Iranian Graphic Designers Network (IGDN)

Iranian Graphic Designers Network (IGDN) is an independent design network founded in 2000 in Tehran by Pouya Golestaneh. It is recognized as one of Iran’s first and most established professional design communities, bringing together tens of thousands of designers locally and internationally.

Emerging at a time when digital communication was still in its early stages in Iran, IGDN began as an online initiative rooted in early internet communities. Its origins trace back to a Yahoo Group that rapidly grew into a dynamic network of designers sharing ideas, projects, and opportunities. This foundation shaped IGDN into a collaborative platform focused on creativity, knowledge exchange, and professional development.

From its early years, IGDN played an active role in advancing design culture by providing access to educational resources, technical knowledge, and emerging tools. It contributed to areas such as publishing, color management, and digital technologies, while also supporting the early adoption of Apple ecosystems and producing one of the first Farsi-language resources on the iPhone.

Over time, IGDN expanded its activities to include workshops, training programs, exhibitions, and competitions, supporting both emerging and established designers. The network has facilitated career opportunities, encouraged cross-disciplinary collaboration, and contributed to community-based and cultural initiatives.

IGDN has also engaged in international collaboration, building connections with design communities and organizations across multiple countries. Its activities have helped position Iranian graphic design within a broader global context, encouraging cultural exchange and dialogue.

Today, IGDN operates as a globally connected platform that bridges Iranian designers with the international design community. Its current initiatives include Voices of Iran (VOIA), an international design platform focused on visibility, cultural expression, and amplifying underrepresented creative voices. Through its evolving structure and continued commitment to innovation, IGDN continues to support designers and contribute to the global design landscape.