Kulak Ceramic
Our darling designer brand Kulak Ceramic, based in Istanbul, brings you handmade porcelain dinnerware that is authentic, artistic, and exclusive for your tablescape to stand out like no other. Her inspiration is drawn from the atmosphere created around the abundant tables people gather, the memories made to be cherished for years to come.
For her, handmade designs are vital for anyone who’d like to differentiate themselves from the rest. We are ever so proud of working with her for her delicate imagination turned into lightweight tableware that never ceases to amaze its quality in any color you choose.
We hope you enjoy her minimalist take on the centuries-old ceramic and lathe shaping techniques and turn them into perfect dinnerware for everything from formal dining to on-the-go snacks.
4 things you didn't know about Zeynep:
Her story:
I was raised in a family with a design background. My uncle was an art director at Pars McCann Advertising Agency when I was in middle school, and my sister was studying industrial design. I knew I was gonna be a ceramics designer when I was attending art school at an early age, and I was lucky enough to have the support of my family. From 1997 until 2003, I studied ceramics, glass, and porcelain in art school. After graduation, I worked in the film industry as a costume designer and did casting as well. From the start, I aimed to make enough money to start my own business. 2012 was the year I founded Kulak Ceramics with my sister. In a short time, our products were being sold in various design shops, and we produced concept designs for coffee shops and fine dining restaurants all around the world.
What she thinks about the importance of handmade design in the world that is focused on mass production:
I believe the products we use in daily life should be authentic and reflect the character of the person using them. Handmade designs are unique, artistic, and exclusive, and this is vital for anyone who wants to differentiate themselves from the rest, be it a household or a restaurant.
Her inspirations and creative process:
I first imagine the dishes, drinks, places, people, and atmosphere together. Then I put the plates on the table and design all the pieces accordingly.
What difficulties she had as a women designer in the industry:
The most common prejudice is that people tend to think of our job as a hobby. I’m one of the lucky people who made their passion a job. My molder, manufacturer of paper, people I buy raw material are all men who are very good at their jobs. We work in great harmony together regardless of gender but based on respect.