Nuri Keli: Student Spotlight

The SCAD Atlanta faculty is proud to shine the Student Spotlight on Nuri Keli!

1. Where are you from?

I was born in a small town called Kadirli in Adana, Turkey.

2. Where have you been to school?

I received my Diploma at Anateolian Fine Arts high school, then, I completed my bachelor

in Graphic Design at Yeditepe University, IstanbulTurkey.

3. What attracted you to Illustration?

Since I was 7, I was always interested in drawing, characters, heroes and compositions. I

initially expressed my creativity through traditional mediums. After being exposed to the

computer and digital painting platforms, I started to combine traditional medium with digital

medium. Now, most of my illustrations and visual development are done in digital

mediums.

4. Who are your biggest influences?

I have a lot of favorite artists but the ones that inspire me the most are: Pascal Campion,

Dice Tsutsumi and James Gurney.

5. If you weren’t studying illustration at SCAD, what would you likely be doing?

SCAD was my milestone, it seems unimaginable to be at SCAD, but if I did not come to

SCAD, I would most likely work for local companies as a caricaturist, graphic designer or

an illustrator.

6. What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I like watching movies, listening to music, enjoying a cup of Turkish tea

and going out for walks.

7. What is something that most people don’t know about you?

Most people do not know that I am allergic to cats! Besides that, I think that people seldom

realized that I can get angry or frustrated since I am generally so positive and energetic.

8. What would your dream job/client be and why?

Just like many illustrators, my dream job and client is Pixar Animation Studios. I always wanted

to work for Pixar Animation Studios, which is the primary goal in my career. I feel very

connected to how they create concepts and their characters and I find them similar to my

artistic style.

9. What’s your typical process for creating your artwork (technique, media, etc)?

Typically, I do graphite sketches and scan them in to the computer and paint over it with

Photoshop. But mostly, I like experimenting with new mediums and let happy accidents become a part of my work. When I have a very extended deadline, I like to experiment with traditional

mediums first, then bring it into a digital platform to add the final touches.

10. Sum up your personal philosophy in 25 words or less.

I have very straight work principles, if I have a commission, I need to finish it before I have

my breakfast or lunch. I feel like I need to deserve it, then I can reward myself. I am flexible

with different styles as long as the result makes me happy. I would like to be happy and

make people happy. I also believe helping and sharing is very important.

Thanks, Nuri! You're an inspiration to us all!