Meriç Kara chose design as a profession because she likes thinking, solving problems and applying solutions in practice. She is a serious player. She received his Bachelor’s Degree in industrial design and master’s degree in designing. She says “I took an interest in design during my primary school years, I think. I used to do 3D objects with paper back then. I have been actively designing products since 2003. I like asking and answering questions with design; even just asking, actually. My designs are thoughtful, talkative and direct, and care about stories, habits and communicating with the user. There are rugs, candle holders, stationary, handbags, T-shirts, vases and lighting fixtures among them but I even made a soccer ball with pebble stones. The products I design vary according to the theme; therefore, it’s hard to name a specific product range.” I choose whatever material the design requires. I like the raw material but my design defines to what extent I should change the rawness of it. Since I am idea-oriented, that relationship is built automatically or when the theme starts with the material, it gives form to the design.” Emphasising that a designer defines her/his own boundaries, Kara says “Boundaries can be flexible or not. Technique and aesthetic dimensions of design affect each other, of course. Understanding the language of material might shape the aesthetic side. If aesthetic is more important for a specific design, it might challenge technique. It will raise the price, takes up more time but you will do it if necessary. You should usually push those limits; it will be a different experiment and experience. Whether the product can speak for itself is a success criterion. So is whether it could create short cuts. Design should include function but the meaning of function for me is wider; it also means entertaining you and making you think. There are also design trends. Colors, forms and materials change from time to time. This is very normal when lives and styles keep changing. Architecture, fashion, art and explorations also play a role in this change. A design product becomes a classic when it could really serve people.” Kara has recently designed a notebook for the 10th anniversary of Istanbul Modern. “I am making a deram-recorder with Atölye İstanbul now. I am also designing promotional products for a company. In addition, I have finished the prototype phase of a lighting fixture. My motto in life is ‘Love it or leave it.’
