Farida Zaman: Illustrating Life with Color, Culture, and Whimsy

Farida Zaman is an internationally acclaimed illustrator and fine artist whose vibrant, whimsical style brings joy and character to every medium she touches. With a career that spans Geneva, London, New York, and Toronto, her work is featured on book covers, children’s picture books, posters, stationery, packaging, and jigsaw puzzles. Her signature use of watercolor, gouache, acrylics, and digital art captures both the beauty of everyday life and the richness of diverse cultures.

Born in Bangladesh and having lived in the UK, the US, and Canada, Farida considers herself a global citizen. Her travels to Morocco, Thailand, Turkey, Iran, Italy, Spain, and France have infused her work with a sophisticated, multicultural flair. Drawing inspiration from these journeys, she has a natural talent for illustrating diverse stories that reflect history, culture, and personal experiences. Her passion for storytelling is evident in her growing body of children’s books, with 16 illustrated titles and several as both author and illustrator, including "Aliya’s Secret: A Story of Ramadan" (Owl Books), "I Want to Be a Gutsy Girl: ABC" (Second Story Press), and "Meena Can’t Wait" (Orca Books), releasing in Spring 2024. With two additional book deals with Owl Books slated for 2026, her literary portfolio continues to expand.

Farida's love of nature and gardening is a recurring theme in her floral illustrations, which have been licensed and commissioned by numerous manufacturers and clients. Her passion for food and cooking also finds expression in her cookbook covers and culinary illustrations. Her travel-inspired art, reflecting the cultures and landscapes she’s encountered, adorns puzzles, calendars, cards, and more.

When she’s not illustrating, Farida enjoys tending to her garden or spending time in her bright, plant-filled home studio overlooking her garden, often accompanied by her small white dog, Pippa. Whether creating children’s stories, capturing the vibrancy of flowers, or bringing distant places to life through her travel art, Farida Zaman’s work continues to inspire with its warmth, color, and cultural richness.