
Sara Pirahmadian
Official first name: Najmeh
I am an artist, designer, and educator who works with art, design, and technology to explore how people communicate, understand, and sometimes struggle to understand one another across languages and cultures. I currently teach as an Instructor of Record in Graphic Design at Ohio University, where I am also pursuing my MFA, and I hold both an MA and a BA in Visual Communication from Tehran. With a foundation in years of professional graphic design experience, my creative practice now focuses on creating interactive, participatory experiences that invite viewers to reflect on the nuances, gaps, and emotional dimensions of cross-cultural communication.
MFA, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, United States
Graphic Design, May 2026
Thesis Title:
The Role of Packaging Design in Adding Value to the Sales of OTC Medicines
A Case Study of Abidi Pharma's Cough & Cold Franchise
Graduate Certificate in Visual Arts Management (CTVAMG), Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, United States
Dec. 2024
MA, Soore University, Tehran, Iran
Visual Communication, Aug. 2019
Thesis Title:
The Role of Packaging Design in Adding Value to the Sales of OTC Medicines
A Case Study of Abidi Pharma's Cough & Cold Franchise
BA, Shahid Rajaei Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
Visual Communication, Dec. 2007
Thesis Title:
A Comparative Study of Mother Goddesses in Ancient Iran and Greece
Associate of Arts, Karaj Girls’ Technical and Vocational School, Karaj, Iran
Visual Communication, Sep. 2005
Art Director & Graphic Designer, 2023 - 2025
Oh You! Design Agency, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
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Designed branding systems, logos, websites, and visual assets for university-affiliated initiatives and external clients
Technical Specialist (Graduate Assistant), 2023 - 2025
CREATE_space, Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
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Operated laser cutters for design and fabrication projects
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Operated 3D printers for prototyping and model-making
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Operated large-format printers for posters and graphics
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Managed equipment reservations using Check Room software
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Organized tools, materials, and shelving systems to improve workflow
​Art Director & Graphic Designer, 2017 - 2022
Cobel Group (Abidi Pharmaceuticals), Tehran, Iran
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Mentored junior designers and supported collaborative studio workflows
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Developed research-informed brand and packaging systems
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Directed 360° campaigns across print, digital, and motion media
Graphic Designer, 2015 - 2106
Haftkhan Tourism and Restaurant Co., Shiraz, Iran
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Designed brand identity, event posters, and social media content for the company event
Graphic Designer, 2011 - 2014
Azin Gostar Lighting Co., Shiraz, Iran
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Designed advertising materials, print materials, and product catalogs
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Graphic Designer, 2010 - 2011
Novin Advertising Agency, Shiraz, Iran
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Created promotional magazine ads for various brands
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Graphic Designer, 2008- 2010
Tayyari Advertising Studio, Tehran, Iran
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Designed advertising materials and print materials
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Graphic Designer, 2007 - 2008
Zibaloon Marketing Agency, Tehran, Iran
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Designed visual outputs for brands, advertising, and websites
Teaching Assistant, Fall 2023 - Present
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
Instructor of Record, Spring 2026 (Forthcoming)
ART 2520 – Typography
School of Art + Design, Ohio University, Athens, OH
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Created original course content
Instructor of Record, Fall 2025
ART 2900 – Design Applications
School of Art + Design, Ohio University, Athens, OH
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Created and taught original course content
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Expanded course to include UI/UX fundamentals and Figma app design
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Guided students in building professional portfolios and refining visual narrative
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Emphasized iterative revision through structured feedback
Instructor of Record, Spring 2025
ART 2900 – Design Applications
School of Art + Design, Ohio University, Athens, OH
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Created and taught original course content
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Led critiques and supported project development
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Evaluated student work and provided feedback
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Graduate Teaching Assistant, Summer 2025
The Art + Design Summer Arts Program – Painting & Drawing Studio
Grover Center, Ohio University, Athens, OH
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Assisted instruction in the painting and drawing studio
