Naz Afshar

Naz Afshar has a diverse work experience in creative and art direction roles. Starting as a Graphic Designer at Forever 21 in 2006, they later became the Graphic Design Supervisor and led design teams for various projects. From 2010 to 2011, Naz worked as an Art Director at bebe stores, where they established identity guidelines and created visual assets for multiple campaigns. They then freelanced as an Art Director from 2012 to 2020. In 2020, Naz joined Amazon as an Art Director, responsible for full-vertical branding and design. They also worked on brand strategy and development for Amazon Essentials and Core 10. From 2021 to 2023, Naz worked at Columbia Bank as VP, Art Director and VP, Creative Director, implementing visual brand strategies and ensuring brand differentiation. Currently, Naz holds the role of VP, Creative Director at Umpqua Bank since 2023.

Naz Afshar has an educational background that includes a Dual Degree Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science from Cornell University, with a focus on painting. In addition, Naz completed a summer extension program in International Relations at Harvard University. They also earned an Art Direction and Graphic Design Diploma from Miami Ad School. Naz attended an extension course at Parsons School of Design - The New School. Lastly, Naz obtained an IB International Baccalaureate degree in Art/Art Studies from Sophia Antipolis.