Black Cap

Kerem Akbudak

Kerem Akbudak's BLACK CAP is a manga that explores the themes of loneliness, loss of connection, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Loneliness is a common and terrible experience for everyone.
This graphic novel, which is inspired by Japanese manga, is intended to be a space for people who feel alike. Its protagonist, Alfie Price, hunger for a meaningful relationship due to his lack of a good social circle, and so is this manga's purpose. It's meant to create a connection with the reader by making the experience of loneliness relatable. Kerem Akbudak also uses isolating composition, precise facial expressions, and strong contrasts to create an immersive reading experience. Finally, he explores the escape into a relationship with artificial intelligence and its consequences in the long-term due to its lack of human intimacy.

Kerem Akbudak

Illustrator, Manga Artist

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

Working in a Comic/Manga Publisher as a Mangaka and building my own Publishing Company.

What is a good design for you?

It has to spark inspiration into other people to carry a value. Motivate others to create.

What was the most challenging experience during your studies?

Finishing my Projects on time

Who or what inspires you?

Yusuke Murata, Kentaro Miura, Keisuke Itagaki, Takehiko Inoue, Makoto Yukimura, Atsushi Okubo, Akira Toriyama, Hidetaka Miyazaki, Toby Fox, Hayao Miyazaki,

How do you approach a new project?

I start with the brainstorming of the theme, create a comprehensive layout of the project (Graphic Novel), write a script with the plot, environment, characters, themes and dialogues, start a storyboard and lastly prepare the finishing touches such as lineart, shading etc.

What advice would you give to students who just started studying in your programme?

Try to envision your goal and dreams. Really grasp your potential and the payment you are willing to pay in order to fulfill your desires. And lastly never give up. Most artists die due to discouragement. Even if your own parents are against your artistic dream, pursue it. Endure it. Because i believe its the effort that counts not the goal.

Have you changed during your studies? How?

I became more self sufficient, faster at finishing projects and more time efficient. Also i improved my overall artistic skills. I polished my art fundamentals.

Why did you choose to study in your programme?

To improve my skills with a skilled supervisor leading me on the right direction to fulfill my goals.

What are you not going to miss in your studies?

I'm not going to miss having to write theses and analytical papers. I love to write down and research scientific paper in order to create a well put project, but i hate it when its being graded.

How are you going to celebrate your graduation?

I will clap and people will ask what i would do if i never won? Guess we never know.

Moritz Jahrbeck