Cansu Türkdoğan Şimşek

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Cansu Türkdoğan Şimşek ("CT�") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

CT� : Growing up in Bodrum was not just about living in a place—it was the foundation of my relationship with design. The unique geography where history, nature, and light intertwine has fed my imagination since childhood. My journey with jewelry later took an academic turn when I studied Gemology and Jewelry Design at Dokuz Eylül University. Through this process, I developed both technical skills and an aesthetic perspective. Combined with the sensory richness that Bodrum gave me, I was able to create an original design language.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

CT� : Repetitive tasks and routines have always drained me; I have a nature that constantly seeks renewal. Design is the space where I can break that cycle and rediscover myself each time. Every new design is like a new birth for me. In that process, I'm not just creating a form; I’m refreshing my soul and renewing my energy. Being a designer is more of a way of being for me than a profession.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

CT� : I feel truly lucky in this regard. Growing up with the inspiring presence of an artist father and in a family full of love and support helped me find my own path. I was raised in a home that valued emotions and art. My family always respected my choices and gave me the freedom to explore. With that support, I embraced design not as a career, but as my life’s path.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

CT� : I design jewelry—but it's not just about creating an accessory. It's about making a feeling, a mood, or a stance visible. My pieces accompany the people who wear them in both everyday life and special moments. That’s why the energy, courage, and charisma each piece carries are vital for me. I always aim to create something that hasn’t been done before, with an authentic expression. While doing this, I strive to weave the Mediterranean spirit—its warmth, naturalness, and timeless elegance—into every piece.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

CT� : The word “legend” sounds quite big—because I still feel like I’m on the journey. Design is more about the process than the outcome. It’s a path that’s both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I advise young designers not to limit themselves to just the design phase. Get involved in every part of the process—from production to sales. Without touching the material and understanding the rhythm of making, designs can feel incomplete. A designer who knows how a piece is made, presented, and received gains much deeper vision.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

CT� : A good designer stands out with their technical skill; they solve functionality and ergonomics flawlessly and create distinctive work. But a great designer goes beyond that—they touch emotions. They create pieces that are not only seen but also felt with the heart. Their work stirs the soul, leaves a mark, sometimes whispers a story. Technical proficiency is the foundation, but what creates lasting impact is the emotion embedded in the piece.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

CT� : A good design gains depth not only through form but also through the thought behind it. The better the design process is planned, the stronger the resulting impact. But that’s not enough; high-quality materials, careful craftsmanship, attention to detail, packaging, and presentation are just as important as the design itself. All these stages form a whole. A good design proves itself not only by how it looks but also by the impression it leaves and how it's completed.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

CT� : Good design makes you feel a sense of luxury in every detail—but not just material luxury; it’s an emotional, aesthetic, and personal privilege. It carries a depth that not everyone can access, and even if they do, not everyone can feel. When you truly see a design, you form a special bond with it. That design becomes a part of you. Over time, it stops being just an accessory and becomes a vessel for a memory, a feeling, or a part of your identity.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

CT� : I already dedicate most of my time to designing for the women of Cansui, and that’s what brings me joy. These women inspire me with their courage and individuality. I don’t dream of designing for someone else—I’m already doing exactly what I want to do.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

CT� : I’ve always dreamed of creating a men’s collection. I’ve started it more than once but could never find the time to complete it properly. Now I want to dedicate the attention and focus it deserves. It’s a project that I believe will bring a new language and depth to my design world.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

CT� : Constantly feeding my mind. Observing. Internalizing. These happen naturally as I move through daily life. But the most valuable thing is being able to remain calm and focused when it's time to pour all that I’ve gathered into my work. A good playlist without lyrics, a cup of coffee, and the right materials—those are all I need to turn what’s in my mind into something tangible.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

CT� : What inspires me most aren’t individuals, but moments and places. The layered history of Bodrum, its deep connection with nature, and its timeless spirit have always guided me. My artist father, who used to draw postcards for me as a child, was probably my first true inspiration. While I admire the work of many talented designers, I prefer to listen to my inner voice rather than create in someone else’s shadow.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

CT� : I’m especially drawn to designs that express a lot with very little—minimal yet emotionally powerful pieces. There’s a quiet strength in simplicity, and I find depth in those designs that evoke a feeling beyond their form. I don’t focus on names; I focus on how a design makes me feel.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

CT� : The “Bird’s Eye” series is very special to me. Taking large, intricate architectural landmarks and transforming them into wearable jewelry, while preserving their essence through a minimal language, was a deeply rewarding process. Each piece in the series carries layers of history, craft, and symbolism. It was more than design—it was storytelling in metal.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