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Guided use of wet/dry media (charcoal, pastel, acrylic)
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Facilitated studio setup, materials, and classroom flow
Lab Instructor, Graduate Teaching Assistant, Fall 2024
VICO 1414 – Introduction to Visual Communication
Teaching Assistant to Prof. Timothy Goheen
Scripps College of Communication, Ohio University, Athens, OH
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Led weekly labs with guided design exercises to prepare students for major projects
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Facilitated critiques and supported revision after feedback
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Evaluated assignments and provided written feedback sheets alongside in-class guidance
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Lab Instructor, Graduate Teaching Assistant, Fall 2023
VICO 1414 – Introduction to Visual Communication
Teaching Assistant to Prof. Timothy Goheen
Scripps College of Communication, Ohio University, Athens, OH
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Led independent 2-hour labs following weekly lectures
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Facilitated critiques and guided project development
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Evaluated and graded student work
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Studio Online Facilitator for Online, E-Campus, and Branch Campus Foundation Courses
School of Art + Design, Ohio University, Athens, OH
Supervisor: Dr. Basil Masri Zada
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Provided step-by-step instructional support in online project-based learning
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Led virtual critiques and monitored student progress
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Assisted with grading and overall course facilitation
ART 1230 – Structure + Space, Fall 2025
ART 1220 – Image + Design, Fall 2025
ART 1210 – Function + Practice, Summer 2025
ART 1230 – Structure + Space, Spring 2025
ART 1210 – Function + Practice, Spring 2025
ART 1230 – Structure + Space, Fall 2024
ART 1210 – Function + Practice, Fall 2024
ART 1230 – Structure + Space, Summer 2024
ART 1200 – Description + Drawing, Spring 2024
ART 1230 – Structure + Space, Fall 2023
Award Recipient – Creative Arts & Design (Individual), Sep. 2025
Original Work Award (OWA), Ohio University, Athens, OH
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Mis/Understanding: Interactive Installation Exploring Language and Communication
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1st Place Award – Creative Arts & Design (Individual), Apr. 2025
Ohio Student Expo, Ohio University, Athens, OH
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Interactive Art: Elevating Kids’ Experiences
People’s Choice Award – art hi [STORIES], Oct. 2024
Appalachian Literary Arts and Storytelling Festival, Nelsonville, OH
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Dar-Al-Salam (Childhood Memory) Installation
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Graduate Teaching Assistantship, Aug. 2023
Ohio University, Athens, OH
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Graduate Tuition Waiver, Aug. 2023
Ohio University, Athens, OH
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Silver Award - Published in the 4th Iranian Packaging Designers Book, Jan. 2022
4th BASTEHA International Biennial Exhibition, Tehran, Iran
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CPLUS LUXE Packaging Design
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Featured project selection, Apr. 2021
HOPE Virtual Photo Festival, Abidi Co., Tehran, Iran
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Featured project selected and published in the 3rd Iranian Packaging Designers Book, Oct. 2019
3rd BASTEHA Biennial Exhibition, Tehran, Iran
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Corizan Children's Syrup Packaging Design
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Featured project selection, Oct. 2019
4th Silver Cypress Biennial, Tehran, Iran
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Sarv Poster
Juror, Oct. 2025
43rd Annual Foothills Art Festival, Jackson, OH
Juror, Oct. 2025
Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition (OGYAE), Athens, OH (Online)
Grant Proposal reviewer, Apr. 2025
43rd Annual Foothills Art Festival, Jackson, OH
The Appalachian Conference on Social Enterprise (ACOSE), Athens, OH, Aug. 2025
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Designed brand book and conference identity for a regional community event
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Accelerating Circular Economies (ACE), Athens, OH, Jun. 2025
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Created logo for a community-focused sustainability program
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Vascular Access Services in Ohio (VAccess), Athens, OH, May. 2025
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Designed brand identity to support a community healthcare service
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Haskins Park, Gallipolis, OH, May. 2025
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Mentored undergraduate students in creating park signage for local community use
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Athens County Food Pantry, Athens, OH, May. 2025
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Mentored undergraduate students in developing a brand identity for a community nonprofit
