Sıla Dilara Değerli – Class of 2025
I was born in Istanbul in 2001. Although I was a successful student throughout my educational journey, I experienced a unique path while making decisions about my university education. After high school, I spent a year preparing for the university entrance examination and later studied in a Justice program for a period of time. However, as I gained a better understanding of my interests and abilities, I realized that my true passion lay in the field of graphic design and decided to redirect my career goals accordingly.
During this period, I began learning graphic design software independently and worked on various projects for clients both in Türkiye and abroad. Through collaborations with different brands, I developed not only my technical design skills but also valuable competencies in client relations, project management, time management, and professional discipline. Over time, graphic design became more than just an area of interest; it evolved into the professional career path I wanted to pursue. To further professionalize my work, I established my own company and continued my design projects within a more structured business framework.
Motivated by the desire to strengthen my expertise through academic education, I prepared for the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS) and was admitted to the Graphic Design Program at Istanbul Aydın University Anadolu BİL Vocational School. Throughout my studies, I had the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with my professional experience. I completed the program with a high academic standing and was awarded the High Honor Certificate in recognition of my academic achievement.
After graduation, I continued my educational journey by taking the Vertical Transfer Examination (DGS) and was admitted to the Communication Design Department at Yıldız Technical University. Today, I continue to develop myself both academically and professionally in the fields of graphic design and communication design.
This journey has shown me that when individuals discover a field in which they truly belong and pursue it with determination, they can overcome challenges and achieve meaningful success. The education I received at Istanbul Aydın University provided a strong foundation for my professional development and played a significant role in helping me achieve my career goals.
Başak Gündüz – Class of 2021
I was born in Istanbul on June 2, 1999. I completed my high school education in the Printing and Pre-Press Department at Dr. Oktay Duran Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School. In order to further develop the knowledge and skills I gained during high school, I chose to study in the Graphic Design Program at Istanbul Aydın University Anadolu BİL Vocational School in 2019.
Throughout my education, I had the opportunity to become closely acquainted with the industry and gain professional experience through practical courses, Workplace Training, and internship opportunities. The knowledge and experience I acquired during my university years enabled me to build a strong foundation for my career in graphic design after graduation.
Following my graduation, I worked at Aksiyon Promosyon Inc. for approximately one and a half years. During this period, I gained experience in customer relations, graphic design, pre-press preparation processes, and various printing applications. I was involved in different production processes, including offset printing, pad printing, digital printing, candy printing, laser printing, and UV printing, contributing to the coordinated management of projects from the design stage to the final production stage.
Later, I joined the Academic Studies Coordination Office at Istanbul Aydın University as a Graphic Designer, where I continue to work today. In this role, I am responsible for the layout design of 23 academic journals published by our university. I also carry out the design and layout processes of GÖZ Magazine, published by the Faculty of Communication.
For nearly three years, I have continued to develop my professional skills and gain experience in various areas of graphic design through this position. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my professors, whose guidance, support, and encouragement have contributed significantly to my personal and professional development throughout my career journey.
Gamze GÜNEY - Class of 2020
I was born in Istanbul in 1997. After studying Science at Bakırköy Anatolian High School, I did not make a choice and worked in different fields for 3 years after I could not get the results I expected from the university exams. After that, after my skills and what I could do were shaped in my mind, I received 2 years of Graphic Design education with Istanbul Aydın University Vocational School Program. Before I even finished the program, I entered the sector by making social media designs, I gained experience by doing internships and on-site applications as the visual design coordinator of our school and gained information about the sector. Thanks to the right guidance and opportunities provided by my teachers and department officials, I started working as a photographer in a photo studio as soon as I graduated. After a year and a half, I transferred to another Production/Photo Studio, which I think had a great impact on my career, and I worked there as a Retoucher (photo editing) for 2 years. During this period, I worked with many big brands such as Beko, Grundig, Atasay Pırlanta, Ebebek, Fenerbahçe, Arzum, CarrefourSA, Atasun Optik, etc. In the 2-3 years that may seem like a very short time, I have made many business connections and gained experience. After this experience and work accumulation that I added to my portfolio, I bought the necessary equipment and started working freelance and moved to Fethiye. In this way, I will be able to start my painting adventure, which I continue as a hobby but also want to do as a job. I send my love to all my teachers who contributed to the beginning of this career journey that I will continue for years to come with change and love, and who made me do this job with love and guided me in the right direction.
Murat SARISU - Class of 2015
I was born in Istanbul in 1982. My professional journey began when I studied Aircraft Electronics in Civil Aviation between 1999 and 2001. While continuing my education, I took my first step into professional life by working for a private aviation company. After a period of time, I decided to pause my studies and continued working at the same company as an Assistant Technician.
A few years later, I joined a telecommunications company, where I worked for seven years as the Supervisor of the SIM Card Production Department. However, my desire to create and transform ideas into tangible outcomes led me to make a significant career change. I received specialized training in HTML and design, which opened a new chapter in my life and enabled me to begin working as a Software Designer at a private company.
In fact, I had always enjoyed drawing and engaging with art since childhood. What started as a lifelong passion and hobby inspired me to pursue professional development in the field of design. In 2013, in my early thirties, I took the university entrance examination and was admitted to the Graphic Design Program at Istanbul Aydın University Vocational School.
Throughout my university years, I continued working as a Software Designer while enthusiastically exploring various disciplines and techniques within graphic design. The projects we developed through our courses, along with the exhibitions organized through the dedication and guidance of our instructors, continuously motivated me to learn, create, and improve myself.
As of 2026, I am celebrating my fourteenth year at the company where I first started as a Software Designer and where I currently serve as Design Manager. Alongside my professional responsibilities, I continue to produce illustrations, collages, posters, and creative works for different fields, remaining committed to creating and learning throughout my career.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of my professors who guided my career journey and never withheld their support. Their contributions played a significant role in both my personal and professional development, and I will always appreciate the inspiration and encouragement they provided throughout my educational experience.
Seher EROL - Class of 2009
I was born in Istanbul in 1990. After graduating from the Graphic Design Department of Atatürk Girls’ Vocational High School, I completed my studies in the Graphic Design Program at Istanbul Aydın University Vocational School in 2009.
I can say that I chose graphic design consciously. My family played a significant role in guiding me toward this field. Their recognition of my love for drawing and my interest in colors made it much easier for me to decide on my profession. During my middle school years, I experimented with learning Adobe Photoshop and worked on developing my interest in design.
After graduation, I took my first step into the industry thanks to the support of my esteemed instructor, Nihat Kemankaşlı, Head of the Graphic Design Department. Through the professional connections he had established, I was given the opportunity to gain my first work experience in a printing house. In the following years, I worked at various printing companies and gained valuable experience. For this reason, I believe that the printing industry is the backbone of the graphic design profession and the place where the foundations of the craft are truly learned. As my career progressed, I focused more on the design field and worked in the design departments of various brands. I managed the design processes for brands such as Polen Gıda, Taciroğlu-Peysan, Bebeto, and Indomie. Today, I continue my career as a Graphic Design Manager at idefix, a brand operating under Turkuvaz Media Group. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the instructors who contributed to my education and supported me throughout my journey.
