@selinhtngl

20 years old

Istanbul, Turkey

How has your everyday-life changed? What do you do to fulfill your day?

The biggest change in my everyday life is that I’m back to living with my parents in Istanbul during this period. We’re creating, or rather re-creating, routines together to keep ourselves connected yet still maintaining our personal space. Although I now lack the discipline of scheduled university classes, both my parents are also working from home, so we keep each other motivated and on track. I’m also trying to make time for all the things I had told myself I would do when I had time; and of course, regularly calling my friends to stay in touch.

Your work is built on creativity. While we’re all in quarantine, what is your solution to keep on being creative? Where do you find your inspiration in this moment?

Instead of trying to keep being creative the same way I was, I’m focusing on finding different ways to be creative. Previously what inspired me was being outside and roaming around the city, and of course the current situation is stopping me from doing that. Right now, I found that creating mood boards really helps, and keeps me on the lookout for more things to inspire me. Also, finding my old sketchbook reminded me of how much I enjoyed sketching, and it became a rediscovered way of keeping me creative. Facetiming my friends and working on creative projects together is another new favourite of mine.

What is your biggest fear right now?

A short answer would be the future. But that sounds too hopeless, which is something I’m definitely not. My biggest fear is the uncertainty surrounding this situation and not knowing when we will be back to normal, or how our conception of normal will change. But knowing that I’m not alone in having these feelings helps me stay grounded.

What will you do once all of this is over?

Give all the people I miss a huge hug. And travel.