“... you will meet many interesting and creative people among teachers and students ,who can play a significant role in your professional and social development.”
Polina Kuban studied Graphic Design at METU, where she enjoyed being surrounded by creative and talented people – teachers and fellow students alike. Polina was a part of many interesting university projects, where she gained valuable experience and skills, that she’ll be able to use in her future career.
Why did you choose this field, this major and what inspires you?
As far as I remember I have been drawing since the day I learned to hold a pencil in my hands. When I was a little girl I was telling everyone that I would become an artist one day. Over time, I realized that drawing was more of a hobby, while graphic design seemed to me a great opportunity to combine business with pleasure. I believe that I made the right choice. I can't imagine myself working in any other field. Graphic design is definitely what I want to do.
What were your favourite projects at METU and why?
My favorite projects were the cereal packaging design, the redesign of George Orwell's 1984 novel, and the creation of a booklet dedicated to Zuzana Licko. It is an indescribable feeling when you hold the product you created.
What was your diploma work and why did you choose this topic?
My diploma work is a promotional campaign for the Belarusian indie/math rock band Name Killer Birchenson for their new music album. The album is called Variables, and based on this I focused on the idea of variability and tried to incorporate it into all parts of my project. I was very inspired by the idea of creating a real project as a graduate work. The concept I created will be used by the band when the album is released.
What did METU contribute to your professional development?
Probably every teacher somehow contributed to my development as a professional, but I'm especially grateful to several of them. They gave me their valuable experience and skills that I will use in my future career.
What does METU’s credo “Inspired by Creativity” mean to you?
I guess it means being surrounded by creative and talented people. Obviously, this atmosphere is conducive to creating something new. I fondly recall the time spent in the workshop class, when everyone is working on their own project using various creative techniques. Unfortunately, the pandemic has deprived us of the opportunity to draw inspiration from each other to the fullest, but I'm glad that we had time to experience it.
What would you say to those, who want to apply to a university, why choose METU?
I would say that you will most likely have a lot of fun during your studies in METU (if some pandemic doesn't ruin it). Besides, you will meet many interesting and creative people among teachers and students who can play a significant role in your professional and social development. But rely only on yourself and remember that the result depends only on you.
What are your plans for the future?
Since the world situation is still quite unstable, it is difficult to plan anything. But I hope I will be able to continue my studies next year, and before that gain working experience in the field of graphic design.
Take your next step at METU’s bachelors' program – get to know our Graphic Design BA program!