Retrodition
An Istanbul Silhouette
From Concept to Creation - Breathing Life into Cinematic Metropoles
May 2021
As the plane descends, Istanbul unfurls beneath like a masterpiece painted in shades of black and white. The city’s silhouette, a striking interplay of shadow and light, captures the timeless spirit of a metropolis straddling two continents. From the aerial vantage, the Bosphorus glimmers faintly, a silver thread stitching together the sprawling tapestry of East and West.
SERVICES
Visual Design, Creativity
Project Overview
This work is an homage to the city's enduring spirit and my personal connection to its landscapes, inviting reflection on identity, belonging, and the stories embedded in the spaces we call home.
Creating design visuals involved designing a believable and awe-inspiring universe. The goal was to develop a cohesive visual narrative that enhanced storytelling and immersed viewers in Istanbul.
At Retrodition, I worked to create a visual spectacle for Istanbul, focusing on meticulously designing elements that fit the city's rich history.
Approach
Setting the scene with Sinking Montréal
For this artwork, I drew inspiration from my previous piece, Sinking Montréal, where I explored the relationship between urban landscapes and their emotional resonance. Similarly, for An Istanbul Silhouette, I aimed to capture the city’s essence through a minimalist and timeless lens.
A key element of both pieces is the integration of the symbolic silhouettes and figures of women, which echo the beauty and resilience of the cities themselves. I aspired to highlight both cities not just as physical spaces but as living memories, blending personal connection with universal themes of place, identity, and beauty. The monochromatic palettes and high-contrast framings invite viewers to reflect on the interplay of permanence and change, a theme that bridges both artworks.
Process
My design process was a blend of creativity, technical skills, and collaboration. Each stage was meticulously planned and executed to achieve the highest quality results.
The process started with research and brainstorming to grasp the thematic and aesthetic needs of Istanbul and Montréal. I created mood boards and sketches to visualise concepts, followed by detailed visual models to ensure a cohesive look.
My design philosophy was to balance realism and imagination, with each element contributing to a cohesive, believable universe.
Final Design
Months of hard work and collaboration led to a groundbreaking and memorable visual experience.
The final designs featured enhanced the narrative's depth. Vehicles and tools had visually striking aesthetic.
Product Images


"Designing these works was a transformative journey, enabling me to push the boundaries of cities and explore the limitless potential of visual effects." — Meyra
Achievements
An Istanbul Silhouette was a monumental project for Retrodition.
– Cemra Tolon, Founder of Retrodition
The visual impact of An Istanbul Silhouette garnered critical acclaim and set new benchmarks in Retrodition's branding. The innovative designs and seamless integration of modern and traditional elements played a significant role in defining the brand’s success.
Audience engagement
Satisfaction Rate