Short Biography
ILGI ÇANDAR DYER – CREATIVE DIRECTOR
- Undergraduate: VAVCD, 2010
- Graduate: Academy of Art, MFA in Animation and Visual Effects, San Francisco, USA, 2014
- Position: Creative Director, The Heist
- Location: Chicago, USA
1. What exactly does your current job entail, and what does a typical day look like for you?
I currently work as a Creative Director at a multimedia company. We produce a wide range of graphics, motion graphics, and 3D animation content in the gaming and advertising sectors. Half of my days are spent in project and client meetings, while the other half is dedicated either to designing or managing my team. Even though I’m a Creative Director, I still contribute heavily to the production of many pieces of content. However, my main role is team and project management.
2. What was the most valuable contribution of your VAVCD education at SU to your transition into professional life?
I can definitely say that the interdisciplinary nature of the program was very beneficial. I developed at least a basic understanding of many different areas, which proved to be extremely useful in my career.
3. Did you enter this field directly after graduation, and how did your journey unfold?
After graduation, I moved to the USA to pursue a master’s degree. I initially had my mind set on 3D animation and wanted to work with Pixar—that was the main reason I chose San Francisco. However, over time, I realized that my true passion wasn’t 3D. I struggled for a while. During my master’s, I worked for a year as a VFX compositor. I had the opportunity to work at an iconic place like Tippett Studio, but I also realized that wasn’t exactly what I wanted. I enjoyed designing, and I thought my knowledge of animation and VFX could still contribute to my career. I started working at a company that designed title sequences and graphics for films and TV shows, which was my real entry into the industry. I was producing work for Hollywood. Later, I became an Art Director at The Mill, a legendary name in the industry, which was a big step for me. Unfortunately, The Mill closed down this past February. I’m now working with the same team at a new company.
4. How did your research/creative production experience at SU reflect in your current position?
As someone who has also studied in the United States, I can say that Sabancı raised us to be very curious individuals. We were encouraged to create things on our own, and that contributed a lot to my professional growth. I never felt like I would fail at anything. My mindset was always, “I can watch a tutorial, I can ask someone, I can learn it.” This approach has been extremely valuable in my career.
5. What was your favorite course in SU’s VAVCD program, and why?
Definitely the animation course. I was very engaged, and Alex was a great mentor. Typography class comes next. Thinking about it now, it’s not surprising that I ended up choosing motion graphics as my career path.
6. What advice would you give to current undergraduate students?
I would advise them to be like sponges. They have incredibly knowledgeable faculty members around them, and the environment is perfect for learning and growing. I also think working on personal projects is very important for their development. They should have at least one project that they created entirely outside of class assignments.
7. What would you say to a student who is considering VAVCD but is unsure?
Times have changed a bit. I would recommend that anyone studying VAVCD closely follow developments in artificial intelligence. Things are moving very quickly—they should keep up and be adaptable. It would be wise to spend time learning things that AI cannot do. AI is great, but I believe handmade work will regain value in the future. That’s why learning tangible skills is still very important.
8. How did your VAVCD education make you stand out in job interviews?
Being versatile is absolutely important, and I can’t emphasize this enough. When you enter a room and have at least some knowledge or something to say about many topics, it leaves a positive impression. Keep developing yourself.
9. Did your relationship with SU professors continue after graduation?
I follow Leyla on Instagram and we occasionally exchange messages. Alex invited me to Sabancı once to give a talk. He also sends me photography competition announcements to participate in, but unfortunately, I haven’t been able to contribute lately. They are all wonderful people, and I’m forever grateful to them.