Arda Avci is a graphic design student at Marmara University, based in Istanbul. His creative journey began early — drawing cartoons, inventing games, and developing characters long before formal study. Today, Arda’s practice blends digital tools with analogue thinking, grounded in sketchbooks, observation, and everyday life in Kadıköy. In this interview, he reflects on learning through making, the influence of his teachers, and his hopes for both his career and the wider world.
Tell us about where you study/studied and some of your highlights and favourite lecturers and if you are self taught, how did you do it?!
I'm studying at Marmara University, Faculty of Fine Arts in Istanbul/Türkiye. I've actually been interested in design since I was a little kid. I usually make my own games. I watched a lot of cartoons then I drew them. As the time goes, I designed my own characters and more. So I kept improving my creativity and skills. I observed a lot. I kept seeing new things and visiting new places.
Tell us about your tools / what tech, programs, equipment and environment do you do your best work in?
I usually do my works with Abode Creative Suite. My favorite and the best program I can use is Illustrator but I also do my works with different programs. I use Procreate and Figma as well. It depends on what I'm working on of course. But all of my works, I do use my notebooks and pencils with me.
Tell us some of your favourite, creative professionals and inspiring places in your city!
My favorite place in Istanbul is Kadıköy. Also I live in there. It's different from other cities because Kadıköy is so unique that you can see every piece of the cultures from different places. The sea, cats, structures, visiting places and people; all of them are fascinating. The street works of artists are really inspiring.
There are a lot well known designers in Istanbul too. I used to look up on them when I was in high school. In the next times, I had the opportunity to meet some of them. My teachers Ardan Ergüven, Kamer Altınova, Savaş Çekiç, Gamze Çöllü are professionals in their career and they always inspiring me. Their vision about creativity and design are affected me in good ways.
What are your biggest hopes and dreams for 2026, both for the world and your career?
First of all, a good wealth comes first. I hope I can keep able to do my things, sports and more. I want to improving my knowledge about designing, create new things, working on new projects. Getting more achievements, expand my portfolio, meeting new people and visiting new places are my goals in 2026. For the world, I hope everyone will safe, good and understand each other. "Peace at home, peace in the world."
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