Good People of vitruta: Selin Tahtakılıç

Welcome, Selin, to Good People of vitruta! Let’s start with our classic question: who is Selin Tahtakılıç? How did it all begin, how’s it going, and what’s she up to?

Thank you for the welcome! :) I’m an illustrator from Izmir. I moved to Istanbul about nine years ago to attend university after studying at an arts-focused high school. Even before I graduated, my internships helped me realize what fields didn’t suit me. I wanted a work life that was calm and free, one where I could work from wherever I wanted without being tied to a single location. I increased my visibility by sharing my work widely on social media and portfolio sites. Thanks to social media, I began taking on various illustration projects, kicking off my freelance illustrator career. I’ve been working this way for about five years now. Sometimes I feel like an octopus with projects spanning multiple fields, often juggling several at once. It can get overwhelming, but whenever I can, I balance things out by dedicating time to my personal work.

It seems like it was clear from a young age that you’d be drawn to illustration. How did your identity as an illustrator evolve at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University?

You could definitely say that—according to my mom, I started as early as my high chair days. I’d spend hours with a sketchbook in front of me, always drawing something on my own. Most of my family is artistically inclined, and that environment shaped me too. Initially, I wanted to be a fashion designer, but my interest gradually shifted to illustration. I even remember designing dresses from my grandmother’s scarves and holding my own little runway shows. I started at Mimar Sinan in the fashion and textile design department, but during my first year of textile courses, I worked toward transferring to graphic design, which I managed to do. Experiencing two different disciplines and embracing the Mimar Sinan style was a big advantage for me.

Your work spans such diverse fields. For example, you designed the cover for Gustave Flaubert's A Simple Heart, published by Can Yayınları—a piece I admire. Could you walk us through how that illustration came to life? I’d love to understand your process, from receiving an illustration request to transforming it in your mind.

I enjoy working across different areas; it fuels my passion. Being able to exist in various media prevents monotony for me. Sometimes, I illustrate children’s books, design for commercials, or create illustrations for packaging. Every project begins with a brief from the client. Each has its own journey, and we meet at the final concept—the client’s vision combined with my touch. When I’ve done a lot of commercial work, I feel the need to create something for myself. In these personal projects, I’m free from briefs and revisions, making all the decisions. It’s a breath of fresh air, allowing me to step away from digital work and create in a space entirely my own.

Another familiar piece of yours is for Jön Chocolate, where the theme is Istanbul. How did that project come about?

My connection to Jön is very special to me because just a few months before the offer, I had reached out to Le Chocolat des Français, a brand I admire, explaining how much I wanted to work with them. While waiting for a reply, I received a message from Emirhan, inviting me to join Jön, which was exactly the type of project I had dreamed of. It was truly fulfilling to see that vision come to life.

What inspires you when creating these illustrations? What sources do you draw from the most?

I get inspiration from so many things; it’s hard to pinpoint a single source. It could be a scene from a movie, a street I walk down, a conversation I overhear, my dreams—even something I ate.

What does your daily routine look like? How do you start your day?

I try to wake up as early as possible. I enjoy making breakfast at home, usually a big, colorful bowl. Starting my day with a vibrant plate seems to set a positive tone. After breakfast, I plan out the tasks I want to accomplish and head to a café to work. Being able to work in a different place each day is one of the things I love most about my job.

Are there any books you've read, podcasts you've listened to, or movies/series you've watched recently that you'd like to share with us?

Although I haven’t been able to read a lot recently, Engin Geçtan - İnsan Olmak is the one book I find myself going back to time and again. I’m drawn to works that explore human psychology and show that the emotions we think are unique to us are actually universal. Some of my favorite films are Force Majeure by Ruben Östlund and a recent watch, The Worst Person in the World.

Lastly, we’d love to know your top three favorite brands at vitruta.

"I honestly love every brand at vitruta, so it's hard to limit it to just three! But if I had to choose, I’d definitely put Jön Chocolate at the top. Then, Anais&Margaux and Ventotto would be next.