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The story so far

Merve Sayar, graphic designer, art director and painter

One creative practice.
Many ways of seeing

My work has always moved between disciplines: from brand identities and digital experiences to painting, illustration and creative spaces. Each form offers a different way to explore the same things: character, connection and meaning. Living and working across Milan, Barcelona and Costa Rica has shaped how I see colour, culture and collaboration. Today, I work independently and with people around the world, building projects that feel expressive, useful and genuinely alive.

ARTIST

ART DIRECTOR

Independent & collaborative

Designer

A PRACTICE SHAPED BY PLACE

istanbul → Milan → Barcelona → Costa Rica

Illustration of Istanbul by Merve Sayar, her hometown and creative starting point

My first home, where creativity found its roots. A city of contrasts that taught me to see beauty in layers, and to always stay curious.

istanbul

Where it all began

Design opened new doors

A city of design, detail and possibility. Milan gave me a global perspective and the confidence to shape my own path.

MILAN

Milan architectural illustration by Merve Sayar, reflecting her design studies

Each place I’ve called home has added a new layer to my perspective: different rhythms, people, colours and ways of living. Together, they shape the way I create, collaborate and see the world today.

Barcelona illustration by Merve Sayar, inspired by creativity and community

A place that felt like freedom. Barcelona brought community, collaboration and a deeper sense of what it means to live creatively.

BARCELONA

A city of creative connections

Costa Rica coastal illustration by Merve Sayar, inspired by nature and a slower way of living

Home now. Nature, simplicity and community keep me grounded and inspire a more intentional, fulfilling way of creating and living.

COSTA RICA

A slower richer rhythm

Image by Kiwihug

ONE PRACTICE . MANY FORMS

Art and design are two languages I use to explore the same questions: how we see, feel and connect. Whether I’m painting, illustrating, shaping a brand or designing a space, each project is a way to tell a story, spark a feeling or create a moment of belonging.

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These disciplines aren’t separate for me, they inform and enrich each other. Together, they keep my practice open, curious and alive.

Abstract organic shapes and botanical line art

Different mediums
Same curiosity
More connection
A fuller life

Decorative line illustration
Image by Kiwihug
Portrait of Merve Sayar surrounded by botanical illustrations and colourful collage elements

Inspired by nature . Shaped by place

One of the deepest reasons I chose to live in Cabuya, Costa Rica, is its extraordinary connection to nature. Tropical flowers, ocean rhythms, collected seashells, shifting light and the quiet details of the landscape continually find their way into my work.

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Here, art becomes more than something to create. It becomes a way of observing, connecting and experiencing the natural world slowly, openly and together.

A PRACTICE SHAPED BY CURIOSITY

Working across art, illustration and design, I bring together visual storytelling, experimentation and a thoughtful approach to creative work.

ART

Fine Art & Illustration

DESIGN

Visual Communication

LEARNING

Creative Exploration

PLACE

Cabuya, Costa Rica

Personal visual language shaped by painting, drawing, intuition, experimentation and creative exploration.

Brand identities, digital experiences and visual stories created with clarity, purpose, intention and a distinctive creative vision.

Sharing creative processes through drawing lessons, workshops and creative wellbeing experiences that encourage self-expression.

A new chapter shaped by nature, community and the connection between art and everyday life in Costa Rica.

Image by Kiwihug
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HOLA DESIGN STUDIO

Art-led experiences designed to support expression, reflection and connection.
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ART

Thoughtful art lessons for adults and all levels, combining practical guidance with personal exploration.
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VENTURES

Playful art experiences for children in Cabuya, inspired by imagination, colour and the natural world.

Alongside my creative practice, I’m also building independent ventures that bring together art, place and community. These projects grow from the same curiosity and values that shape my studio work, a desire to create meaningful experiences, connect people and explore new ways of living and making.

BEYOND THE STUDIO

Creative illustration connecting digital design and artistic expression by Merve Sayar

Let's create together

Ideas
People
Projects
Let’s create together

Whether you're looking for thoughtful design, an artistic collaboration or a creative experience, I'd love to hear what you have in mind.

Decorative line illustration
CONTACT ME
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