Safia Tasnim

Safia Tasnim is an illustrator driven by her curiosity about the natural world and a deep love of storytelling, shaped by her years of studying and teaching English literature. Using a unique combination of digital textures and traditional media such as pencil crayons and graphite, she develops intricate images that evoke warmth, whimsy, and nostalgia. Her work centres on her ability to visually communicate abstract, emotional, and complex ideas in accessible formats. 

Haroun and the Sea of Stories

A series of chapter illustrations for the children’s novel, Haroun and the Sea of Stories, by Salman Rushdie. The narrative explores ideas about language, censorship, and oral storytelling traditions through the protagonist’s journey across a fantastical dreamscape. Safia’s visual interpretation echoes the novel’s whimsical, surreal, and playful tone.

Sometimes I Lay Awake at Night…

A zine exploring themes of nostalgia, childhood, and memory. Through wistful, whimsical, and dreamy visuals, the narrative asks: how does our perception of the world shift and influence our memories as we grow older?

An Immense World: Exploring Animal Senses

A series of spreads of a non-fiction illustrated book exploring “how animal senses reveal the hidden realms around us.” Based on information adapted from An Immense World by Ed Yong. 

A Ragged Dress

An illustration series that reinterprets an excerpt from the novel Knife by Jo Nesbo. The excerpt details an old man’s contemplation as he sees a ragged dress hanging on a tree branch. Safia’s interpretation focuses on the themes of reminiscence, reflection, and the connection between object and memory.  

Postcards to You

A series of illustrated postcards, portraying a meditative journey through the woods. When Safia goes on such walks, she travels to a place of memory and longing, seeking a connection with someone from the past.