We chat with Graphic & Type Designer, Fatih Hardal of Hardal Studio's about working on projects with Sagmeister & Walsh and Airbnb; his love of black & white, and Swiss Design. Plus we discuss the increase in kinetic design and animation, and the design landscape in Istanbul.
Where did you study and what were some of your first jobs?
I studied at the Marmara University Faculty of Fine Arts. Here, I learned many techniques including print, illustration, and typography. In the second year, I met typography. This affected my school education and design. I met with conceptual typography. Custom type production. In the third grade, I produced the character "Nişantaşı Typeface" and it was my most important job in this school. With this system, I won the best student project award from the Turkish Graphic Designers Association. This competition could be my turning point.
How did you name your practice and what does the name represent to you?
I see myself as a graphic designer and a type designer. I love having fun with typography. It's great to create a character and convert it to text! Hardal Studio is based in Istanbul. Until now, I have taken part in many professional works such as corporate identity designs, poster designs, typefaces, album covers. I love the effect of black and white. I combine my designs with my daily life. I follow Swiss Design articles and leading designers. I love the design concept used! I often look at past designs and explore how to turn them into a modern look.
Who are your top five design crushes globally right now?
I worked with Sagmeister & Walsh last summer. It was a great experience. There was an editorial design system. There were a few designers around the world and I supported. A concept was identified and this production greatly contributed to my order: Zumtobel Annual Report 17/18
Most of my earnings come from the sale of fonts: Ampersand Typeface, FH Fraktur, Nişantaşıypeface and Quad Typeface.
We have worked with Airbnb on two different projects from last year to this time. For me, it was a great global experience! These are: Antioch Editorial Design and Unseen Project
What are your top 5 local design things our readers can check out?
A kinetic life awaits us in the future. We see that kinetic works are common in our environment and especially in Europe.
What advice would you give students graduating in 2019?
A kinetic life awaits us in the future. We see that kinetic works are common in our environment and especially in Europe. I think animation works need attention. Moving jobs are now attracting people's attention. I think we're tired of static. I'm hoping we will be moving to a vibrant world in years.
What is the design landscape like on your city and where do you fit in?
I have very good designers in my country. There are designers who are more active in the past and continue production. I take these as an example. I see a colorful and business-oriented system. Most of the time I find things I don't like. My understanding of design is to create simplicity and clean designs. A simple understanding of the excesses. Unfortunately, I can't see them around me. You can see the Swiss Design style in my own designs. The word "insensitive" is used, but I disagree. We can easily reach many people through writing. If we can present this in a conceptual form, we will have followed a great path.
