When a passion becomes a job, working in creative fields – especially as an artist – can often feel stifling. It’s always refreshing to find those who manage to maintain their freedom, as well as that passion, when making the conversion. Embodying this character and never one to be restricted, Cansu Topaloğlu enjoys experimenting in her artwork, and a look at her vivid portfolio is a display of both the analog and digital, working with color and the lack thereof, exploration of movement, and a rich array of techniques that keeps visuals fresh and dynamic. Her brand, cacu, builds upon her work and very distinctly resonates with her own enthusiastic and creative style, evoking a connection with the curiosities of childhood, and appropriately manifests itself in the donations that go to children’s education with every purchase made. In offering professional services, with what’s certain to include her signature positive attitude, her clientele ranges from the corporate to the personal, and always emphasizes individual needs and keeping the door open to opportunity. With the upcoming launch of her own design studio, as well as a short film in the works, 2020 looks to be an ambitious and exciting year for Cansu, and we look forward to keeping up.
We took some time to speak with Cansu on her natural progression to multi-disciplinary art, the transition into starting a brand of her own, the importance of giving back and maintaining a creative and wondrous spirit , and what’s next on the horizon for this earnest and determined artist.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am an Istanbul based multi-disciplinary artist with a background in graphic design who focuses on mostly video art and photography. I like to work on experimental art and enjoy blending both analog and digital techniques especially in A/V installations. I enjoy embarrassing myself, putting myself in awkward situations, and dancing like nobody’s watching. Other than this, teaching yoga is my forte.
What led you to design and art generally?
It all started a little bit intuitively since I was a little kid with all the drawings and weird crafty things I was interested in, but I never thought it would be an option to choose as something I can actually make my living from. Design and art have always been a head-space that I tuck myself in to flow freely, if that makes sense. After graduating from college, the voices in my head to create and express got louder, and I couldn’t suppress it anymore, and I decided to take some design classes and do my Master’s in a relevant field. That’s when I professionally started.
Why did you decide to establish your own brand? What has the reception been like?
I turned 30 last year and started to dig my “playful” energy more as I got older. Inspired by this weirdo spirit, I created my brand ‘cacu’ which is my childhood nickname that my family called me. As I was creating my brand, I thought it would also be great not only to create and sell items, but also get influential and aspirational for other people. So, I decided maybe it would be a great start to support other children and make donations to children’s foundations through the income of the brand.
We are all told to act in a certain way as we’re growing up but hopefully I can inspire people to find their authentic self and support children to keep their creative spirit.
It has been such an addictive pleasure to communicate with what you’re creating and to reach out to a community. This led ‘cacu’ to become a member of this UK based print platform ‘People of Print’.
You seem to employ quite a few mediums and techniques, with experimentation playing a big role. Are there any that you especially prefer to work with, perhaps on your projects rather than with clients?
There’s definitely a huge difference between the works I create for my clients and independent projects I make. From corporate brands to DJs, the spectrum of the industries I work with is quite diverse, and the medium and/or technique I use totally depends on whom I’m collaborating with/working for. Although any absurd item could be an inspiration as a starting point, such as a scanner, a microscope, plastic bags, slime etc. I first work on the raw material without thinking of any concept and decide where it could go when I’m digitalizing it. I mostly enjoy blending and manipulating absurdity to create some abstraction.
What is a typical professional process like for you in working with a client?
When it comes to working with clients, I totally focus on what they might require which is a way more convenient option as I keep an open door for their needs more than I expose a particular style that I’m generally working with. It also helps me to stretch my comfort zone to be able to learn new things.
How does ATÖLYE fit in?
ATÖLYE is a great inspiration source to find new stimulation. Especially, people I’m getting in touch, connecting, and sharing stuff with give me the motivation to move forward. Although we all come from various backgrounds, you never know where the inspiration will come from.
What are some of your goals for the near future? Anything on the horizon you’re especially excited about?
I’m always open for any creative opportunity and to expand my practice. I would love to create more art projects this year and take part in exhibitions.
I’ve always been experimental so I also would like to go for shooting a short film this year and do the sound design hopefully.
Additionally, I am founding my graphics studio ‘Enpitsu’ for my graphic design works and the official website will be online soon.
Any places in Istanbul you’d like to recommend for foreigners to check out?
I would totally go to Pandeli which is a historical restaurant in the Grand Bazaar for some tasty authentic food, and head to Adahan Hotel restaurant with an amazing rooftop near Galata for a scenic wine session.
To keep up with Cansu and her work, follow her official page, the official brand page for cacu, her reel, and her Instagram.
ATÖLYE Spotlight is our series on the inspiring community members of Istanbul’s most creative space.
All images courtesy of the interviewee.
