Who the hell is Aydin Mustafa?

We only work with cool people. And we think it’s time to share some of their thoughts with the world, so we’re chatting with members of the DixonBaxi studio about what makes them who they are. Introducing Aydin, a senior creative from Cyprus who’s seen all of Love Death + Robots at least twice. This is what we got up to:

Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Aydin and I am a senior designer here at DB. I may be known for my sarcasm and love of techno music, but I strive to push the creative boundaries of every brief, challenging myself to create work that is not only original, but has purpose and bridges our clients to an exciting future.

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What’s your story?
During my upbringing in Cyprus, I always had a fascination with creating my own stories, whether it be using my parents’ phone to film my own plays of drama, or sketching out my own comics. I loved the thought of sparking people’s imagination, taking them through a journey. Moving to London led me to study fine art where I explored this passion through all types of mixed media. Post filling my home with painted canvases, sculptures and bundles of sketchbooks, I took to specialising in graphic and media design at UAL: LCC.

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I embarked on a path in design as it offered me the opportunity to convey messages or tell stories through a diversity of mediums, but gave the work I created greater purpose through answering a brief or solving a challenge. After excelling in this new path, I was able to work in a diverse range of London studios which is when I landed at DixonBaxi.

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What are you working on right now?
I’m actually working on a project that is of an industry that I am enormously passionate about. It’s exciting being able to work in a field that is not only one of my biggest hobbies, but to help to create a new revolution within it, so it is an exciting pressure to have.

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“…design can and should be changing the world but we–me included–have to take this responsibility and be fearless enough to take on the challenge to create work that does so.”

Describe your working style in 3 words.
Conceptual, risky, collaborative.

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Tell us about some of your interests. What are you into?
I can’t lie, I’m an enthusiast of all things dance music. But outside of loud music, I love to indulge in gaming and films, being invited into a narrative or world that offers me intriguing insights or perspectives is something that I find exciting. Being part of two cultures, I do have a passion of seeking and connecting to other cultures. I do this through travelling, and I find it really insightful for my work too; we build brands that people all over the globe interact with, so I find it incredibly beneficial discovering perspectives, ways of living, outside my hometown.

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Do you think design can change the world? How?
Of course. I often find myself discovering design that either serves its function or is made for visual delight, but it’s work that either aids individuals or serves a greater purpose in conveying a message of importance or provenance that speaks to me most. So yes, design can and should be changing the world, but we–me included–have to take this responsibility and be fearless enough to take on the challenge to create work that does so.

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If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
More joy.

What’s the last song you listened to?
DJ Seinfeld, Another Way Back.

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Why do you do what you do? What motivates you?
The opportunity to create a better future. Whatever the brief, whatever the challenge, I am motivated by using creativity to help serve a global audience. No matter the scale of their interaction, I love seeing the work we make bring impact to people’s lives, it is incredibly humbling. It can feel like a massive responsibility but I embrace the challenge amongst a team who share a highly ambitious mindset.

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What’s your definition of good design?
Design that provokes. It should spark intrigue or an emotion. It should always cater to and engage individuals, delivering a moment of surprise or delight in a person’s daily life.