Professional Background

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering (Beirut Arab University, 2005) and a Master’s degree in Urban Design (American University of Beirut, 2016). For over 15 years, I worked as an architectural consultant on diverse projects across Lebanon and the region. I’ve also taught architecture and urban design at Beirut Arab University, lectured at the American University of Beirut, and participated in various design workshops and research projects in Lebanon and Europe.

While my career in architecture and urban design was enriching and fulfilling, I often felt something was missing. It wasn’t until I returned to drawing for myself that I rediscovered my true passion—and everything changed.

Journey into Illustration

It was during a challenging time in my life that I found myself reaching for a pencil again, rediscovering drawing as a way to process and release my frustrations, worries, and anxieties. Drawing became my therapy. I began drawing for myself almost every day, everywhere, and, thanks to this practice, I started to see the world through a more colorful and positive lens. As I shared my drawings online, I was touched and amazed by the love and support they received from people and fellow illustrators around the world. Eventually, publishing houses began reaching out, and I seized the opportunity without hesitation. That was the beginning of my journey as a children’s book illustrator.

For years, I kept balancing architecture with illustration, spending late nights drawing after my full-time work. But in 2020, everything changed. The pandemic unexpectedly gave me the chance to focus on illustration full-time. It was during this period that I realized I could no longer return to office work, at least not without giving myself the freedom to fully explore where this passion for illustration would take me. Since then, I’ve been on a continuous journey of learning and growth, taking small but meaningful steps along an artistic path that is deeply intertwined with my spiritual and self-discovery journey.

What I Do

I am a children’s book illustrator known for creating vibrant, fun, whimsical, and heartfelt illustrations that often draw inspiration from Lebanese heritage, Venezuelan culture, spirituality, and everyday life. My work invites us to pause, reflect, and connect with both ordinary and extraordinary moments, celebrating emotions, humanity, and the beauty of simplicity. It encourages a reconnection with nature and the world around us.

You can explore my full portfolio, including my architectural and illustration work, here. For a more focused look at my children’s book illustrations, please visit my dedicated illustration portfolio here.

Teaching and Nurturing Growth

In addition to illustrating, I teach architectural design at the university level. This role keeps me connected to my architectural roots while blending my design expertise with my interest in education. As an educator, I focus on nurturing creativity, critical thinking, authenticity and dedication, values that continue to shape my own creative journey.

Whether in illustration or education, my work is guided by self-growth, discovery, and a deep desire to inspire and make a meaningful impact.

What I like

When I’m not illustrating or teaching, you can find me taking long walks, observing nature, and drawing inspiration from the simple things—like the details in vegetation or the way light reflects on a building’s surface. I love meditating, sipping coffee, petting cats, exploring different cultures, reading, journaling, and lately, writing.

Portfolio

Complete Document | Illustration Only

Collaborations

I’m always excited to hear from authors, publishers, educators, and collaborators interested in children’s book illustration commissions, licensing, teaching opportunities, workshops, or creative projects. As a Lebanese and Venezuelan illustrator, I welcome connections that bring our stories, culture, and folklore to life. Feel free to reach out via my contact page.

Press & Features

2021 • “Araborama : Il était une fois… les révolutions arabes” , a book by the Institut du Monde Arabe and Seuil (France)

2020 • “They Draw and Travel: 100 Illustrated Maps of Very Special Places”, a book by Nate Padavick (USA & Japan).

2020 • “The Lebanese Revolution…A Series by Zarifi Haidar Marin”, The JFA (Justice for All) journal (UK).

2020 • “La pandémie du coronavirus, en huit illustrations réussies”, L’Orient-le Jour journal (Lebanon).

2019 • لبنان أعاد لي أملاً فقدته في فنزويلا””, Interview on BBC Arabic (UK).

2019 • للحظات “مؤثرة” للتظاهرات اللبنانية “تخلدها” تصاميم ملهمة ,CNN Arabic.

2019 • “How the story of the Lebanese protests is being told through art”, The National journal (UAE).  

2019 • “La « révolution » libanaise en six illustrations chocs”, L’Orient-le Jour journal (Lebanon).

2017 • “The Art of Life and Imagination: Talented Lebanese Illustrators to Follow on Instagram” , ArabAd Magazine (Lebanon).

2016 • “9 Lebanese Instagrammers You Should Follow Right Now” , George Rishan (Lebanon).

2015 • “Zari Haidar Marin: Breakthrough on the Social Lane”, interview by Outlook Magazine (Lebanon).

2015 • “One-on-One with ZarifiHaidar Marin”, Interview by Ink Magazine (Pakistan).

2015 • “Doodling in Beirut with Architect and Urban Designer @justZHM” , interview by Instagram + feature on Instagram’s Facebook Page (USA).

2015 • “The Road Trip” , Best Seller author Elizabet Gilbert (USA).