Interview with Asst. Prof. Dr. Funda Özbucak at Istanbul Gelişim University!

Istanbul Gelişim University's (IGU) Faculty of Fine Arts continues to expand its academic staff. Asst. Prof. Dr. Funda Özbucak has recently joined the Department of Communication and Design. Dr. Özbucak answered our questions about her academic career and shared her thoughts on her new role at Istanbul Gelişim University.

Hello, Dr. Özbucak. First of all, thank you for agreeing to interview with us. Could you please briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your academic work?

Hello, and thank you. I have been interested in art since a young age, and I pursued my education in the field of art, specifically in the Painting Department of Ordu Anadolu Fine Arts High School. Following that, I completed my undergraduate studies in Graphic Arts and Graphic Design at Istanbul's Işık University Faculty of Fine Arts. With a desire to pursue academic work, I obtained my master's degree from Haliç University's Institute of Social Sciences in Graphic Design. In 2018, I had the opportunity to study abroad in the United Kingdom at the British Study Centers Language School, gaining valuable international experience and interacting with students from diverse cultures. Upon my return, I continued my studies as a special student in the Graphic Design department at Istanbul Arel University, where I completed my doctoral degree in Art with a focus on Graphic Design in 2022.
 
We know that you conducted research on packaging design during your master's and doctoral studies. Could you tell us about your industry-related experiences in addition to your academic career?

After graduating from Işık University in 2011, I took on the responsibility of handling all the graphic design, corporate identity, and packaging design projects for my family's dairy food production company, thanks to my family's entrepreneurial efforts. I chose my master's thesis topic accordingly, focusing on the relationship between Graphic Design and Branding in Food Packaging. I also gained experience in the printing department of Unipak Packaging Company. Additionally, I had the opportunity to visit the Museum of Brands in London, where I explored collections related to brands, packaging, and advertising, further enriching my perspective.
 
As a graphic design professional who has started teaching at the Department of Communication and Design, how do you interpret the relationship between communication and media industries and the discipline of graphic design? What are your thoughts on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration?

Designs, which used to be static in the past, have become more dynamic, responsive to needs, and focused on providing experiences in communication design. Over time, traditional printed materials have lost their significance, and design solutions in more digital-oriented environments have become crucial. Consequently, specialization in various art disciplines and mastering them has become essential in today's world.
 
What advice do you have for students who plan to continue their careers both in the industry and academically in the fields of Communication and Design or Graphic Design?

The diversity within the field and the numerous areas it encompasses can sometimes lead to anxiety. From print media to interactive environments, website and interface design, information design, wayfinding, 3D animation, and more, it covers a wide spectrum. However, I would advise them not to worry. With belief in themselves and a desire for self-improvement, they will always choose the right paths for themselves.
 
We thank Asst. Prof. Dr. Funda Özbucak for answering our questions and wish her success in her new position.