Inspiration Interview with FatoÅŸ Karahasan

2. Tell me about the last creative project you were personally proud of – big or small.

My last creative project was a weekly TV show. I started it two months ago. In the first programs, I focused on advertising awards, ie, Cannes, Effie and Crystal Apple. Now, I am working on a series which will focus on Turkish ad agencies. Each programme will be dedicated to a specific agency and will reflect the essence of its creativity. My aim is to put together a document which will be a record for the future generation.

I like a lot learning about TV programming. I also enjoy very much talking with ad people and discover their unique ways of doing advertising.

3. In your day to day work – how often do you feel inspired? Is it important to be inspired?

For me inspiration is everywhere. I always look for new stimuli to keep my senses and my brain alive. I read local and international newspapers, magazines. I attend conferences, seminars and workshops as a speaker or as a listener. I learn a lot when I teach at the university. I love traveling, discovering new cities and seeing new angles of my favorite locations. I consume books, films and music with a great passion.

I am a multi-task person. The more I work, the more energetic I become. I love seeing the big picture and the bottom line of things. I dislike problems, so I try to solve them. My real source of inspiration is my relationship with my friends, my family, my colleagues and everyone I meet. I think that life is a constant source of wisdom. In order to be able to enrich my soul, I keep my heart and my mind open to the world around me.

4. How do you kick start your off-days: How do you find inspiration?

I am a morning person. After I wake up, I either go to the gym or go for a walk. During sports, I listen to music or read my papers. I feel more productive in the morning, so I try to finish my projects before noon. In the afternoon, I like being out, seeing people, talking and feeling the rhythm of the city.

I do not seek inspiration; I know that it is more of perspiration. For this reason, I work hard when I need to, then I totally relax to recharge my batteries. Problems get solved by themselves over sleep, or after a long walk, a long flight or a short meditation.

Thank you

Ä°stanbul Bilgi University Faculty of Communication