Atelier Mave is a Berlin based illustration and surface pattern design studio, founded by Berry Aktuglu with a passion for creating colorful and quirky illustrations and products.
Each design starts with hand-drawn lines; has its own playful characters and color combinations that draw Mave’s joyful vocabulary.
She is particularly inspired by nature, travels, vintage markets and childhood memories.
Berry creates work for all sorts of products from textiles, stationery, home design, publishing projects to personal paintings.
1. Where did you grow up / Where do you live now? I grew up in Istanbul, Turkey and then moved to Milan, Italy. Now I am living in Berlin, Germany with my husband.
2. How long have you been painting/creating patterns? I started my business 10 years ago. But as long as I can remember, I have always loved vivid patterns, beautiful textiles and packaging designs that as a child, I was collecting and classifying in their styles.
3. How did you know you wanted to be an artist? I have always loved creating things with my hands, the only thing that has changed is how I express and embody my ideas. Before starting up my freelance journey, I was working in the brand management department for a pharmaceutical and cosmetics company, working closely with the in-house creative teams. I always admired how they translated creative elements to the packaging. That was when I began drawing. I have learned a lot from working on the other side of the table but I’ve always felt that I belonged in the creative world.
4. How would you describe your personal style? How does this affect your work? My wardrobe is full of stripes and checkered pattern clothes. I like comfortable clothes but still want them to be playful and at the same time chic. I also have a thing for timeless vintage clothes and laces. So, I think in some way, my art is dressed with these details, as well; generally speaking I can describe my art style as naive, fun yet feminine, and definitely aims to put a smile on the viewer’s face.
5. What is your process and your biggest inspiration? Nature and animals are my biggest inspirations which can be found in my illustrations and patterns in abundance.
6. Describe your most memorable moment as an artist so far? I like store events, it is a great chance to meet with people in real life. Right before the outbreak of the pandemic, &Other Stories approached me for the opening of their new store in Milan. We planned so many things but unfortunately we had to cancel all the live events because of the pandemic. However, the amazing creative team turned this into a fun opening, covering a corner wall and a window display with my art, it was definitely an unforgettable experience.
7. What has been your biggest struggle as an artist so far? Recently, like many others, I am really struggling with the ongoing pandemic situation. It really narrowed down so many things about our social lives and I feel like we forgot about our pre-pandemic lives. We are restricted to do even the simplest things, for instance, I miss traveling, discovering new places, shops, bookstores and spending time in a cafe shop corner without any worry while watching crowds pass by.
8. What were your thoughts when PC reached out to collaborate on this amazing birthday buddies print? Thank you! I like working with like minded brands; I have always been a fan of PC’s colorful world, it definitely vibrates so many positive feelings and I am so excited to be part of this amazing world with my print.
9. Have you ever seen your prints on clothing before? Yes, I think seeing them worn and used by people in real life is the most exciting feeling!
10. Any sneak peeks or hints on any upcoming works? At the moment, I am pouring most of my energy into writing and illustrating my very first children’s book :)
