Arzu Celik Portfolio - Key Highlights and Recognitions

At a glance, An Experimental Journey...

I began my career as a landscape architect in urban and regional planning. Driven by a curiosity to integrate my experiences across different disciplines, I shifted focus to creative projects in social impact, technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. This led me to become a creative director, where I spearheaded projects for notable entities such as the Digital Transformation Office of the Presidency of Türkiye, the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), EUROSAI, WAPES, and the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM). This phase of my career provided hands-on experience in project building, management, development, and networking. (2014-2021)

While working as a design consultant at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), my curiosity about integrating diverse experiences led me to pursue a master’s degree in Computer Animation and Game Technologies, fueled by my lifelong passion for games. During this time, I also began to explore ML/AI and XR (AR & VR). (2018-2020)

In the final year of my master’s program, I led the formation of an eight-person team to design a video game project using Unreal Engine. Our efforts resulted in the acceptance of our startup, 'ATOM,' into the METU Teknokent Incubation Center (2020-2022). During this initiative, I received an award for a game focused on sustainability and climate change. Developed for the 'Lost and Found' theme of the Global Game Jam (GGJ 2021), our game won the Core Diversifier Challenge sponsored by Manticore Games. I wrote the game’s story and led a three-person team to design it within 48 hours, with our game being selected among the top 10 out of 113 entries. At the same time, I received my first invitations to serve as a jury member and speaker, a period that also coincided with the restrictive times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the founder of Azul Creative Mds, Now, I'm sharing my experiences on the global stage. I have worked with notable clients include Film London-Games London (Game Changer 2025 accelerator
programme), UNDP, Meta (Facebook), Turkish Airlines (THY), and Stichting SPARK (2021). Partnered with ImagineArt to drive creative innovation through a strategic partnership, developing innovative visual projects using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI technologies. Architected the complete brand and digital strategy for the Association of Early Phase Clinical Research (EFKAD) from
the ground up, transforming a minimal brief into a full-fledged corporate and product identity. Led the end-to-end development of EFKAD’s digital platform, including content strategy, marketing execution, and a gamified Learning Management System (LMS) designed to drive user retention and engagement. Developed “Creativity Stations,” an innovative prototype for a location-based AR Out-of-Home experience integrating Generative AI with creative strategy, client solutions, art and gaming mechanics, which was subsequently featured by Google AR&VR for its unique use case. Conceptualized AREAILISM, a movement to accelerate the mass adoption of AR/AI, leading to a case study on zerowaste art galleries that was featured by Google AR&VR for its innovative application. Delivered AI workshops to diverse audiences, including primary school children, and
translated these experiences into shared insights that foster the next generation of creators and promote the ethical use of new technologies. Led the end-to-end brand and event concept for the Global Relation Forum - Global Relations Summit (GRF-GRS2024), developing the complete creative strategy, visual identity, and all visibility materials for the high-profile international forum. As a mentor, I'm providing strategic guidance to early-stage entrepreneurs within the Yıldız Technical University
incubation center (YTU Startup House), supporting them in developing their business strategies and accelerating growth.

And, I look forward to connecting with people who love creating purposeful impact and exploring the future at the intersection of design, technology, and humanity.

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