TGDS Graduate Nevin
Nevin is a visual artist with a passion for developing strong visual identities rooted in cultural significance. Refusing to conform and define herself as one or the other, Nevin has managed to successfully establish herself as both artist and designer.
Hey Nevin! Tell us a bit about you.
Hello! I’m Nevin a French and Turkish graphic design creative with a background in visual arts. My creative approach stems from my curiosity and open-mindedness acquired through my upbringing and multicultural experiences in France, Turkey, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Senegal, India and Jordan. My adaptability and keen understanding of diverse cultures through language, art and communication inspires my designs making them applicable across a wide-range of cultures.
Nevin Maylis Erk - Personal Identity Design
What or who inspired you to be a designer?
The timeless debate around Art vs Design! As a visual artist, one of my art supervisors had criticized my art as being “too design”, asking if I had a graphic design background. The insistence on a distinction between art and design provoked me to take on graphic design and to differentiate myself by honing my duality as an artist and graphic designer.
WWF Oceans - Visual Identity Design
What are you up to in the design world at the moment?
With time in my hands and endless scope around the world, I have been networking and seeking for my own clients. I successfully managed to collaborate with start-up businesses and charities from my connections with India. Not only have I been building my portfolio and skill set, but I’ve also been working on establishing my freelance services to assist others in realizing their brand visions while giving back to the community.
Nevin Maylis Erk - Personal Identity Design
What is your favourite part of the design process?
Being able to develop an idea from conception to a full functioning business tool. The entire design process is very inspiring and satisfying as every project becomes an opportunity to try exciting new ideas and learn new skills. But the most rewarding is getting to work with others who are passionate about an idea and utilising my artistry to bring their vision to life.
Java Love - Visual Identity & Packaging Design
You were really into all sorts of design disciplines at TGDS, branding, campaigning and even packaging.
Have you a fav?
Branding and package design! I love the challenge and creative thinking that goes into developing a strong brand identity. It requires you to think innovatively and find unique solutions. The beauty of package design is applying the brand identity in a visually appealing manner and offering something unique to draw in customers. It enables me to use my artistic skills and cultural knowledge to hold their interest.
Boba Tea - Visual Identity & Packaging Design
Boba Tea - Visual Identity & Packaging Design
Tell us anything you would like to about your featured works.
My featured works are in one way or another linked to my perception of the world and cultural appreciation.
I think it is always important to consider the cultural background of the client or target audience in order to create and communicate something that is understood and appreciated. Take my Java Love package design for instance, the Kenyan caffeinated energy drink range was drawn from my knowledge of African wax and Bogolan textile designs to create a visually appealing package design rooted with cultural significance.
Ragnarok - Campaign & Layout Design
What did you love most about studying design?
Being able to channel my creativity as an artist, apply my knowledge and understanding of the world around me, while sharing my skills and expertise with others, and becoming part of a global community.
Whats your dream design job?
Don’t hold back!
I wouldn’t say I have one dream job in particular, but I would love to have a career that includes a lot of different design mediums. Something that includes photography, social media, layout design and branding; I don’t know if a job like this exists but that would be so much fun.
What would you say to someone about to embark on their own journey in design?
Graphic design is a way of life! You will look at everything in the world differently taking inspiration from your observations and experiences. You will have the opportunities to practice your craft, learn about the industry and watch as the fruits of your labour make a difference in the world. But like anything in life, it won’t go without a few struggles like overcoming creators block, being critical of your work and having to make revisions time and again. Setting your own schedule and managing your own clients isn’t always easy, but it can be liberating!
Ready to get Started?
You can enrol any day of the year. As we are online and training is self paced, there is no pressure. Enrol when you are ready to start, from anywhere in the world.
Click the link below to check out our flexible payment plans!
We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.