CT� : I learned every technique I could in the field of jewelry. I explored every material that interested me. But I didn’t look to jewelry itself for inspiration—I turned to other arts: architecture, sculpture, painting. I believe that you should learn your craft thoroughly but seek inspiration beyond it. Otherwise, it’s easy to fall into repetition, even unintentionally.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

CT� : I was actually planning to become a veterinarian when I was a child. I’ve always had a deep love for animals. But over time, art kept drawing me in—it fascinated me, enchanted me, and eventually became the path I couldn’t ignore. The creative pull was too strong to resist.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

CT� : Design is an internal surge of emotion for me. Sometimes that surge pushes me to create; sometimes, when I sit down to design, I recognize that the emotion is already there waiting. Design is both a call and a discovery—where intuition and effort meet.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

CT� : This has been a long journey, and I can’t point to just one hand that held mine. But my family and close circle were always by my side. I managed most things alone in the beginning, but over time, new team members joined the path. Each one of them contributed. My photographer friends are also dear to me. And in recent years, whenever I stumbled, my beloved Füsun abla has always been there to lift me up.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

CT� : Not giving up. Even when I was tired or discouraged, my desire to create always pulled me back in. To me, greatness doesn’t lie in perfection, but in standing back up every time you fall.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

CT� : So many, I wouldn’t even know where to begin. Starting without financial resources makes the journey longer. Living in Bodrum, though deeply inspiring, also meant being far from materials and the heart of the industry. I designed for other companies and wasn’t paid. I joined international fairs and had my models copied. I raised my two children in my workshop. I slowed down by choice—but I never stopped. Every challenge added to my resilience.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

CT� : As they are. The truest way. Honest, sincere, and original. A presentation is more than a showcase—it’s the visible thread between the designer and the design. Don’t imitate others. Let your own voice be heard.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

CT� : My long-awaited men's collection is finally on the way. It’s shaped around the theme of Karia, blending ancient roots with a modern expression. I’m also working on a new series inspired by traditional carpet motifs—reinterpretations of our cultural codes in a contemporary aesthetic. Both collections will carry the Cansui spirit: bold, soulful, and deeply intentional.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

CT� : To leave behind pieces that stand the test of time. Designs that not only speak to the present but also inspire the future. If one day, a piece I’ve created finds meaning in the life of someone I’ve never met, that means I’ve reached my true goal. I want each Cansui design to empower, inspire, and reflect a part of the person wearing it. Ultimately, my dream is for the brand to become a cultural legacy that carries the Mediterranean spirit.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

CT� : People expect authenticity. Honest, sincere work that speaks to them. Not just a beautiful object, but something that they can emotionally connect with. So I try to create without repeating myself—staying true to my voice while always offering something meaningful. To show strength in simplicity and softness in detail.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

CT� : Design is not just an aesthetic act—it’s a way of thinking. Good design raises awareness, recalls values, improves life, and brings beauty. I believe even a single piece of jewelry can boost someone’s confidence or create a sense of belonging. Through design, people express themselves, build connections, and share meaning. That’s how we cultivate a more sensitive, thoughtful world.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

CT� : I’m developing the “Suyun Nefesi” (Breath of Water) series, which I first introduced last year. What excites me most is the idea of using real natural sea sponges from Bodrum’s waters like pieces of amber. Their organic forms and symbolism create something poetic—turning water’s essence into timeless jewelry.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

CT� : The “Bird’s Eye” series has been one of the most fulfilling. Translating monumental architectural structures into wearable, human-scale forms—while preserving their geometry and story—was incredibly rewarding. I wasn’t just designing; I was reflecting history and memory through jewelry.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

CT� : I hope to see more authenticity and sincerity in the design world. Less trend-chasing, more courageous self-expression. I also wish sustainability to become more than a buzzword—an approach embraced not just in materials but also in ethics and partnerships. I want to see fewer, more meaningful creations. Pieces that hold emotion, story, and depth.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

CT� : Technology and AI are becoming more dominant in design, and honestly, that scares me a little. There’s a risk of losing human sensitivity. But if we can incorporate these tools while preserving emotion and meaning, the future could be magical. A world where humans and machines co-create—rooted in feeling, not just logic.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

CT� : First, the idea settles in my mind. I go through a phase of deep observation and research, quietly collecting inspiration. When I finally sit down with pen and notebook, the ideas often pour out quickly. After sketching, I move to the bench for prototyping. Once the form is resolved, I hand the production over to my team. Each project takes its own time—but none begins before I feel ready inside.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

