Olgun Kaşıkçı is a designer and illustrator whose work blends bold storytelling, emotion, and a fearless approach to experimentation. Originally on the path to engineering, Olgun made the leap into design after a childhood fascination with Disney storybooks sparked a lifelong passion for visual storytelling. From kickstarting his career at TBWA/ISTANBUL to balancing the worlds of illustration and design, he’s carved out a unique space for himself in the creative industry.
We caught up with Olgun to talk about his journey, the changing creative landscape in Istanbul, and why he believes curiosity and collaboration are key to a thriving design practice.
Can you tell us a little about your first few steps in your design career?
I was originally on the path to engineering, but because of the experience I mentioned in the previous question, I always felt uncertain about whether it was the right career for me. I’ve always embraced the philosophy that we only get one life, so I wanted to take action. I’ve tried to live without regrets.
Eventually, I realized that this was what I truly wanted—both artistically and professionally. After school, I pursued group exhibitions as a designer because I was particularly drawn to the illustration side of this field and wanted to stand out in that area. Later, I kick-started my career at TBWA/ISTANBUL, and for a long time now, I’ve been trying to balance these two worlds.
Tell us some of your favourite, creative people and inspiring places in your city!
Ahh of course. ahh I've lot of them! Can Dağlı, Yiğit Karagöz, Eda Çağıl Çağlarırmak, Laris Kilimci from different approachs. I actually live in Dragos, Istanbul. It’s a place very close to the sea and surrounded by greenery. It’s very natural to feel a sense of place wherever you go here. I draw inspiration from everywhere, but Istanbul as a whole no longer inspires me like it used to.
The natural greenery and proximity to the sea in Dragos really create an inspiring environment. However, the general lack of inspiration from Istanbul might be due to the city’s rapidly changing structure and noise. Still, quieter areas like Dragos seem to provide a great space for new creative thoughts and projects.
What should emerging designers keep in mind as they begin their design career?
Emerging designers should keep in mind the importance of staying true to their unique vision while being open to learning and adapting. It’s essential to cultivate a strong foundation in both technical skills and creativity, but also to embrace collaboration and feedback from others. Building a portfolio that showcases a diverse range of work and experimenting with different styles will help them find their own voice.
At the same time, understanding the evolving nature of design, staying curious, and being adaptable to new trends and technologies will keep them relevant in an ever-changing industry. Most importantly, perseverance and passion for the craft are key to building a successful career. Emerging designers should keep in mind the importance of staying true to their unique vision while being open to learning and adapting.
It’s essential to cultivate a strong foundation in both technical skills and creativity, but also to embrace collaboration and feedback from others. Building a portfolio that showcases a diverse range of work and experimenting with different styles will help them find their own voice. At the same time, understanding the evolving nature of design, staying curious, and being adaptable to new trends and technologies will keep them relevant in an ever-changing industry.
Most importantly, perseverance and passion for the craft are key to building a successful career.
Can you share the moment or experience that sparked your passion for design?
When I walked into a D&R store as a child, it was probably around 1997-98. I saw Disney’s Hercules and Pocahontas storybooks there. Back then, Disney often released concept books in a story format, somewhat like children's books. They were filled with illustrations. And at that moment, while looking at those books, I felt something—a chill moment. I knew right then and there that this was what I was going to do in the future.
What strategies do you employ to identify and create new opportunities for emerging designers?
Emerging designers often face the challenge of visibility and establishing themselves in a competitive field. To create new opportunities for them, I focus on building connections with established professionals, encouraging personal branding, and championing creative risk-taking. I guide them to explore niche markets where their skills can stand out and promote collaboration over competition, fostering a supportive creative environment.
Additionally, I recommend showcasing their work through exhibitions, competitions, and design events to gain exposure. By employing these strategies, I help emerging designers navigate the industry, make meaningful connections, and build sustainable careers.
Looking ahead, what do you think are the key factors that will shape the global design landscape?
The key factors that will shape the global design world in the future include the transformation of creative processes by technology and artificial intelligence, the emphasis on sustainability and ethical design, the increase in global cultural interaction, the prominence of user-centered and empathetic designs, the use of design as a tool for social change, and the introduction of new interactive experiences through virtual and augmented reality technologies.
These factors will create a dynamic, diverse, and socially responsible transformation in the design world.
What are the core values or philosophies that guide your creative practice?
The core values and philosophies that guide my creative practice revolve around originality, storytelling, and emotional connection. I believe that a piece should not only be visually appealing but also carry meaning—it should evoke a feeling, a thought, or a memory in people. Additionally, "not being afraid to experiment" is a key principle for me.
Exploring new techniques, different disciplines, and unexpected sources of inspiration fuels my creative process. And most importantly, always being passionate. The energy that comes from doing something you truly love is something that resonates with the audience as well.
What lessons from your early career have most shaped your leadership style and approach?
One of the most important lessons I learned early in my career is that every individual in a team brings a unique perspective and value. I quickly realized the power of collaboration, openly sharing ideas, and giving and receiving feedback in a constructive way. At the same time, I understood that achieving great things requires both patience and flexibility.
Another key lesson is that success doesn’t come from talent alone—it’s built on discipline, passion, and continuous learning. I learned that for creativity to be sustainable, you need to establish a system and manage processes effectively. That’s why my leadership approach is based on open communication, inspiration, and giving people the space to discover their potential—and of course, maintaining good vibes, haha.
I love everyone, but not that much.
What would you like to change in the design industry of your city?
In my city, I'd like to see a shift toward greater collaboration between designers from different disciplines. While the design industry is growing, many designers tend to work in silos, and I believe there’s an opportunity to create more cross-disciplinary partnerships.
Whether it’s between graphic designers, industrial designers, illustrators, or even architects, collaborating can lead to more innovative, holistic solutions and projects.
Lastly, fostering a design culture that values sustainability and social impact is important. While there are movements toward sustainable design, there’s still room for improvement, especially in terms of educating the broader public on the importance of conscious, thoughtful design. I believe shifting towards more sustainable practices would make a positive impact both on the environment and society at large.
