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Triptych of Unity
Melis Çelikel
Melis Çelikel's project TRIPTYCH OF UNITY is a mix of illustration and 3D in a triptych format. An attempt to use mixed media to present storytelling from a new angle.
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Melis Çelikel
I am an international student born in 1999 who came to Berlin to study Communication Design, but shortly switched to Illustration. I hope to continue on my journey as an artist and a person.
My work mostly consist of more sketchy character illustration that is both reflected in my digital and traditional works. I am also working on improving my 3D skills to create more characters and assets as I go.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
Hopefully living, vibing and girlbossing. I really hope I'll be accompanied with multiple cats in the future while working on exciting and fullfilling projects.
What is a good design for you?
I'm no design connoisseur. If it looks good, readable (or not) and fullfils its purpose in the context then it is good to me. That said, I really like both bold b/w and colorful works. Soviet propaganda posters are nice to look at.
What was the most challenging experience during your studies?
Probably starting off as a design student. It made me feel so out of place, like I didn't belong there. But switching to illustration opened me up slowly and made me feel more like myself.
Who or what inspires you?
I have a lot of things and artists that inspire me that I cannot really think on top of my head. I adore seeing works that reflect the daily mundane. They are endearing and I think they can also be hard to replicate because it is easy to go overboard, at least for me. My friends inspire me a lot for sure!
How do you approach a new project?
I suppose I end up daydreaming and circulating ideas in my head a lot in the beginning. Then I try to sketch and write things down on paper to cement them a bit. I feel the need to sit on things for a bit and return to them. Later I try to transfer these ideas digitally and keep reworking them until I am satisfied.
What advice would you give to students who just started studying in your programme?
Do not neglect doing personal work and studies if you feel like it is necessary to strengthen your fundamentals. But please don't burden yourself too much to the point of burning out. Try new things and spend your time with friends to keep that motivation and resolve rolling! School can only do so much for you if you can't find a personal goal and motivation for yourself. Mess around with some personal projects, they don't have to be big. Who knows, maybe you'll discover new things you like that'll motivate you further?
Have you changed during your studies? How?
I probably have? It is harder to pace yourself in a positive light I feel. But I definitely have become more self-aware and critical after getting some reality checks. It is good to know your own limits for your own well-being. It is okay not to have insane goals in the beginning, it is nice to go slow and slowly build yourself up too.
Why did you choose to study in your programme?
I'm not academically or analytically gifted, art is the only thing I have going for me so I'd like to utilize it and give back to people. I don't mind that, I think it is nice to be able to create and get various reactions out of people and maybe generate some discussion.
What are you not going to miss in your studies?
I think theory classes and writing. Nothing wrong with those, I am just bad at them. It felt like pulling teeth, making my brain hurt.
How are you going to celebrate your graduation?
I guess I'll be getting shitfaced like everybody else!
