Meet the ED Awards 25 Jury – Onur Yazıcıgil (Türkiye)
January 20, 2025

EDAwards Jury, EDAwards25, Graphic Applications, Türkiye
Onur Yazıcıgil is a typographer, educator, and historian whose work bridges contemporary typography and traditional craftsmanship. Based in Istanbul, Onur has dedicated his career to advancing typography as both an art and a discipline.
After earning his BFA in Graphic Design, Onur was awarded a full scholarship to Purdue University, where he completed an MFA in Visual Communication Design. During his graduate studies, he won 1st prize in Typography from the Society of Typographic Arts in Chicago (2007), marking the beginning of an accomplished career in design. His first typeface, Duru, was acquired by Google Fonts, while his most recent typeface, Kit, was published by Darden Studio and added to the Adobe Fonts library in 2023.
In addition to his design work, Onur earned a PhD in the history of Ottoman Arabic metal typefaces from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in 2020, deepening his expertise in the cultural and historical roots of typography. Since 2009, he has been a faculty member at Sabancı University, where he teaches typography and graphic design. He is also the co-founder of ISType (Istanbul Typography Conference), which has been fostering global conversations on typography since 2011.
Onur Yazıcıgil’s dedication to both the craft and history of typography makes him an invaluable member of the European Design Awards jury. His expertise and passion for meaningful, process-driven design ensure that the competition continues to celebrate the depth and richness of European creativity.
Onur Yazıcıgil’s dedication to both the craft and history of typography makes him an invaluable member of the European Design Awards jury. His expertise and passion for meaningful, process-driven design ensure that the competition continues to celebrate the depth and richness of European creativity.
Q: What makes the European Design Awards special to you?
A: The European Design Awards holds a unique place in the design world because it offers both emerging and seasoned designers a platform to showcase their work on a prestigious stage. The inclusive and transparent judging process ensures that all types of design—from innovative young talent to established professionals—are evaluated fairly and with depth. The clear categorization allows for a diverse range of work to be recognized side by side, highlighting the breadth and richness of visual communication design across Europe. Beyond recognition, the awards foster a sense of community among designers, encouraging collaboration and sparking new opportunities in the design field.
Q: What excites you most about European design today?
A: What excites me most about European design today is the fusion of innovation with a deep respect for tradition. While trends in the industry emphasize sustainability, inclusivity, and the integration of technology, I’m particularly inspired by the revival of traditional craftsmanship.
Q: Is there a particular trend or approach in design that you think represents the future of creativity in Europe?
A: As mentioned earlier, I believe that the revival of traditional craftsmanship will continue to inspire and shape the core values of design, even in digital realms. This approach emphasizes slow, intentional design, while celebrating the beauty that emerges through trial and error. The imperfections inherent in this process often add depth and character to the final piece, reminding both designers and consumers that the value lies not just in the outcome, but in the journey itself.
Q: What advice would you give to designers aspiring to stand out in a competition like the European Design Awards?
I would recommend that they first and foremost submit work that reflects its journey and honors its process, rather than focusing solely on the final visual outcome. This often adds depth that is reflected in the final result.


