I have not had the pleasure of interacting with Nadir personally in the past but I have admired his work for a while. Once in a while, a logo would crop up that I would really take a shine to and I would see that it was from “Logorado” which happens to be Nadir Balcikli’s design name and brand. There were times when I wondered why he wasn’t creating more logos, because it was such a joy to see the few he had created. Then I realized why? “Less is More” is Nadir’s motto and it is evident from the sheer honesty he pours into his designs, not going for quantity but definitely producing top quality work. Today, Nadir takes time out from his busy schedule to talk to us about how Logorado came into being, how he found Brandstack and what are his thoughts behind the wonderful logos he designs.

Thank you Nadir for speaking to us today.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself. Who you are? Where you are from? And what do you do?
I am a 25 year old married designer living in Ankara/Turkey. The absolute musts in my life are my wife, my paper and pen, and my computer. If these were not in my life, I wouldn’t have been telling you these things today. I thank my wife very much for all that supports she’s been giving me. Taking photographs, reading personal development books and watching psychology- thriller movies may be counted as my favorite hobbies.

2. What is the story behind Logorado? How did your brand come into existence?
While I was working at the office one day I reached the decision that I needed to develop my expertise in a specific field of graphic design. What would that be? Clearly, It did not take me long to make my decision and to tell the truth the first and the single most thing that came to my mind was logo designing. This is how I started Logorado. In a significantly short time I achieved a reputation in the market and I continued and still continue to improve myself  in this specific field.

3. Logo designers are especially known to struggle with their own identities. Did you face any such problems when  creating Logorado? What was your biggest challenge?
It is scary to even remember that time. Finding my brand name, completing my corporate identity designs. There is a saying in Turkey “The tailor cannot sew his own.” I understand how correct this saying in all the designs I do for myself. I am very choosy. Especially, when I am creating something for myself. Frankly I still have some hesitations on the logo which I presently use for Logorado. Deploying Logorado in the logo design sector has been an intimidating subject in the beginning. I have always thought about how I would compete with successful designers. However my fears did not come true and my work kept getting better in each passing day.

4. How did you find out about Brandstack?Tell us a bit about your association with Brandstack, your success on the site and your trials?
We can consider that finding Brandstack has been completely by chance. While I was surfing on the internet from one page to another in my spare time, Brandstack appeared before me. I said, That’s it! I designed a logo just to test the site. I did not have much hope, but as I said, at that time I had plenty of spare time. Frankly, there was nothing to lose. And the logo I’ve added to Brandstack sold in a very short time. Maybe it was totally just luck but that was the most significant factor that encouraged me. Later on I started to create brands more frequently to be sold on Brandstack.

5. Are your logos mostly unused concepts? If they are specifically created for sale, what is your modus operandi? How do you go about with the whole logo designing process for a sale logo?
None of the logos I’ve added on Brandstack are unused logo concepts. They are all thought out in detail and they are specially designed for Brandstack. This process usually starts with the domain search. After buying the domain I like, subsequently there starts the logo designing process.

6. Your motto is “Less is More” and you are a big fan of minimalism. Have you always been a champion of minimal designs? How do you tackle the issue when a client wants an elaborate and busy design?
I can say that “Less is more” is not just for my designs but it is also my philosophy in life. Complexity and irregularity are absolutely not for me. The Persons/companies requesting logo designs from me are usually those who know my style and those who request minimalist designs. I kindly refuse the complex and over detailed logo designs. Because I want to keep up with my work with pleasure and I never want to be alienated from my works. Making a concession on my style is not for me.

7. According to you, what kind of logos work best in a market overcrowded and cluttered with a million products and services? How does a designer make his work stand out?
If we think in terms of logos sold on Brandstack only; we have the reply of this question automatically. Almost 80% of the sold logos are minimalist, they are unique and have aspects that are easy to remember. The imitations make the originals live; therefore each logo designer presenting his/her own style; one day will surely achieve a distinction that separates his works from the others

8. What new styles have you lately tried out in your logo designs?
Frankly, I have not thought of trying a new style recently; I am happy with my style and my customers are, too.

9. What is your favorite logo? Why?
“Mummy” By Gustav.  It is magnificent if I can say it in one word! The only thing that I can say is that it is the most creative logo out there that could brand the name “Mummy” and it is also quite plain and simple too.

10. Can you share a logo made by another designer that wowed you and taught you a lot? What did you learn from it?
“Horror Films” by Siah Design.  I was very impressed when I saw this logo for the first time. The great success of “Horror Films” strengthened my loyalty to minimalism. I would like to congratulate Josiah Jost once again through this interview!

11. If you were not a logo designer, what would you be?
If I were not a logo designer I guess I would be a photographer. A few of my photography works which I created in the past.

12. What according to you is the most difficult part of logo designing?
The most challenging part of logo design is to be able to jot down on paper the concept that is on my mind. When only the part where you have to design it on the computer remains, 90% of the job is done. I am using my computer not as a target but just as a vehicle. If there is something that has more value than my computer, that is my paper and pen.

13. Shout outs and Words of Advice?
First of all I thank you very much for this interview Sneh. The only recommendation I can give to the other logo designers is that “Pay attention to your efforts and make your work have features that will distinguish you from other designers. Never give in!”

Thanks once again Nadir. It has been a pleasure speaking to you and probing your mind. We wish you the very best.

View Nadir’s Portfolio on Logorado.com and visit his inspiration site Logogallery.net

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Sneh Roy is a designer and creative trends blogger. You can follow her @LBOI on Twitter and keep up with her at her site, Little Box of Ideas.