We were lucky to catch up with Mehmet Lutfi Karaaslan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mehmet Lutfi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

To find the best answer to this question, I believe we need to look at the common problems we complain about in adult life and carefully examine their roots. When we look at today’s “modern world” and the “established system,” we see intense power struggles, an almost pathological level of selfishness, greed, and a serious lack of moral integrity.

Many people who attain a position or responsibility tend to focus not on how they can contribute, but on how they can stay in that position for as long as possible. Unfortunately, the first thing that often emerges from this mindset is nepotism. This is not a minor issue—it’s a serious problem. When great responsibilities fall into the hands of unqualified people, the consequences can be irreparable.

Therefore, the education system should include courses on ethics, empathy, and human compassion alongside standard academic subjects. Education should not only transfer knowledge but also cultivate wisdom. The individuals who will shape the future must be equipped not only intellectually but also morally.

Mehmet Lutfi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

After graduating from the Fine Arts Faculty, Painting Department, I continued to create art while also working in major advertising agencies and renowned production companies in Istanbul, drawing storyboards to make a living.

Years later, I moved to Los Angeles, where I reached the highest level in this field—Hollywood. I continued working as a sketch artist there until AI significantly reduced opportunities in this area.

It all started with a dream. I initially aspired to become a storyboard artist in Istanbul. That desire pulled me into a challenging, enriching, and fun journey. My entry into this industry has two major milestones: Istanbul and Los Angeles. Both carry their own unique and interesting stories. In short, it’s essential to stay hopeful, eager, and truly prepared for the position you’re aiming for.

As I mentioned earlier, I create storyboards and sketch art for creative projects. Through this work, I help directors and art directors visualize their ideas by providing conceptual imagery and initial visual drafts. In doing so, I make the vision of a project visible from the very beginning.

What brings me the greatest satisfaction is delivering every project on time, at the required quality, and with no issues. When it comes to my personal artworks, what matters most to me is staying honest and true to myself—both in form and content.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I believe this question can have different answers at different stages of life. My current answer is this: I’ve always had a conflicting relationship with life — something I’ve only come to understand over time. This conflict can be painful, but it also makes you more questioning, more reflective.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

It may not be exactly my area of expertise, but I believe that staying connected—with people, with life, and with the flow of time—might be the most effective strategy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lutfikaraaslan.com
• Instagram: m.lutfikaraaslan
• Linkedin: M.Lutfi Karaaslan

Image Credits

These are some of my works from my latest exhibition.