We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Oksal Yesilok ("OY").

Oksal Yesilok Turkish designer and illustrator, founder and creative director of The Two Collective. He was graduated from Dokuz Eylül University of Fine Arts Faculty, graphic design departmant. His works are characterised, minimalist, different and elegance. He is now running his studio in İzmir, artdirecting a cards/pin brand. Oksal Yesilok makes simple, fine contemporary design and products for people to enjoy. What makes it interesting is that everything in life can be inspired.

Oksal Yesilok Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Oksal Yesilok.

Designer Interview of Oksal Yesilok:

DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

OY : I started to study design at the university. I have always been interested in different artworks, minimal drawings and designs. It was a passion for me to make and produce pictures since I was a child, and it is great to be doing it professionally now.

DI: What is "design" for you?

OY : Design, sometimes function, sometimes aesthetic, or both. Each area has a sense of design, but for me it's more than the planning function. Passion is aesthetic, unique, and creativity.

DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?

OY : I love arty and at the same time minimal and stylish designs.

DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?

OY : I designed an architectural catalog.

DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

OY : I like to apply various techniques by hand made. This could be everything. Paint, gold leaf, marker etc. I love transparent materials, like glass and Poly(methyl methacrylate).

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

OY : I usually enjoy more than working at night, but sometimes it feels better to start early in the day.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

OY : I always keep my motivation, and I continue with the same excitement.

DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

OY : Design balance, rhythm and ratio.

DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

OY : In Slovenia, I participated in a theme exhibition of toy designs for small and big kids.

DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

OY : I can get inspiration from everything around me. There is no limit to this. People, nature, objects and various objects.

DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

OY : For the moment I like to use minimalistic, elegant lines. But I think I will change over time.

DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?

OY : Time and space are so important, they have a motivating influence for me. Legolandan, a book I bought by liking its design, everything that stood around. I am more productive when I create my own space. I am more curious when producing a new design idea. I'm starting the research and sharing my ideas with people around. I value people who have their own talents, I follow them, I observe them. This may be a gallery artist or a craftsman.

DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

OY : You start to look at everything around you with aesthetic perception and you can really choose the right and creative one. For a person with this perception the world is really complex. :)

DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?

OY : Being different.

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

OY : Being a good researcher and talented.

DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

OY : I make use of a lot of books. At the same time I follow the many design platforms.

DI: How can people contact you?

OY : They can contact me via my Web address and social media accounts. www.oksalyesilok.com /oksalyesilok