The Man at the Garden

A few days ago, I was at a low point, questioning everything. But as I listened to Kendrick Lamar’s "Man at the Garden," something clicked. The song moved me deeply, reminding me of how far I’ve come—from nothing to where I am today. And for the first time, I realized: I deserve this.

"Man at the Grden"

What I’m about to share is only a glimpse of my journey. My life is made up of countless moments, challenges, and successes that shaped me. But this is the essence of how I went from zero to 100.

"Ain't Nobody Prayin' for Me"

The challenges in my life began from day one. As my mom tells it, I was born dead—silent and lifeless for several minutes. Somehow, against all odds, I survived. That survival defined my journey: relentless battles and unimaginable obstacles. Today, I’ve lost vision in my left eye, seeing the world only through my right. But even that couldn’t stop me. If anything, it fueled my determination to create something extraordinary.

"I Was Born Like This, Since One Like This"

Life at home was chaotic, filled with instability. My father’s addiction and my mother’s struggles forced me to grow up fast. I knew early on that if I wanted a future, I’d have to build it myself. I’ve experienced having absolutely nothing—being homeless, sleeping on park benches in winter, and surviving days with an empty stomach. I felt like a man standing in a barren garden, surrounded by nothing but weeds and dry soil, wondering if anything could ever grow.

"I Done Been Through It All, What You Endure?"

This was shot by my brother, Ali Di. It was one of those moments when we were just trying to make it through — not day by day, but hour by hour. My eyes say the rest.

But even in the darkest times, art found me. I never studied design or attended art school, but I discovered peace in creating. I started designing on borrowed computers, driven by nothing but the urge to express myself. Friends mocked me, told me to give up this “nonsense” and get a “real” job in an industry that paid. But I didn’t give up on art. Instead, I gave up on them. With no money and no support, I cut ties with everyone except my mom, memorizing her number and deleting every other contact from my phone.

"I'll Kill 'Em All Before I Let 'Em Kill My Joy"

In this fight for survival, I met Zara, a like-minded soul who would become my partner. Together, we founded Shiraz and Daryan. We worked 18 hours a day for a year, pouring everything into our dream. For the first year, we earned nothing. But we didn’t give up.

"We Gon' Be Alright"

We shifted to fashion photography, and by 2011, our work took the internet by storm. Our first client was a renowned Iranian-French designer, and a year later, we landed a project with Renault. At the time, Zara and I shared one laptop. I remember uploading my first project on Behance and getting just 80 views in the first few months. But I didn’t stop. Now, our portfolio gets thousands of views every day.

"I Live Inside the Belly of the Rough"

Today, I live in a home I love, surrounded by incredible people I’ve chosen to have in my life—an amazing partner and friends who uplift me. I have access to the best equipment humanity has ever invented, not just for work but for enjoying my free time to the fullest. I now feel like a man standing in a flourishing garden, surrounded by growth, beauty, and the fruits of my labor. Every seed planted in hardship has bloomed into something extraordinary.

"I Got Power, Poison, Pain, and Joy Inside My DNA"

The boy who once slept on park benches now collaborates with Adobe, one of the world’s most iconic creative companies. The kid who once endured days of hunger now creates alongside some of the biggest names in the creative industry. I used to dream of a day when people would recognize what I’m capable of, and now that dream has blossomed into reality.

"I Can't Fake Humble Just 'Cause Your Ass Is Insecure"

So I ask myself: Do I deserve this?

I’ve earned every step, every success, every piece of my achievements. Yes, I deserve this.

"This Is a World Premiere"

This is only the beginning of my story, a story filled with countless other struggles and victories. But if there’s one thing I hope you take away, it’s this: It’s not about where you start. It’s about refusing to give up, no matter what.