We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Esra Erciyes ("EE").
As a designer, I firmly believe that everything imaginable can be created. I experience that ideas which seem impossible to others can be brought to life with just a little more effort and dedication. Design is a realm of infinite possibilities. In my designs, I draw inspiration not only from a futuristic perspective but also from movements such as surrealism and art nouveau. I believe that a piece of jewelry should exist timelessly as part of emotion, spirit, and body. Design is sometimes the transformation of tangible reality into our inner reality, and sometimes the manifestation of our abstract reality into a tangible form. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, it is essential to remember that design should not only be a product but also carry a story and emotion. By bringing together all these different disciplines and experiences, we can reveal the true essence of design. https://esraerciyes.com
Esra Erciyes Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Esra Erciyes.
Esra Erciyes Design - Secret of Eternity Necklace and Brooch
Designer Interview of Esra Erciyes:
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?
EE : Design was a part of me that I discovered in my childhood. I enjoyed combining things with one another and using them from different perspectives in various contexts. Sometimes, when I encountered a small problem and found a solution, I also thought that the solution should be visually appealing. That’s when I realized that life itself is made up of design and discovery. Design existed in my life outside of formal education, and in fact, I received my design education through the act of designing itself. Textile pattern design in the field of fashion, architectural design of houses, and interior design were all creative outputs I produced beyond my academic training. My passion for creating and discovering new things is what made me a designer.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
EE : At the moment, I don’t have a studio of my own,I work as a freelancer. I’m planning to open a studio in the near future. However, what I truly dream of is having a studio that inspires and energizes people. That’s why I believe design is everywhere.
DI: What is "design" for you?
EE : Design is a way of conveying emotions and thoughts in the most effective way. Sometimes it solves a problem, and other times it tells a story or expresses a concern.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
EE : I enjoy functional creativity, in a way, I have an inventor side. Alongside that, I love designing jewelry that can sometimes be bold, glamorous, and elegant, and other times delicate and refined.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
EE : I prepared the "Star Collection" for the collection competition of Altınbaş Jewelry Company, one of Turkey’s most prestigious jewelry firms. Since this was my first collection to be produced, I named it "A Star Story." This collection, consisting of 10 pieces, was deemed suitable for production. It included necklace-earring sets, earrings, rings, and bracelets.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
EE : When I encounter a problem, it often turns into a design or functional solution. In fact, sometimes the problem itself becomes the source of inspiration.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
EE : I feel the extraordinariness of inspiration.
DI: What makes a design successful?
EE : Functionality and aesthetics.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
EE : I definitely see the future of design as functional and emotional designs. Although there is currently a rise in Artificial Intelligence designs, I don’t think AI will fully cater to us end-to-end unless humans identify the functional problems. Even if they respond functionally, I believe that the real designers guiding AI will carry the flag of design in terms of ideas and emotions.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
EE : My source of design and inspiration is definitely nature and the sacredness of the miracle of creation.
DI: How do you work with companies?
EE : Primarily, I create broad jewelry collections by developing stories with companies, or I work within the company alongside the design team to create new collections through a hybrid working system, also observing production processes. This flexible approach allows me to meet different project needs while maintaining a high level of creativity and precision.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
EE : Every aspect of life has its codes. Design also has a code, and it is hidden in nature.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
EE : The positive side of being a designer is that it allows you to appreciate yourself. The tiring part, however, is the uncertainty you experience from the thought phase to the final formation — constantly having to prove yourself with every design by truly creating something new or discovering that idea. Design means aesthetics and functionality, and sometimes you find yourself caught in the whirlwind of your own mind.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
EE : If I am to speak specifically about jewelry and accessory design, I currently do not study existing designs. Because that puts me into a mold. If you are designing jewelry, you cannot draw inspiration from other jewelry or accessories; if you do, it becomes mere imitation.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
EE : Versatility and engaging with many disciplines.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
EE : Before starting a design, I research that field from every possible source. Then come ideas and thoughts, pencil and paper. Sometimes wires and other materials as well.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
EE : I do the design myself, but a team is definitely necessary for the production part.
DI: How can people contact you?
EE : website : https://esraerciyes.com/ Instangram https://www.instagram.com/esraerciyesjewelrydesigner Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/esra-erciyes-jewelry-designer04b53780/