Alune Stories: Ghazal Foroutan

1) What’s something that you think defines you well to someone who doesn’t know you? It could be a characteristic, a hobby, or an interest.

I see myself as a lifelong learner and a bit of a treasure hunter. I love spending time at flea markets and vintage bazaars, searching for hidden gems—whether it’s an old book, a beautifully designed magazine, or an object with an unexpected story. I really believe that surrounding myself with thoughtful, well-designed items that spark joy and curiosity helps me grow as a creative—and ultimately, as a better problem solver.

I also love sharing what I find. Whether it’s posting on Instagram Stories or bringing a favorite book into the classroom, I try to pass that inspiration along. There’s something really special about seeing a student light up when they connect with something tactile and unexpected—it reminds me of why I fell in love with design in the first place.

2) Can you tell us a bit about your career in design?

I’m a trained graphic designer with a background that spans art school, undergraduate, and graduate studies in design. Over the past eight years, I’ve worked across both design studios and agencies while also taking on freelance projects, which has allowed me to explore a range of styles and collaborations.

For the last four years, I’ve also been teaching graphic design at various institutions. Currently, I’m an Assistant Professor at California State University San Marcos, where I teach advanced-level courses to juniors and seniors. It’s incredibly rewarding to mentor emerging designers and stay connected to the evolving conversations within the field.

About a year ago, I launched my own design practice called Peelē. It’s a space I’m building with care—balancing client work with self-initiated projects, and collaborating with other designers and artists whose work I admire. Peelē has given me the freedom to shape a practice that reflects both my values and aesthetic, and I'm excited to see where it continues to grow.

3) How would you define design? What does it mean to you?

For me, design isn’t just a profession or a skill I use to make a living—it’s a way of thinking, a way of engaging with the world. Studying design and its relationship to history has deeply shaped how I view both art and design, not just as forms of expression, but as powerful tools for change.

One of the aspects of design I’m most passionate about is design activism. I believe design has the potential to do far more than just create beautiful visuals or effective branding—it can challenge systems, raise awareness, and create space for underrepresented voices. Throughout history, artists and designers have played critical roles in shaping cultural and political discourse, and I see that legacy as something to carry forward.

That’s also something I emphasize in my teaching. I encourage my students to look beyond commercial success and think about the deeper impact their work can have. Design is a powerful medium for storytelling, for advocacy, and for expressing what you believe in—and that’s where its true value lies, in my opinion.

4) Is there a project in your portfolio that you particularly enjoyed working on and would like to share with us?

One of the most meaningful aspects of my work is being able to serve and connect with my community. Over the past year, I’ve had the joy of collaborating with Francesca Pourfard, a talented chef based in San Diego, on her series of Persian pop-up dinners. Working with her on her brand “Marjan” has been such a rewarding and heartfelt experience.

What began as designing the visual identity for the events quickly grew into creating everything from promotional flyers to dinner menus. It’s been a fun, creative, and deeply personal project. Most recently, we collaborated on a set of wine labels for her brand, which I’m really excited to share soon. Projects like this remind me how powerful design can be when it’s rooted in community, culture, and care.

5) Could you share a reference, an inspiration, or something you really admire in your field?

I’m always on the lookout for new sources of inspiration—whether it’s books, places, or unexpected references. I love discovering work that challenges conventions or offers a fresh perspective.

Lately, I’ve been especially drawn to the work of Porto Rocha. I admire how they balance strong client work with self-initiated exhibitions and projects. That kind of practice keeps things dynamic and allows room for exploration beyond commercial boundaries, which I find really inspiring.

I also really appreciate what Jessica Walsh and her studio, &Walsh, are doing—especially on Instagram. They consistently use their platform to speak out boldly and creatively on social and political issues. It’s refreshing to see a studio that not only produces great design but also stays deeply engaged with the world around them. It reminds me that design can—and should—reflect care and conviction.

6) As a former student at the school, could you share a bit about your experience and what you enjoyed most?

Taking the Art Direction 101 course was such a valuable experience for me. I had been following the school on Instagram for a long time, so when the opportunity came up to learn directly from Eduardo Nieto—one of the most inspiring art directors working today—I didn’t hesitate to sign up.

The course was truly eye-opening. It offered not only practical insights but also a fresh perspective that continues to influence my approach to design. The content was incredibly well-curated, and I still find myself revisiting the class recordings whenever I’m starting a new project. It’s become a kind of reference point for me—a reminder of the thoughtful, intentional direction great design requires. I wish there was Art Direction 102 for me to continue taking the course. 

Follow Ghazal Foroutan on Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit her website.

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A View on Design: with Victor Belinatti, Design Lead at Work&Co

Meet Julia B. Aguiar & Carlos Bocai — instructors of the Decoding Identities course.