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Hocking Hills Garment Center (HHGC), Hocking, OH, Sep. 2023
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Designed brand book and conference identity for a regional community event
Heartbeet Homestead, Meigs, OH, Sep. 2023
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Designed a full website for a local small business serving the community
Graduate Student Instructor – Teaching Academy Certificate (1-year program), May 2026
Ohio University, Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment, Athens, OH
Figma UI/UX Design (Online), Nov. 2025
Udemy.com
2 Day AI Mastermind & AI Workflows (Online), Sep. 2025
Outskill.com
Facilitating Online Learning (Online), Aug. 2023
Ohio University
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UI & UX Design, Jan. 2021
Inverse School, Tehran, Iran
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Branding, Mar. 2021
Inverse School, Tehran, Iran
Motion Design, Feb. 2021
Inverse School, Tehran, Iran
Adobe InDesign, Jan. 2019
Vije School of Communication, Tehran, Iran
Packaging Design (6-month program), Dec. 2018
Vije School of Communication, Tehran, Iran
Print & Pre-Print Science, Aug. 2017
Vije School of Communication, Tehran, Iran
Adobe Illustrator, Feb. 2017
Vije School of Communication, Tehran, Iran
Creativity Management in Advertising (3-month program), Nov. 2016
Vije School of Communication, Tehran, Iran
Logo & Logotype Design, Aug. 2016
Vije School of Communication, Tehran, Iran
Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Jan. 2010
ICAD Academy, Tehran, Iran
Thesis Show (Solo Exhibition), Feb. 2026 (Forthcoming)
Trisolini Gallery, Athens, OH
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Mis/Understanding: Reframing Language Barriers and Miscommunication Through Interactive Design
POSKO VISUAL 2025 International Poster Exhibition, Nov. 2025
Malang Creative Center (MCC), Malang, East Java, Indonesia
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Silence Poster
Digital Art + Tec exhibition as part of the Homecoming Chemistry & Biochemistry Open House, Oct. 2025
Chemistry Building, Ohio University, Athens, OH
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Video projection mapping + Interactive Installation
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Interactive Poster Design (Nicotine - TNT - Sulfuric Acid) + Motin Graphic
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Other Work included on a large display
BEYOND CANON Visualizing Cultural Identity in Graphic Design, Oct. 2025
Burroughs Welcome Gallery, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
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Dar Al-Salam Cemetery Poster
Appalachian Literary Arts and Storytelling Festival – art hi [STORIES] Exhibition, Sep. 2024
Majestic Galleries, Nelsonville, OH
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Dar-Al-Salam (Childhood Memory) Installation
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Turning Two MFA Second-Year Exhibition, Oct. 2024
Ohio University Art Gallery, Athens, OH
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Interactive Art: Elevating Kids’ Experiences Installation
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POP-UP SHOW(S) Exhibition , Apr. 2024
Columbus Printed Arts Center (The Fort), Columbus, OH
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Dar-Al-Salam (Childhood Memory) Installation
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Kinship MFA First-Year Exhibition, Jan. 2023
Trisolini Gallery, Athens, OH
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Dar-Al-Salam (Childhood Memory) Installation
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4th BASTEHA International Biennial Exhibition, Jan. 2022
Niavaran Cultural Center, Tehran, Iran
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CPLUS LUXE Packaging Design
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HOPE Virtual Photo Festival, Apr. 2021
Abidi Co., Tehran, Iran
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Hope Photo
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3rd BASTEHA Biennial Exhibition, Oct. 2019
Niavaran Cultural Center, Tehran, Iran
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Corizan Children's Syrup Packaging Design
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4th Silver Cypress Biennial Exhibition, Oct. 2015
Tehran, Iran
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Sarv Poster ​
Global Arts Festival 2026 International Conference, Mar. 2026 (Forthcoming)
Ohio University, Athens, OH
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"Mis/Understanding: Reframing Language Barriers and Miscommunication Through Interactive Design"
Design Incubation Colloquium 12.1 (Virtual), Nov. 2025
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"Mis/Understanding: Reframing Language Barriers and Miscommunication Through Interactive Design"
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POSKO Visual 2025 Online Catalog, Oct. 2025
East Java, Indonesia
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“Silence Poster”
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Expo 2025 – Student Expo Winners Archive, Apr. 2025
Ohio University, Athens, OH
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“Interactive Art: Elevating Kids’ Experiences”
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4th BASTEHA International Biennial Book, Jan. 2022
Tehran, Iran
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“CPLUS LUXE Packaging Design”
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3rd BASTEHA Biennial Book, Jan. 2020
Tehran, Iran
