Good People of vitruta: Kıvanç Müçek

Kıvanç, even though you’re one of the first members of Good People of vitruta, it’s always fun to ask you a few familiar questions! For the now larger Good People audience, let’s start with our classic question: Who is Kıvanç Müçek? How did it all begin, how’s it going, and what are you working on these days?

I once came across a question that went, “How would you define yourself without mentioning your job, location, family ties, or nationality?” So I’ll try answering from that angle. I’d say I’m someone striving to perceive myself and my surroundings more deeply, who’s at ease with questions, unafraid of diving into details and trying new things, and wholeheartedly believes in the concept of community. I was born in Antalya, growing up by the sea. Then, during my five years at Boğaziçi, I laid the foundations for my career as a data analyst while making friends who fueled my interests in various fields. After some experiences in South Africa and Turkey, I’ve been working for a media company in Dubai for the past six years. Alongside that, I’m continually pushing myself beyond my comfort zone through illustrations, writings, and stories.

Six years in Dubai is quite a stretch! What’s it like to spend so many years there and almost become “Dubai-an”? How do you describe it to those who ask?

Yes, six years is a significant time here. While many see Dubai as a stopover, the city has become home for me, perhaps partly due to the pandemic slowing things down. Its beach-town feel and the chance to be by the sea even during the day remind me of Antalya. I think it’s a feeling I’ll carry with me forever. On the other hand, the heat here is different – it’s hard to describe, but you do get used to it. Daily life, though, is quite unique. Dubai’s dynamic, driven by its expat population, offers a certain ease in dealing with everyday challenges. It provides a high level of comfort, which can be indulgent at times, so I think it’s good to do a reality check now and then to avoid getting too swept up in the city’s conveniences.

Back in our 2019 interview, we asked you, “What’s a pleasant day for you in Dubai?” and you gave a long, beautiful answer. After three years, what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what’s new?

In a way, you could think of this question as “how did the pandemic change things?” So, I’ve added a bit more outdoor time to my previous daily routine. For us, that usually means beach meetups instead of parks. We often go to the beaches within the city, but sometimes we venture out to Umm Al Quwain, a neighboring emirate.

There’s also a big coffee culture in Dubai, with new cafes opening weekly. Part of my weekly routine now involves visiting one of these cafes for some “me time.” Sometimes I read, sometimes I sketch or write. I find these solo moments really fulfilling.

One thing that hasn’t changed over the last three years is my commitment to fitness. Alongside functional training, Dubai has introduced me to wakesurfing and padel tennis, which I’ve added to my routine.

If vitruta were a person visiting Dubai for the first time, what would they enjoy seeing and doing?

In my mind, vitruta would be a person who’s open to different cultures and has an interest in art. So, they’d probably check out events at Alserkal Avenue and the Design District. They’d pick a film at Cinema Akil and ideally time their visit for the Sole DXB festival. I’m sure they’d stop by some cafes in Al Wasl or Jumeirah, too. Plus, I know vitruta enjoys a good time, so they’d definitely attend a Dubai brunch. But the one thing they shouldn’t miss is the desert – Dubai’s most iconic experience. Seeing the endless dunes at sunset or feeling that absolute silence when there’s not a soul around is incomparable. After witnessing the desert’s majestic, intimidating beauty, I’d love to chat with vitruta about sustainability.

When you’re back in Istanbul, are there places you always visit? Any spots that make you think, “I wish I were there”?

It’s more the feelings than the places that you miss. Over the years, I’ve come up with my own “nostalgia checklist.” Like many vitruta fans, Pera feels like my “neighborhood” now. Then there’s the Arnavutköy-Bebek stretch and the unique feeling I get around my old campus. Sometimes I find myself walking along the Bosphorus, other times I stay at the Boğaziçi guesthouse for old times’ sake. The final stop on my list is any rooftop with a sunset view. Sometimes you need to step out of Istanbul a bit to fully appreciate its beauty. On my last visit, I left my heart at Simone.

On one hand, you’re a data analyst; on the other, you’re someone who loves to read, write, draw, and constantly seek new experiences. What drives this quest? What inspires your sketches and stories?

These two things might sound worlds apart, but they come from a common source – asking questions. That’s why I see data analysis and all my interests as being on the same side. Curiosity, applying methods, drawing from different disciplines, and persistence… These all apply to both data analysis and creative pursuits.

I’ve always had this curiosity and passion within me. I’m also lucky to have people around me who explore various interests, which fuels me too. When something captures my interest, I genuinely make an effort to understand it. There’s a wonderful line by Nazım Hikmet: “I no longer want to listen to songs; I want to sing them.” That’s exactly how I feel. When I read a book, I think about how I would write it. Then I dare to try, whether in stories or comics. Even when I don’t finish, I see it as an achievement. You come to appreciate how challenging these pursuits are, which deepens your understanding and respect for creators.

When it comes to inspiration, it might sound cliché – but clichés are based on common truths. When you start viewing things this way, inspiration is everywhere. It’s about taking a moment to reflect, grabbing pen and paper, and jotting down ideas. I keep a running archive of ideas, concepts, and metaphors that I revisit and play with like building blocks. That’s what inspiration really is: mixing things up or looking at them from a different angle. Take a concrete fact, add emotion: The stars we see are from billions of years ago, so we’re dreaming about the future by gazing into the past. Heartbreaking science. There’s your playground for storytelling.

What have you read, listened to, or watched lately that’s really impacted you? I’m sure you’ve got a rich list for us.

There’s quite a lot, but I don’t want to dilute the impact by overloading with recommendations. We’re already overwhelmed with suggestions these days.

For those interested in creative journeys, I’d recommend Austin Kleon’s books and newsletter – his methods are invaluable. For a newsletter, I eagerly await Dense Discovery every week.

Recently, I’ve been moved by personal stories and creative processes. Teoman’s audiobook Fasa Fiso, which I listened to on Storytel in his own voice, surprised me in the best way – it was both funny and insightful. My expectations for Vedat Milor’s Hesap Lütfen were high, and it exceeded them on every page. These long-format interviews are a treasure trove of shared experiences. Then there’s Nilay Örnek’s Nasıl Olunur podcast, which has become widely known by now – every episode is a new “go for it.”

Our final question is vitruta-related. What are your favorite brands at vitruta?

VEJA entered my life very quickly. American Vintage already has a firm place in my heart. And I always carry an Upper Paper notebook in my bag – pen and paper are the best.

Click here to check out the items Kıvanç Müçek used in the shoot and personally selected for you.