10 things about me.
1. My first design job.
My absolute first professional design gig was working nights at Pennysaver while attending college — yes, the Pennysaver. It was bland, tacky and not exactly high art. I mean, after all, how creative can one be with 10% off discounts on cesspool pumps and a free shampoo with every hair cut at the local salon. However, wading into that sea of clip art, novelty fonts, 2-color separations and 1/16th-page masterpieces, I learned an extremely valuable lesson: most clients aren't going to understand the golden ratio, color theory or typography but they do know one thing intimately — their product. It's my job as a designer to ask the right questions and recommend the most effective visual solution to drive business to their doors.
2. The client/designer relationship.
Some clients have an idea in their mind already as to what they want; some are more than willing to give you free wield to create their image. It's communication and the ability to ask the right questions that is going to determine the success of any creative venture — and ultimately your relationship with a client.
3. Approach to design.
It really is unique to each project. If it’s editorial design, I research as much about that given topic as I can, looking for an angle or something that stands out that I can use as inspiration. If I’m working on a logo or branding for a new product I always want to ask as many questions as I can so I can get down to the essence of the product. It’s interesting what stands out to me, be it words or phrases, when listening to someone speak about their product or vision.
4. When all else fails.
I get out the sketchbook. For me, sketching is cathartic. I find comfort in getting back to my roots in fine art. Sitting in front of a computer all day you can’t help but expect your ideas to come to you in this linear, clean format. There’s something about the frenetic slashes and imprecise hatches that act as a metaphoric hammer and chisel to sculpt and shape ideas. I actually like to start my designs this way as well.
“There’s something about the frenetic slashes and imprecise hatches that act as a metaphoric hammer and chisel to sculpt and shape ideas.”
5. Favorite quote.
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
— Abraham Lincoln
6. Overrated.
Drama
7. Underrated.
Stoicism
8. When I’m not designing.
I love to cook — always did — but I find it becoming more and more of an obsession. I find the kitchen to be a sort of sanctuary from the computer/phone/tablet, but a place where I can still be creative. I’m always trying out new recipes and trying to develop my own for what I swear will be my second career one day — or at least will occupy a page or two on my website.
9. Acoustic Inspiration.
Radiohead, first; Tool a close second. They are my go to when I’m designing, cooking — pretty much any time. They both tend to creep my kids out (especially the latter), so for a change of pace I find Father John Misty absolutely hilarious and a genius in his own right.
10. My other full-time position.
My wife Nurhan and I live in Long Island and are the proud parents of 4 incredibly energetic boys, aged 8, 6, 3 and 1. I was born and raised in Long Island and Nurhan moved here from Turkey 20 years ago. Both of our extended families are all within a few miles of each other so get-togethers are always amazing. You may think the dichotomy between East and West would prevail but, as I said before, food is a cultural bridge. It's amazing how far a few good dishes (of course replete with an homage to both the North Sea and Black) and a glass or two if spirits or course, can go to evaporate all barriers. So, if you ever want to see Constantinople on the Long Island Sound, come to one of our parties. It's an open invitation.
