During my studies in Plastic Arts, Cinema, and later Communication & Design, my work naturally gravitated toward communication and interaction. Improvisation and empathy plays a vital role in my illustration process, creating an authentic space filled with surprises and endless possibilities for expression.

In recent years, I’ve welcomed people of all ages into my studio, Lusidhane  (Istanbul/Turkey) for workshops exploring the healing power of improvisation in illustration. These workshops have allowed me to share the deep connection between illustration and communication & design through spontaneous creation.

Illustration has always been my way of telling stories and capturing emotions. I’m constantly excited to chase new stories and collaborate with others—finding inspiration in the way we reflect and influence each other, uncovering new horizons together.

Lots of love,
İpek Okyar

Experiences

  • Lusidhane; Communication & Design Studio (İstanbul), Designer / Illustrator / Founder, 2019-2025
  • Mundo Azul (Berlin), Showcase Exhibition, books & illustrations, 2024
  • Art Number 23 (Athens), Exhibition, video-art, 2024
  • ICAF (İstanbul Cartoon & Animation Festival); Exhibition, Album Cover Illustration, 2018
  • 25. İzmir Europe Jazz Festival, Poster Exhibition; Illustrator & Visual Designer, 2018
  • TAK (Design Atelier Kadıköy); “Görünen Dünya” book project,  illustrator, 2018
  • Konak Council, Cartoon Museum; Book Exhibition “Çizgilerle Türkan Saylan”, illustrator, 2018
  • Notabene Publishing House; visual designer / illustrator, 2017
  • Nesin Publishing House, graphic designer / illustrator, 2016
  • Pikaya; Personal Exhibition, 2015
  • İstanbul Design Biennale; Academy Program; Book form design & illustrations, Video art, 2014
  • Liquid Borders; ArtExpo, Bari / Italy, video art, 2013
  • Imago Project; Upcycling art project, founder / designer, 2011-2014

Published Works

  • Lusidhane; Communication&Design Studio (İstanbul),Visual design & Illustrations, 2025
  • Sabit Fikir Mag., article illustration, 2022
  • UNESCO & Eskişehir Council – Yunusca Magazine Covers; Cover illustrations, 2021
  • Pan Mag. (Boğaziçi University Litterature Mag.); Cover illustration: “The Other”, 2021
  • Berceste Publishing, Fonograf Alanda, Map illustrations, 2021
  • Mimar Sinan University, Nihan Tahtaişleyen (thesis), map illustrations, 2021
  • GoVegan, Kombucha label design & illustrations, 2021
  • Pan Mag. (Boğaziçi University Litterature Mag.); Cover illustration: “Myths”, 2021
  • Tabure Mag.; article illustration, 2020
  • Notos Mag.; article illustration, 2020
  • Sabitfikir Mag.; article illustration, 2020
  • Ayrıntı Publishing House, “Çocuk Hakları Hikayeleri”, book illustrations, 2019
  • TAK (Design Atelier Kadıköy); “Görünen Dünya” book project, story illustrations, 2018
  • Günaşığı, Ahmet Ali Arslan, Music album cover illustration, 2018
  • Masal’ın Masalı, Uğur Sümer, Notabene Publishing, book illustrations, 2018
  • Muratdağı Efsanesi, Uğur Sümer, Notabene Publishing, book illustrations, 2018
  • Çoban ile Su Perisi, Uğur Sümer, Notabene Publishing, book illustrations, 2018
  • Başka Bir Hayatta, Şilan Avcı, Notabene Publishing, book cover illustrations, 2018
  • Son Cevizlik, Fatma Nuran Avcı, Notabene Publishing, book cover illustrations, 2018
  • Huzursuz Özne, Hanife Altun, Notabene Publishing, book cover illustrations, 2017
  • Kartalimeni, Engin Günay, Notabene Publishing, book cover illustrations, 2017
  • Mısır Koçanlarını Kızartan Koku, Nibel Genç, Notabene Publishing, book cover illustrations, 2017
  • Ejma’nın Rüyası, Haydar Karataş, Notabene Publishing, book cover & episodes illustrations, 2017
  • Çocuklara En Güzel Masallar, Aziz Nesin, Nesin Publishing, book illustrations, 2017
  • Türkan Saylan (Anti-Prenses Serisi), Melike Belkıs Aydın, Notabene Publishing, book illustrations & graphic design, 2017
  • Aziz Nesin (Anti-Kahraman Serisi), Irmak Bahçeci, Notabene Publishing, book illustrations & graphic design, 2017
  • Dostluk Sınavı, Gökçen Zorcu, Notabene Publishing, graphic design, 2017
  • Aziz Nesin Aramızda, Nesin Publishing, Audio CD cover design, 2016
  • Nesin Publishing, Publication Catalogue, graphic design, 2016

Education

2011 – 2014 Kadir Has University, Communication&Design Department, Bachelor degree
2009 – 2010 Strasbourg University, Plastic Arts Department
2008 – 2009 MGM Graphic Design Institute (Strasbourg), Visual Design Department, Prep. Class
2003 – 2008 St. Benoit High school, Baccalaureate education
2002 – 2003 İlhami Ahmed Örnekal Primary School
1999 – 2002 Alev Primary School, German education
1995 – 1999 Bahariye Primary School

Language Skills

Turkish: Native language
English: Advanced
French: Intermediate
German: Beginner

Computer Skills

Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign: Advanced

Adobe Premiere, After Effects: Intermediate