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I’m an illustrator and graphic designer originally from the UK, currently based in Türkiye. I graduated first in my class from Hacettepe University’s Graphic Design department with a GPA of 3.71/4.00, and I’ve worked on community projects, editorial/children’s illustration, and brand identity work. As a published children’s book illustrator, I also taught painting to youth and young adults (ages 7–25) and collaborate closely with editors and authors to create clear, age-appropriate visual storytelling.…I’m an illustrator and graphic designer originally from the UK, currently based in Türkiye. I graduated first in my class from Hacettepe University’s Graphic Design department with a GPA of 3.71/4.00, and I’ve worked on community projects, editorial/children’s illustration, and brand identity work. As a published children’s book illustrator, I also taught painting to youth and young adults (ages 7–25) and collaborate closely with editors and authors to create clear, age-appropriate visual storytelling.

Gulsum Kolcu

Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Book Illustrator, +4

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I’m an illustrator and graphic designer originally from the UK, currently based in Türkiye. I graduated first in my class from Hacettepe University’s Graphic Design department with a GPA of 3.71/4.00, and I’ve worked on community projects, editorial/children’s illustration, and brand identity work. As a published children’s book illustrator, I also taught painting to youth and young adults (ages 7–25) and collaborate closely with editors and authors to create clear, age-appropriate visual storytelling.…I’m an illustrator and graphic designer originally from the UK, currently based in Türkiye. I graduated first in my class from Hacettepe University’s Graphic Design department with a GPA of 3.71/4.00, and I’ve worked on community projects, editorial/children’s illustration, and brand identity work. As a published children’s book illustrator, I also taught painting to youth and young adults (ages 7–25) and collaborate closely with editors and authors to create clear, age-appropriate visual storytelling.

Available to hire

I’m an illustrator and graphic designer originally from the UK, currently based in Türkiye. I graduated first in my class from Hacettepe University’s Graphic Design department with a GPA of 3.71/4.00, and I’ve worked on community projects, editorial/children’s illustration, and brand identity work.

As a published children’s book illustrator, I also taught painting to youth and young adults (ages 7–25) and collaborate closely with editors and authors to create clear, age-appropriate visual storytelling.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Language

English

Fluent

Turkish

Fluent

Work Experience

Editorial Assistant at Upily

June 1, 2025 - September 1, 2025

Assisted with writing advertising copy and promotional content and participated in marketing/content strategy meetings. Wrote scripts for children’s books and educational content. Organized and maintained coding and content files for a mobile application. Prepared presentations introducing the company to new screenwriters and copywriters. Contributed to visual design and content creation for the app’s Instagram account.

Book Illustrator at Çözüm Publishing

January 1, 2025 - June 1, 2025

Illustrated ten short stories for a 5th grade English language textbook. Created age-appropriate visuals to support language learning and reading comprehension. Worked according to educational guidelines and editorial requirements and delivered illustrations within deadlines and publication standards.

Book Illustrator at Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı Publishing

August 1, 2024 - June 1, 2025

Illustrated a five-book children’s series for Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı Yayınları, developing expressive, child-friendly visuals focused on key emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise). Translated narrative concepts into clear visual storytelling for young readers and collaborated with editors and authors to maintain visual consistency across the series. Supported early emotional awareness through gentle, age-appropriate imagery.

Graphic Designer at Hacettepe International Community

May 1, 2024 - September 1, 2025

Managed event photography for community activities and events. Designed logos and visual identities for internal and public use. Created visual content for the organization’s Instagram account and ensured visual consistency across digital and printed materials. Worked in a hybrid structure including on-site support for events.

Art Teacher at Didbury Youth Organisation

October 1, 2020 - March 1, 2021

Planned and delivered biweekly online painting workshops for youth participants. Taught acrylic painting and watercolor techniques, supported creative expression, and covered color theory and composition. Adapted teaching methods for remote learning and different skill levels.