CT� : I begin by taking a deep breath by the sea. It clears my mind and reconnects me to myself. Then I take notes—sometimes words, sometimes shapes, sometimes emotions. That quiet moment becomes the first spark of the entire collection.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

CT� : Design is the moment when everything I’ve quietly gathered inside finally speaks.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

CT� : Design creates trends. A true designer doesn’t follow—they lead. Trends may come and go, but sincere, deep design endures. I believe design that withstands time will always set its own path.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

CT� : Technology is a powerful tool when used right. It can expand the limits of what’s possible. I use it for precision, production ease, and exploring new materials. But the heart of design is still rooted in intuition, emotion, and touch. When technology serves the spirit—not replaces it—real magic happens.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

CT� : I work with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to visualize ideas, and I use EzCad for laser cutting. My workshop includes laser machinery that allows me to create unique textures and forms. The balance between digital tools and handcraft is key in my process.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

CT� : Color reflects the spirit, material gives identity, and atmosphere tells the story. I’m drawn to natural materials and textures—they carry emotion. Everything I use has meaning and resonance. The light, warmth, and honesty of the Mediterranean infuse every element in my work.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

CT� : I wish they’d ask, “What’s the story behind this?” Every piece has one. More than form, it’s the emotion and intention that matter. When someone sees that, a connection is made—and the design becomes part of their life.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

CT� : I imagine the person who created it. What were they feeling? What inspired them? I don’t just look at the object—I try to see the human soul behind it.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

CT� : I believe in collaboration when there is mutual respect, trust, and shared spirit. The best partners are the ones who don’t impose, but create space. The most nourishing collaborations I’ve had came from honest, ego-free exchanges.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

CT� : My team. Their ability to create space for me—without interrupting my flow—is invaluable. They allow me to stay creative while they manage the rest. That kind of quiet support is one of the greatest gifts.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

CT� : I’m more inspired by books about life and emotion than about design itself. Philosophy, mythology, poetry, history... They all help shift my perspective. The texts that affect me most aren’t necessarily about design, but about time, memory, and meaning. Because I believe design is shaped not only by technique, but by layers of understanding.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

CT� : With curiosity, patience, and persistence. I tried every material that intrigued me, learned every technique I could. I studied through trial and repetition. Mastery isn’t just about technical skill—it’s also about intuition, vision, and learning when to simplify. Over time, what I chose not to do taught me as much as what I practiced.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

CT� : Leonardo da Vinci. His multidisciplinarity, his deep curiosity, his ability to see the connection between art, science, and life—he’s endlessly inspiring. I’d love to understand how he approached the creative process and how he managed to stay so open-minded across fields.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

CT� : Awards and recognition are meaningful, but they’re not a final destination. They’re stops along the journey—signs that the work resonates. I’ve never pursued fame. I don’t seek to be seen, but to be understood. What the outside sees as success is built on quiet effort, time, and belief.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

CT� : My favorite color is blue—it clears my mind and lifts me up. My favorite place is by the sea, where I feel most like myself. I love stuffed vine leaves (yaprak sarma), especially for the memories they carry. Autumn is my favorite season, with its introspection and transformation. My favorite “thing” is my family. As for brands, I admire those with heart and craftsmanship. Loewe and Jacquemus are two that inspire me deeply.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

CT� : It’s not exactly funny, but deeply touching. I once designed an engagement ring for a client who searched obsessively for a gemstone that matched his partner’s eye color. We spent hours comparing tones, just to get it exactly right. It reminded me that sometimes design witnesses love—and helps express it in timeless form.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

CT� : My day begins with music the moment I step into the studio. That ritual—music in my ears, coffee in hand, notes in front of me—is everything. Music is my fuel. It sharpens my focus, opens my thoughts, and connects me to emotion. Sometimes a single melody sparks an entire collection.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

CT� : Not at all. I wanted to be a veterinarian. My love for animals was huge. But art slowly pulled me in—it fascinated me, made me curious, and wouldn’t let go. I didn’t know it then, but the spark was already inside me.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

CT� : I believe one day Cansui jewelry will be found buried in the earth, and those pieces will carry messages from our time. Each design is like a time capsule, whispering to the future about who we were, what we felt, and what we found beautiful.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

CT� : Cansui is more than a jewelry brand—it’s an expression of emotion, memory, roots, and courage. Each piece reflects a journey, a stance, a feeling. If something I’ve designed touches you, it’s because there’s already a piece of you in it. I create everything with sincerity. And I believe anything made with heart eventually finds its way to the right hands.