Award-winning young designers enter the professional world

6 students from Izmir University of Economics (IUE), who made a significant impact by winning a remarkable six awards at the 20th National Packaging Design Student Competition, organized by the Packaging Industrialists Association, are preparing to embark on their careers after graduating this year. These young individuals have distinguished themselves with their aesthetic, innovative, functional, and environmentally friendly designs, aiming to quickly ascend the career ladder thanks to the knowledge, network, and experience they gained at the university. Sinemnur Yeşilbalkan, who is set to graduate from Department of Industrial Design at Izmir University of Economics (IUE), received an honorable mention in the ‘traditional packaging’ category last year for her black tea brewing package called ‘HerDem’. Yeşilbalkan also won a gold award for this design in the WorldStar competition. Eylül Aygün also received an honorable mention in the ‘innovative packaging’ category for her design called ‘Altın Tat’ (Golden Taste), which she developed to prevent the mess caused by traditional sachet packaging in the kitchen.

HIGHLY ACCLAIMED DESIGNS

Young designers Güliz Yazıcı, Çisil Begüm Kasal, Doğa Varolsan, and Beril Yıldırım also achieved great pride by receiving certificate awards in the competition for their special designs for food and beverages. The young talents from Izmir University of Economics received high praise for their unique designs, prepared under the guidance of Department of Industrial Design Lecturer Tolga Okan. In addition to Yeşilbalkan, who won a gold award at WorldStar, Aygün, Yazıcı, Kasal, and Yıldırım also managed to rank in the WorldStar and AsiaStar competitions, even though they did not receive awards.

The students, who will receive their diplomas this year, aim to continue these successes from their university after graduation. The young designers aspire to continue their education with master's degrees, establish their own brands, or start their career paths strongly by working in qualified national and international companies.

“I WANT TO ESTABLISH MY OWN BRAND”

Sinemnur Yeşilbalkan, who is preparing to receive her diploma this year, said, “After graduation, I aim to pursue a master's degree at a prestigious university abroad and then build my professional life there. Through this, I aim to develop my competence in design at an international level. In the long term, my goal is to establish my own brand in light of the academic and sectoral experience I will gain, and realize my original and sustainable design approach.”

“I WILL SPECIALIZE IN YACHT DESIGN”

Eylül Aygün, one of the successful designers, expressed her desire to start her professional life by working in a design office where she can produce creative solutions after graduation. She said, “I aim to develop and specialize in the field of yacht design, which I am particularly interested in. At the same time, I plan to advance academically by participating in a master's program that will deepen my design approach. I believe that the experience I will gain from different projects will form a valuable foundation for me to establish my own office in the future.”

“I AIM TO DEVELOP INSPIRING PROJECTS”

Young designer Güliz Yazıcı said, “I believe that design has the power to transform not only objects but also societies. With this vision, I aim to experience the global design approach first-hand by pursuing a master's degree abroad and gain a versatile perspective by working in leading companies in the field. I want to bring the knowledge and experience I gain back to my country and produce projects that will inspire young designers. I also aim to have a say in the academic field by publishing my design-oriented research through articles.”

“INNOVATIVE PROJECTS”

Stating that she will continue her academic career with a master's degree, Çisil Begüm Kasal said, “I want to deepen and specialize my design skills at an academic level. During my education, I aim to produce creative solutions by collaborating with different disciplines. After these experiences, I aspire to work in an industrial design studio that is involved in innovative projects. In the future, I want to be in a design environment where I can make strong contributions both individually and within a team.”

“I WILL PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS”

Beril Yıldırım, one of the individuals preparing to enter the sector, said, “In the future, I want to introduce myself and represent my country abroad by participating in more international competitions. Pursuing a master's degree is also among my goals. If I have the opportunity in the future, I would also love to work with large companies.”

“I WILL CENTER THE PRINCIPLE OF SUSTAINABILITY”

Doğa Varolsan also stated that she aims to establish her own fashion and design brand by centering the principle of sustainability. She said, “I aim to produce environmentally sensitive and aesthetically strong products. I believe that design is not just about creating a product, but also a way of thinking; I want to create original and meaningful designs that allow people to express themselves. In addition to actively pursuing this journey in the sector, I plan to pursue a master's degree abroad to continue in the academic field. By developing myself with an international perspective, I want to build an academic career where I can share the knowledge and experience I have gained.”