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“Corizan Children's Syrup”
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4th Iranian Silver Cypress Biennial Book, Oct. 2015
Tehran, Iran
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“Sarv Poster”
WORKHOP & LECTURES (TAUGHT)
Guest Lecturer – Grid System in Design, Apr. 2025
Florida Atlantic University (Online), Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Guest Lecturer – Grid System in Design, Sep. 2024
Scripps College of Communication, Ohio University, Athens, OH
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3-Day Workshop Leader – Packaging Design, Nov. 2019
Vije School of Communication, Tehran, Iran
Workshop Leader – Design Thinking, Dec. 2018
Vije School of Communication, Tehran, Iran
Lecturer – Design and Advertising, May 2017
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Elm and Farhang University, Tehran, Iran
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Workshop Leader – Poster Design, Dec. 2014
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Honar Gallery, Shiraz, Iran
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WORKHOP & LECTURES (ATTENDED)​
Chemistry & Biochemistry Open House, Athens, OH, Oct. 2025
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Digital Art + Tech workshop collaborating with chemistry students
to translate molecular structures into visual designs
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Kennedy Museum of Art, Ohio University, Athens, OH, Sep. 2025
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Interactive microcontroller and circuitry workshop with sound and touch
responsive sensors, led by Dr. Basil Masri Zada -
Participated in Tell Your Epic Story, displayed in the Kennedy Museum
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Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC), Columbus, OH, Mar. 2025
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Art + AI supercomputing workshop contributing to generative group artwork
for the Cardinal cluster (GenAI), led by Dr. Basil Masri Zada -
Group and individual work displayed at OSC and the School of Art + Design, Ohio University
DI - Design Incubation, Since 2025
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AIGA - American Institute of Graphic Arts, Since 2025​
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OHYOU! - Oh You! Design Agency, Ohio University, Since 2025​
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ISS - Iranian Student Society, Ohio University, Since 2025​
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BASTEHA - Iranian Packaging Designers’ Society, Since 2025​
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IGDS - Iranian Graphic Designers’ Society, Since 2025
43rd Foothills Art Festival, Oct. 2025
ParksEdge Event Center, Jackson, OH
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Juror's photograph and name featured in festival press coverage
thetelegramnews.com/43rd-foothills-art-festival
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Cardinal Cluster Endcap, Mar. 2025
Ohio Supercomputer Center Press Release, Columbus, OH
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Participating artist credited in press release for the GenAI Cardinal Cluster endcap design
Blending art and AI
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Interview Feature, Apr. 2024
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Bold Journey Online Magazine
Boldjourney.com/sarapirahmadian​
Design & Visual Communication
Graphic Design — Typography— Color Theory— Layout & Composition— Design Disciplines— Branding & Identity Design— Packaging Design— Print Production— Editorial Design— Motion Graphics— Web & App Design— Interactive Design— Environmental Design— Experience Design (UX / EX)— Data Visualization— AI Generalist
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Teaching, Curriculum & Mentorship
Curriculum & Course Development — Educational Technology Integration — Classroom Teaching — Studio Instruction — Student Mentorship & Advising — Portfolio Development & Review — Assessment & Constructive Feedback — Inclusive & Engaging Learning Environments
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Leadership, Management & Professional Practice
Academic & Program Leadership — Visual Arts Program Development — Budgeting & Resource Management — Project & Team Management — Strategic Planning — Interdisciplinary Collaboration — Professional Practices & Creative Research — Grant Writing & Resource Development
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Fine Arts & Studio Practice
Drawing — Painting — Sculpture — Printmaking — Photography — Calligraphy — Illustration — Handmade Bookmaking — Foundational Design Courses
​Design Software & Interactive Tools
Adobe Creative Suite — Photoshop — Illustrator — InDesign — After Effects — Figma — Sketch — Adobe XD— Web & No-Code Platforms (Wix, Squarespace, WordPress) — p5.js — Processing
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Branding, Advertising & Strategy
Brand Development (from planning to touchpoints) — Consumer Insights & Brand Archetypes — Creative Campaigns (360°) — Creative Copywriting — Campaign Management & Guerrilla Marketing — Design Thinking — Visual Storytelling — Digital Marketing — Video Marketing — Social Media Strategy
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Communication & Collaboration
Microsoft 365 — Client Communication — Consulting & Strategy Sessions — Cross-disciplinary Collaboration — Public Speaking & Presentations — Workshops & Lectures — Committee Participation — Active Listening & Problem Solving