Media-Design Exchange Student at Bilgi University

I didn't get around what the course is supposed to do, as the lecturer doesn't actually communicate. He's cute though. Maybe I just don't like it becuase I am absolutely crappy.

OK the assignments:
1) Re-draw an object in photoshop. (2D-Drawing) then take a photo and place the object in it, adjusting the shades on it etc...

2) A collage about the lifestyle of a classmate, taking at least 60 pictures from at least 6 aspects of his/her life, combining them somehow.

3) Free Collage about a dream.

4) Trying to rebuild the wallpaper "uvivland" (This is the original by Khairil Syafiq Osman.)

Looking at images that are being published: Newspaper, magazine, exhibitions.
There are some own projects that are announced, then you get two-four weeks time to complete them, mostly "repörtaj". The first assignment didn't really happen (things got delayed after a journey of the lecturer).
2nd assignment: "A free photo-story of an interview with a child. 10 photographs should be submitted¸ each with a descriptive caption. A short piece of text about the general story should also be submitted."
3rd assignment: "Photo-story of someone who thinks he/she has a problem. 10 photos¸ each with a caption and a short text about the general issue should be submitted."

There will surely be more assignments, but, as they haven't been announced yet and people here prefer to take things as they come.....no clue.

Same lecturer as in Photography workshop, so the remark about the language and the lack of criticism applies to this course as well, which is especially bad because this is often about NEWS. It gives time for some own work, but no feedback.

This is a follow-up course, last term the students learned about black and white phototechniques. Still it is no problem to follow. There are some basic technical details that are being taught in the lectures. also some assignments:

1) Self-Portraits, three to ten pieces to be submitted, free technique.

2) "Please make a surrealistic collage out of at least 3 photographs that you have shot. The aim of this assignment is to blend the images by Photoshop layer techniques or by actually cutting and pasting hard copy prints You must bring different photographic elements together in a new photographic composition within a conceptual framework. For samples of previous student works check “collage” at http://www.designautopsy.com/exhibition/Please also check works of David Hockney and Dadaist artists"

3) Studio portraits on Medium format camera, to be shot and also processed by yourself.
"For this assignment¸ students are expected to shoot a series of color portraits in the studio environment¸ using a medium format camera and electronic flash lighting. For this assignment¸ 120 Roll color negative film will be used. Each student is expected to:
• Develop his/her own rolls in the C-41 process.
• Make contact prints on color paper.
• Select best image to enlarge and have it approved by instructors.
• Make a 30x40 cm enlargement on color paper."

4) Free project for the rest of the term, including concept/explanation (at least 1 page), at least 10 prints, A3 to be submitted. Topic as well as technique entirely free :-)


The course is taught in English, the instructor (Orhan Cem Cetin) never forgets the presence of non-turkish-speaking students in the class and is very skilled in making it feel like an entirely English course by translating and moderating.
Criticism of work is missing, though. It seems as if any picture is more or less ok. I miss Mr Hils ;-)

Mostly about packaging, selection and presentation of work. We are evaluated by creativity. No normal "paper-form" stuff, design is supposed to be a lifestyle, as far as the lecturer is concerned (Type: "Cute lady who doesn't have to be strict, only cute" Still VERY nice inputs she gives!) Very ispiring!

We have three assignments (as far as I know, as the assignments are mostly announced one after another!)

1) Design a creative application: We were handed five made-up job descriptions to choose from. We did a "material trip" to some of th streets of Istanbul where you can find EVERYTHING. Material, Textile, Electronic Stuff, Leather .... everything one can imagine. The task was to design an application with some basic information about oneself. The aim: Attract interest. Design something that visualises that you have the skills that the employer is looking for and that has the "spitrit" od the company.
Some pictures of the outcome:


2) Design a portfolio for a company. We are actually working together with BMW top present their series in some kind of "catalogue". Again: Main aspect: Creativity and conveying the "spirit" of the products.

3) Own portfolio

The course is mainly taught in English, sometimes we get extra translation or "sum-ups". It is actually designed for final year students, many of them work already anyway but still have to present their work. In Istanbul it actually IS possible to get any material you like to promote the stuff, so as mentioned above: Very Inspiring...

There is one assignment for the entire term: The X-Box (replace "x" by the subject or a name. Music box or toolbox or jukebox or whatever.) Design a box with a magazine, a book and a catalogue plus a give-away-gimmick.

This is the syllabus: http://vcd222typography.blogspot.com/2007/02/331-pubd-syllabus.html
This is the blog, though its not in use very much.... http://vcd222typography.blogspot.com/

The work is reviewed in class every week. It is discussed mostly in Turkish, though Esen speaks English well. She agreed to let us take the course on the basis of personal tutorials because she knew the students are not going to say anything if they have to speak English as it is obligatory course and some of the more 3d-Webdesign-students are not too happy with having to do print. So the work you get to see in class is also either some really, really good stuff or just...no-comment-on-that.

What I love about the class: Esen is brilliant and she actually criticises people. People here don't take criticism very well and as incoming student you usually DO NOT get critical feedback, you DON'T get your work criticised. 

Actually this is my favourite lesson, the lecturer Esen Karol has my full respect.