Creative Commission with Çağlayan Aktuğ

Çağlayan Aktuğ is an Illustrator, designer and artist based in London, exploring representations of the human body with disproportionate anatomy in playful scenes with bold colours and patterns.

After studying Graphic Design in Izmir, Turkey he moved to London to study communication and illustration at Kingston University. Now permanently based in East London working as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator on collaborative projects and personal artworks.

We caught up with Çağlayan to chat about his creative journey and our recent collaboration.

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Pith: Where did it all begin for you Çağlayan? Did you always have your heart set on becoming an illustrator or did you follow a different path into the industry? 

Caglayan Aktug: I was always drawing as a child. Then I started winning competitions during primary and secondary school and realised that I wanted to work in visual arts. I studied Graphic Design in Turkey, and then my MA in Visual Communication/Illustration in London at Kingston University. My first jobs were in Istanbul in graphic design, but I also did drawings for some magazines. I loved inserting my style and developing as an illustration artist whilst working. Soon I was doing more illustration jobs, and it took off from there.


P: How would you describe what you do? 

CA: My work ranges from traditional mediums to digital drawings. It often explores representations of the human body with disproportionate anatomy in playful scenes with bold colours and patterns. 


P: What are the main influences and inspirations behind your work? 

CA: I like to imagine scenes that are outside of what we normally observe in our daily lives. Other artists have inspired me, like Fernando Botero, who also explores the proportions of the human body. Also, René Magritte and the photographer Lars Tunbjörk, who show people in unusual positions and scenes.

P: How does your process begin? Do you start with research and sketching or directly to digital?

CA: I do visual research, mostly looking at photographs, particularly of people with unusual stances and postures. Based on that, I do some basic pencil sketches in my sketchbook or just with my iPad to explore ideas. Then I create different layers of the illustration, usually on my iPad, before I bring them together and edit on Photoshop.

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P: How has your process changed since you started? Your style is very recognisable, has it always been that way or has it evolved as your skills have developed?

CA: My early illustrations used more traditional tools, like pencils, watercolours and gouache. They were similar, in that I was always exploring the proportions of the human body, but I was trying out different styles. I also took more time questioning my approach and the content of the illustrations. In the last few years, I have developed a clearer idea of my style. I am still open to evolving but I am much more satisfied with the overall identity of my work.


P: How did 2020 affect your work, has your style or process changed at all?

CA: When the pandemic started, I had very little freelancing work for about six months, so I started experimenting with different digital tools and techniques and doing a lot more personal artwork. I ended up drawing mostly on my iPad because it feels like normal drawing whilst offering all the technology and tools that help me to experiment with ideas. It also means I can draw wherever I like.

P: Do you prefer to work to a brief or self-initiated projects? 

CA: I love working as an illustration artist on personal projects, and enjoy the freedom of being able to do what I want. But working to a brief also forces me to consider using new techniques and stretch myself in different ways, so the balance of doing both is what really helps me to develop.


P: We are so excited to launch your print created for Pith Creative Commission, can you tell us a little bit about the piece and what inspired it? 

CA: I had discussions about the values of Pith, especially around sustainability. The bicycle points to sustainable travel and sustainable living. The tandem bike also reflects how, when it comes to our environment, we as a people are on a journey together which is sustainable and collaborative, and at the same time fun and interesting.


P: It’s been a pleasure working with you Çağlayan, we can’t wait to get your print framed and up on our studio wall!


Çağlayan’s print is now live in the Pith Print Shop. To see more incredible work by Çağlayan Aktuğ over on his website: www.caglayanaktug.com or Instagram

All sales of our Creative Collaboration prints are shared equally with the artist, Pith’s share is used for printing, marketing and future community projects. Read more about our Creative Commission projects and how you can get involved.

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