Sanem Özkan

Graphic Designer · Instructor · Academic

Sanem
Özkan

Balancing form, function and creativity to craft meaningful visual experiences.

Explore Rogarji View work

Istanbul, Turkey

01

About

A creative professional exploring the intersection of design, education and visual storytelling.

Portrait of Sanem Özkan

According to Özkan, creativity sometimes emerges in the most unexpected places. Sometimes in a street sign, sometimes in the shape of a cloud, and sometimes on a manhole cover… The important thing is to notice the images around us and to interpret them with a different eye.

Education

  • Bachelor’s degreeİzmir, Yaşar University
  • Master’s degreeEskişehir, Anadolu University

Professional journey

  • Worked as an art director
  • Moved into academia to share knowledge and inspire new designers

Research & publications

  • Researches visual communication
  • Publishes articles on design trends and creative expression

02

Signature project

Where “rögar” (manhole) meets “emoji” — urban infrastructure turned into emotional characters.

Created by designer and academic Sanem Özkan, the Rogarji characters reveal the creative and inspiring side of graphic design. The name “Rogarji” combines the Turkish word “rögar” (manhole) with “emoji”. Inspired by manhole covers, these images turn into characters that express a whole range of emotions.

  • A

    Unexpected creativity

    Finding inspiration in everyday urban details like manhole covers.

  • B

    Emotional expression

    Turning geometric patterns into characters that express different feelings.

  • C

    A fresh perspective

    Inviting people to look at the city through a different, creative lens.

Character gallery

Rogarji, the book

Published as a book, Rogarji invites readers into creative exploration — and to notice the characters hiding in plain sight on the streets.

Follow @rogar.ji

03

Selected work

Posters and illustrations spanning graphic design, typography and visual communication.

Posters

RevolutionTypographic poster
ResistanceSocial poster · “blooms quietly, yet powerfully.”
International Women’s DayPoster · “Respect for women”
Power & AngerPoster · “Power is not given to show your anger”
International Design Day 2023Poster for GMK · Peace + Love + Design
Bursa Uludağ University — 50 yearsAnniversary poster

Illustrations

04

Exhibitions & awards

Her designs have been recognised in international poster exhibitions.

  1. 01

    4th Block International Eco-Poster Triennial

    International

    Environmental awareness through design.

  2. 02

    Roar Poster Bucharest

    Bucharest, Romania

    International poster exhibition featuring bold visual statements.

  3. 03

    IVCC International Poster Exhibition

    International

    International visual communication showcase.