Poster Master of the Underground: Meet Arash Zarifian

In the obscured streets of Iran, where the villain of censorship and imposed constraints casts brooding shadows over creative expression, Arash Zarifian emerges from the unknown like a comic book superhero—armed with his colour blaster, fuelled by a fire for art that can’t be dimmed. His superpower is the ability to defy the darkness with every stroke, turning resistance into vibrant, eye-popping designs that cut through the oppressive silence.

Artwork by Arash Zarifian for Måneskin’s single “Zitti e Buoni”

With a passion for blending psychedelic funk, retro-futurism, and graffiti art—a visual cocktail inspired by vintage sci-fi, 1970s funkadelic album covers, underground comics, and bold typography—Arash is electrifying the Iranian underground pop-art scene, leaving behind his footsteps in the blazing trail of creative freedom that inspires the next wave of younger rebels and dreamers in his homeland.

Artwork by Arash Zarifian for The Claypool Lennon Delirium

His journey into the art world began at a young age, inspired by his aunt's stunning paintings and a childhood love for drawing everything from Disney, Warner, and movie characters to musicians. His artistic journey has led him to collaborate with a wide range of musicians, bands, and artists both inside and outside of Iran, including Måneskin, Sean Lennon's The Claypool Lennon Delirium, The Black Lips, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, The Muckers, Bipolar, Psychic Bloom, Tame Werewolf, and King Raam. Despite the challenges of creating art where the artistic landscape can often be oppressive, Arash’s dedication to his craft shines through in every piece he produces.

His creative achievements go beyond poster work. He created a comic named Bipolar, which was featured in the renowned Creem Magazine, and another comic published domestically called Red Sky Comic.

Bipolar, a comic by Arash Zarifian, as featured in Creem Magazine

His talent for merging design and pop culture is also evident in RobotKarim, a figure and comic book inspired by the legendary Iranian footballer Karim Bagheri. Drawing inspiration from a meme he saw online, Arash first illustrated Bagheri’s head on a robotic body, later bringing the character to life in a comic book. With the help of a fellow artist, he then crafted physical figures that perfectly matched his original painting—Bagheri’s likeness seamlessly fused with the body of a machine!

Robot Karim blends Arash Zarifian’s hand-drawn art with collaborative craftsmanship

Arash Zarifian’s art is a riot of colour against the shadow that seeks to dim brilliance. It’s a bold act of defiance that turns restriction into creation. With each piece, he builds a universe where nostalgia collides with the future, where rebellion is vibrant, and where the underground refuses to fade into silence.

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Q: Arash, let’s dive into your story! How did your journey into the world of art begin, and what was it like transitioning from illustration to your involvement with music?

Ok, so I cannot put a finger on the point where the unholy combination of art and music began for me; it’s like it has always been there, and I just had to unleash it. I've been painting since I was, like, 5, and the music was always around, thanks to my amazing parents.

Poster design by Arash Zarifian for King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

What does creating art mean to you? In other words, what motivates you to create?

Well, I think for me, it’s a need, like eating and taking a leak, you know!? And I do it for me and the process, and when I do so, the outcome turns out just amazing.

Your work blends a range of influences, from psychedelic funk and retro-futurism to bold typography. How would you describe your creative style, and what role do these elements play in shaping your work?

So, my work for the time being is an unpredictable mélange of futuristic themes and some old-school themes. Cherishing randomness and bringing distant ideas together.

Poster design by Arash Zarifian for The Muckers

You always seem to have something new in progress, yet there’s that unmistakable signature style in everything you create. How do you keep that creative spark alive, and where do you draw your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from the simplest things in everyday life, movies, anime, pop culture or even everyday talks with my sister or friends. I let myself be inspired by everything!

What are the pieces you’re most proud of so far? How has collaborating with other bands and artists influenced your creative process?

Robot Karim, Maneskin, King Gizzard, Black Lips – the friendships are just priceless! The most notable thing about collaborating with cool people is that the process is always remarkable, which causes the result to be remarkable as well.

Artwork Designed by Arash Zarifian for The Black Lips

Your comic book, Bipolar, was featured in Creem Magazine, and you’ve also created Red Sky Comic in Iran. How do comics fit into your larger artistic vision, and what do you aim to express through this medium?

Well, first of all, I don’t call myself a comic artist; I just enjoy making them and have been good at them, I guess! I’ve released a comic book every year since 2021. To me, it is like making a series if making a poster/single artwork is like making a film. Apart from that, it’s a good load of daily drawing practice!

When you sit down to create, what’s your process like? Do you start with a vision, or does it evolve along the way? And what tools do you usually lean on to bring your ideas to life?

The process is never the same, but these days I usually come up with ideas from sci-fi/fantasy books that I read, or maybe a single joke between friends and bandmates might turn into an idea for a painting, you know? I get inspired by everything. I usually let the process decide what the final outcome should look like, even when I do have a certain vision.

Given the climate in Iran, how would you describe the current art scene, both in Iran as a whole and in Mashhad, where you live? What’s the creative energy like for artists like yourself?

There are so many cool and talented artists right now in Iran, but the thing is, at least to me, most of the dudes don’t channel their talent and vision the proper way.

As a drummer for The Lemonoise, you have your feet in both the art and music worlds. How did your love for drumming come about?

My love for drumming comes from my uncle, who was also a drummer in Mashhad back in the 70s and used to tour around countries with his band. And then, Ringo and Roger Taylor from Queen sparked the drumming fire in me, and the rest is history! Also, the unholy camaraderie between art and music helped me find amazing new people and friends all around the planet and expand my work through music.

Artwork Designed by Arash Zarifian

Where do you see your art evolving in the next few years, and what can we expect from you next? Any projects or plans in the pipeline?

I’m hoping to do more work in the movie industry. And probably launching my career as a DJ touring the world haha!

Lastly, what message would you share with fellow artists and creatives out there?

One thing I can say is that if you’re good at your work, you’ll find your way through and don’t need people to teach and coach you. Whatever business that you’re working in.