About me

I am Meriç Kara, born in Izmir, Turkey, in 1977. I hold an Industrial Design degree (2001) from METU and a master's degree from Milan Domus Academy. From 2003 to 2005, I developed my work in the Design Department of Fabrica, the Research and Communication Center of Benetton in Italy. Since 2006, I've been working as an independent designer in Istanbul, collaborating with creatives and companies from various disciplines while developing my own products. My work ranges in scale from 2D to 3D, varies from mass-produced items to single pieces or installations, and focuses on critical thinking and communication through design. I also design functional objects and experiment with materials to discover new potentials and form languages.

Since 2010, I have been a part-time instructor for Project and Concept Development courses at various universities and also lead workshops. In 2011, I collaborated with Size Magazine as the design editor, and I continue to write about design in various media from time to time.

I have participated in numerous exhibitions and publications worldwide since 2002. In 2007, I was named one of the world's most exciting young product designers in "&fork" by Phaidon Publications. My collaborative works with the 1000voltdesign team were nominated for four 1st prizes by the Graphic Society of Turkey in 2008. I received the "Young Designer of the Year" award in Turkey from the Elle Decor International Design Awards for my solo exhibition of flower pots titled 'A Schizophrenic Domestic Project' in 2010. In 2012, I received the 'Good Design' award from Design Turkey for the 'Digit Cake Moulds' for Suck UK. In 2014, I was among the six selected designers from Turkey for 'Talents à la Carte' at Maison Objet in Paris. In 2021, I received the 1st prize in Istanbul Municipality's Smart City Luminaire Design Competition with the 'Kenet' project team.

Skills

Accessories, communication design, concept development, conceptual art/design work, Creative Direction, design strategy, design thinking, Exhibition Design, Experience Design, experimental design, Installations, Interior Elements, leading workshops, Merchandising, Packaging Design, Product Design, Product Development, stationary, Teaching / Lecturing, User Scenarios

Sector Experience

Advertising, Arts, Design, Education, Exhibitions, Galleries & Studios, Interiors, Magazines & Comics, Merchandise, Packaging, Product Design, Promotional Design, Research & Development, Sustainability

Awards

2008  Graphic Design Society (GMK) awards, as 1000volt design team, 1st prize:  packaging graphics, business cards, invitations,, 2011  Elle Decor International Awards, “Young Designer of Turkey 2010” Award, Istanbul, 2012  Design Turkey Awards, Good Design Award with ‘digit’ molds, home and office supplies, 2021  Istanbul Municipality Smart City Luminaire Design Competition, 1st prize with ‘Kenet’ (project team)

Clients

Paola C, Suck Uk, teget architecture, Vitra- Turkey, Yapı Kredi Bank