Welcome to the page of Merve Aruta, I'm a freelance designer with over ten years of experience in Textile Design.

In 3 words describe your pattern design style?
Hand-painted Stylised Florals
What is your work & design process? 
Every single design I create starts with three ingredients; paper, pencil, and my hands. Once I draw whatever is in my head onto paper then I start using watercolour long technique to bring the samples to life. Once the samples are ready, they are scanned and I start combing them digitally using several softwares to create the design you see.
Where do you find your design inspiration?
Seasonal trend reports are essential in my business as a designer. However design in it's core is about that free spirit of creativity! You can't just follow trend reports, you need to build your own style and find inspiration around you. I was lucky enough to be born and raised in Istanbul... A city with so much history, culture, fashion and life itself, that you never have to look far to find something that inspires you to create.
What advice would you give to new designers?
Imagination! A designer's creativity is fuelled by their imagination! And expand your horizons, I can't stress how important that is. You may have a style that you are good at but don't let that stop you from experiencing new styles, new techniques. You never know what can inspire you for the next big thing!