. Fine art to main stage. Precision and disruption in the same frame.
I don’t decorate artists.
I architect their presence
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Clarity.
Clarity of vision. Clarity of identity. Clarity of direction.
In a world that moves fast and chases trends, I’ve learned that the ability to see clearly is everything. To understand who you are, what you stand for, and what you’re building long-term. That clarity allows me to make decisive creative choices and to guide artists with confidence.
The second is resilience.
There were moments of financial pressure, uncertainty, and high-stakes decisions. Instead of stepping back, I leaned in. I adapted, refined, and kept building. That consistency compounds over time.
But if I had to choose one core characteristic, it’s disciplined vision. The ability to see something before it exists and stay committed to it long enough to make it real.
Pricing:
- 2500
- 60000
- 250000
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dzanar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dzanarproductions/
Image Credits
Designed by Dzanar Abbas-Zade
