Interview
Doga Bircan
Doga Bircan LLC, United States
Doga Bircan of Doga Bircan LLC is a designer, storyteller, and advocate for good, known for blending purpose with craft to build mission-driven, people-centered brand experiences that leave lasting impact.
1 Congratulations on your achievements in the MUSE Creative Awards! Could you start by introducing yourself or your agency? Can you also share a bit about your journey into your current industry?
I’m Doga (pronounced doe-ah) — a designer, storyteller, maker, thinker, and an advocate for good, passionate about creating change for the better. Originally from Istanbul, I’m now based in NYC. I’ve been drawn to creating since childhood—drawing, sewing, collaging, crafting, and storytelling. I began my professional journey in industrial design and later became a self-taught graphic designer. After working in Istanbul for two years, I moved to New York to pursue a master’s degree through the renowned MFA Design program at the School of Visual Arts. Today, I’m an award-winning graphic and brand designer dedicated to building mission-driven, impact-focused, and people-centered brands and experiences.
2 What inspired you to submit your work for this competition, and what does winning mean to you personally and professionally?
I learned about the MUSE Creative Awards through my friends at SVA MFA Design—we had submitted a team project back then. So I’m familiar with how influential the MUSE Awards are. That’s why I wanted to submit ANKA—not just to share my work, but also to raise awareness of play as a tool for rebuilding.
3 Can you share the story behind your success? What inspired its creation, and what do you feel it represents in today’s industry?
ANKA came to life after the deadly earthquakes that struck Türkiye in 2023. As I witnessed the destruction of my home country, I noticed a gap in existing disaster relief efforts—displaced children lacked any positive distraction from the initial trauma. Many were stuck in a negative cycle of rumination, which can lead to PTSD, and had no tools to break free from it. So, I created ANKA as a conceptual organization to integrate play into disaster relief, because play is a vital tool for exploring and expressing emotions—and for breaking the cycle of rumination. In today’s world, ANKA can also support displaced children in war zones, refugee camps, and other crisis situations.
4 What do you believe set your project apart in such a competitive field? Were there specific elements or strategies that made it shine?
I’d like to believe that the balance between playfulness and seriousness, childlike thinking and adult-like approach, conceptual exploration and real-world strategy is what sets ANKA apart. Of course, you’d have to ask the judges as well!
5 Every project has its challenges. Can you share a significant obstacle you faced during this process and how you overcame it?
Even though I had a lot of experience with user testing from my industrial design background, I struggled to find children aged 5–9 who could participate in a free play test—and to convince their parents. I didn’t know anyone in the city, had no relatives with kids, and didn’t have permission to access schools for testing the play sets. In the end, I manufactured many prototypes and shipped most of them to Türkiye. A few of my teachers from SVA MFA Design also had relatives who were willing to help.
6 Winning an award of this caliber often brings recognition. What do you hope this achievement will mean for your career, your team, or your agency in the long run? Have you already noticed any changes or opportunities arising from this recognition?
I’ve received a lot of love and support—both for my work in general and for ANKA specifically. I truly appreciate the recognition! In the long run, I hope this award becomes one of many, and that it gives ANKA a platform to live and grow in the future.
7 What has the reaction been from clients, audiences, or stakeholders about your winning entry? Any feedback or memorable moments that stand out?
I have received so much love from my people in Türkiye and my friends from the Middle East. They all understand where ANKA comes from and what it could do for displaced children in war zones and refugee camps. Yes, I created ANKA for disasters like earthquakes, but children face adversity every day in places without electricity, Wi-Fi, schools, or toys to help them. With enough financial and emotional investment, ANKA can become a reality and support these children.
8 For those aspiring to achieve similar success, what advice would you offer to help them not only thrive in their industries but also craft compelling, award-worthy entries? Are there specific practices, mindsets, or strategies you believe are key?
Always strive to improve. Ask for feedback—and then listen to it. Take notes, observe, and learn. Then refine, refine, refine.
9 The creative industry is constantly evolving. How do you view these changes, and where do you hope to position yourself in the future?
In the future, I’d like to learn motion design and creative coding—both are on my to-learn list! I believe the industry is shifting toward a world of responsive, dynamic motion graphics, and I’d love to explore and experiment.
10 Entering awards can be daunting for many, especially those just starting out. What would you say to individuals who have limited experience, or are hesitant to showcase their work in competitions? How can they build confidence and see the value in participating?
I think it’s easy to fall into self-doubt and self-sabotage when we’re stuck in our own bubble. For me, impostor syndrome was holding me back from pushing my limits. I always saw myself as “just a self-taught graphic designer.” The more I talked with people in my industry, the more confident I felt about my work. That’s why we need to socialize, ask for feedback, network, and share our work.
11 Creativity thrives on community. What message would you like to share with fellow creatives, marketers, and advertising professionals?
1000% agree! If it weren’t for my community and my many talented friends, I wouldn’t be here giving this interview!
12 Winning is a team effort in many cases. Is there someone or a group of people you’d like to dedicate this achievement to, and why?
I’m grateful to my SVA MFA Design family for giving me my playground, my talented friends for being super inspiring, my family for their support and generosity, my mentors for guiding me in the right direction, and lastly, the amazing kids in my user tests for playing with me and being unapologetically cool.
13 If you could describe your award-winning entry in one sentence, what would it be and why?
ANKA is a play organization that provides emergency play support for displaced children after disasters and crises. While disasters may destroy homes, ANKA helps children rebuild through play.
14 Finally, what’s next for you? Any exciting projects or upcoming goals that you’d like to share with us and the audience?
We shall see! I’m excited for what’s next!
