Graphic Design
Single Covers
I specialize in designing single covers for musicians across various genres. Using a blend of traditional and digital methods, I create unique artworks tailored to each artist’s style. Some covers feature traditional mediums like watercolor and oil paintings, which I then digitize for a polished finish. Others are crafted entirely digitally from scratch, ensuring each design meets the specific artistic vision and genre requirements. I carefully select fonts that complement the genre and enhance the overall visual impact of the cover artwork.
So far, I have created six single covers spanning genres like jazz, folk, electronic, and funk for musicians such as Deniz Mahir Kartal, Zeyn’el, Telli Davul, and others. Many of these designs involved digitizing hand-made oil, watercolor, acrylic, or mixed media paintings, which were then refined using programs like Photoshop and Illustrator.
Each process was executed with great sensitivity to the musicians’ requirements, platform specifications, and audience expectations. Ensuring each cover was unique, captivating, and legible was paramount.
Posters
I specialize in creating evocative posters using Adobe Illustrator, where each design is meticulously crafted to reflect the essence of its production.
For the Netflix original series Stranger Things, I conceived a poster that plays on the show’s central theme of duality. The upright title subtly fades into the background, while its mirrored counterpart from the “Upside Down” universe stands out in full opacity. This design not only captures the eerie and mysterious tone of the series but also intrigues viewers with its visual storytelling.
In my approach to the blockbuster movie Inception, I explored the film’s concept of layered realities. I created a poster where the title repeats itself, each iteration appearing deeper into the canvas, symbolizing the endless levels of dreams within dreams depicted in the movie. This design not only emphasizes the complexity of the narrative but also draws viewers into the film’s intricate plot.
For the theatre play The Book of Mormon, I employed a creative typographical approach. I repeated the title in various fonts and styles across the poster, each iteration reflecting different aspects of the musical’s humor and cultural commentary. This design not only captures the playful spirit of the production but also invites viewers to explore the diverse themes and characters portrayed onstage.
Each of these posters showcases my expertise in Illustrator, blending technical proficiency with creative vision to produce visually striking and thematically resonant artworks.
Event Artwork
For Queer Shorts Vienna, I undertook a comprehensive design approach, starting with creating a bespoke font to establish their corporate identity. This font was applied across various materials including banners, social media posts, posters, and stickers. The design concept aimed to embody the inclusivity and interconnectedness within the queer community, emphasizing overlapping shapes and vibrant colors. Each element was carefully crafted to reflect the event’s celebration of diversity and unity.
Similarly, for the photography event ‘What is Your Name’ in Istanbul, centered on queer life and the anonymity of the LGBTQ community, I devised a striking visual concept. The artwork featured lip marks on a colorful wall, symbolizing the anonymous existence. I meticulously crafted the poster and curated compelling social media posts to capture the essence of the event and engage the audience. Additionally, I ensured that each design element resonated with the event’s themes. The use of bold typography, vivid imagery, and thoughtful composition aimed to not only attract attention but also provoke thought and dialogue around the multifaceted experiences within the queer community.
Album Artwork
Zeynel’s album ‘Divan and Divine’ is a compilation of traditional Turkish folk songs, with a prominent focus on justice. The songs feature works by three esteemed Turkish poets: Pir Sultan Abdal, Nesimi, and Şah Hatayi. For the album’s visual design, I placed their portraits against the backdrop of Turkey’s Munzur Mountain. The sun, adorned with 40 spikes—a nod to Alevi tradition—shines brightly behind them. Initially depicted with blindfolds to symbolize impartiality, their torsos reflect the Anatolian landscape.
As the album unfolds, the blindfolds are gradually lifted, symbolizing their awakening to the injustices of the world. This versatile design was crafted to adapt seamlessly across various applications. Notably, Şah Hatayi’s portrait against the same backdrop was also featured in one of the album’s single releases. The design aimed to evoke both the timeless spirit of Turkish poetry and the contemporary relevance of its social themes, resonating with audiences beyond cultural boundaries. The album was released by ARC Music, and their design team was actively involved throughout the entire process, which was incredibly enriching.
Logo Designs
I’ve designed logos for Queer Shorts Vienna, where I developed a unique font to establish their identity steeped in inclusivity. The Bosphorus Jazz Collective in Istanbul inspired a logo capturing the essence of swing era decorations. For Slashed and More Slashed, a Bristol-based fashion company, I crafted a logo blending modern aesthetics with their innovative approach to design. Additionally, I’ve created logos for InnerCalm, a fictional wellbeing app promoting mindfulness, and SmartNest, a fictional home automation system embodying sleek, efficient design.
I approach each project with a focus on storytelling and brand ethos, ensuring that the design not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also communicates the essence of the brand. This involves thorough research into the brand’s values and target audience, allowing me to create logos that are both impactful and memorable.
This Bristol-based fashion company specializes in crafting bags and accessories from textiles of their own design, which is considered a true art form in itself. Their unique technique involves skillfully layering satin and tulle fabrics, delicately slashed to reveal intricate layers, enhanced by creative stitching that artfully compartmentalizes the slashes.
When I joined their team, they already had a concept for their logo. I played a crucial role in refining and bringing this concept to life, contributing significantly to the overall design process. The finalized logo not only embodies their innovative approach to fashion but also encapsulates the essence of their artistic vision, serving as a distinctive symbol of their craftsmanship and creativity.
Catalog Design
For a Master’s degree project, we designed a catalog that showcases several uses of empty water bottles as construction materials. The catalog showcased the steps clearly while informing the user about the excessive waste of plastic and examples too.
We included detailed illustrations and step-by-step instructions to ensure accessibility for a wide audience. Furthermore, the catalog featured real-world case studies to inspire innovative solutions to plastic waste.