Amongst a melting-pot of freelancers; small businesses and creatives; our members sport an array of talents both inside and outside of the workplace. Meet Zeynep, graphic designer by day and visual artist by night. Last week Zeynep granted us access into her creative process, let’s delve into it!

Hi Zeynep 👋

Thank you for joining us. To start with, tell us a bit about yourself and what you do!

I am a graphic designer and artist currently based in vibrant Brighton, UK, where I've been immersed in the creative scene for the past 7 years. A graduate of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, the leading prestigious art and design institution in Turkey, I specialized in Graphic Design. My commitment to artistic excellence was recognised during my student years with several awards, including a first prize in a Printmaking competition.

Over the years, I've cultivated a diverse design portfolio, contributing my creative touch to various sectors such as healthcare, art, and entertainment. While living in Istanbul, I had the privilege of collaborating with renowned Turkish artists and prestigious art galleries, enriching my artistic journey.

In the past two years, I've rediscovered the joy of painting, channeling my creativity into personal expressions rather than branded designs. This shift has allowed me to delve deeper into my artistic passion and finding joy in creating just for the sake of self-expression.

*Zeynep Kocayusufpasa: Image Curtsey of the Artist*

Let’s delve a bit more into your practice. Bold colours and geometric patterns seem to form a dominant aspect of your work, what draws you to them?

I draw inspiration from the simplicity of everyday life, crafting a narrative through the interplay of shifting geometric forms against natural backgrounds like the sky or sea. Leveraging the sun's dynamic movements throughout the day, I use its changing light to mark beginnings and endings.

Working usually on wood, which symbolizes our roots, I transform colours and shapes into visual stories that reflect the timelines of our lives. My aim is to strike a balance between our familiar safety zones and the uncertain territories of future experiences, all while celebrating our exciting journey in life!

**Walk us through your process. Are you a careful planner or are your works formed through pure force of instinct?**

It's the thrilling part—I find myself dreaming about my next creation, envisioning its form and essence. While I often create a digital draft beforehand to guide me, the materials I work with—acrylic paint, brushes, and canvas—sometimes lead the way, introducing unexpected twists. Not every piece ends up as initially planned, and that unpredictability is something I cherish in the creative process.

🔥Quickfire round 1: Around WRAP. We are lucky to also have you as one of our members! Any favourite design features around our space?

Absolutely, Wrap is a fantastic place to work! My go-to spot is the rooftop kitchen and terrace. The view is simply breathtaking. The open bar in the kitchen creates a welcoming, homely atmosphere, turning it into more than just an office space. The presence of artworks throughout the building is the perfect finishing touch—there's something to discover around every corner.

When did you start painting this body of work? Has creativity always formed a core part of your daily life?

Yes, painting has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started creating as a kid, and it's been a part of both my personal and professional life ever since.

🔥 Quickfire round 2: Fellow Creatives Give us three women visual artists that inspire you.

Zaha Hadid: Architect / Artist
Barbara Hepworth: Sculptor / Artist
Fahrelnissa Zeid: Turkish Artist

I feel incredibly fortunate to have personally visited the works of three remarkable women in various cities, who have greatly inspired my artistic journey.

Anything else you want to share with us?

I've recently ventured into creating on wood blocks, a medium that allows me to explore various sizes and dimensions. Termed as my '3D paintings,' these pieces offer a dynamic viewing experience from every angle. Catching a unique characteristic on more than one side of the block provides an additional dynamism to my evolving forms. And I find this so exciting.

I also want to express my gratitude to the Wrap Team for including my works as part of the new exhibition. Thank you!

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Does Zeynep’s work catch your eye? You can see more of her works by following Zeynep’s journey on Instagram at 👉 @zeykypart and website

Bold nature-inspired geometries with Zeynep Kocayusufpasa

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