“The Philosophy of Erdem Özden: We are born, we learn, we grow, we learn, we live, we learn.”

I was born in 1982 in Ankara, TÜRKİYE. I began my education at Emniyetçiler Primary School in Gazi Mahallesi, Ankara, and completed it at Şenlik Primary School in Keçiören. I continued my middle and high school education at Keçiören Fatih Sultan Mehmet High School, graduating in 1998. Throughout my high school years, I discovered computer-aided graphic design programs, which eventually became my greatest passion.

In 1999, I started working at Muço Animasyon and created the 3D simulation for one of Turkey’s first animation productions, the Earthquake Information Animation. This experience marked a significant turning point in my career. From 2000 to 2002, I worked at Prost Production, successfully producing and presenting graphic design, 3D animation, and various promotional films using the technology of that era.

In 2002, I continued my career at BİLGİN EDUCATION TECHNOLOGIES Inc., where I held various roles, including Graphic Designer, R&D Coordinator, and Assistant General Manager. In 2004, I began working at MOBILSOFT Mobile Information and Communication Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of Meteksan System Inc., as Product Manager and Assistant to the General Manager.

In 2006, a presentation I attended in Istanbul opened a new chapter in my educational journey. At the age of 25, I won a special talent exam at Bahçeşehir University and was admitted to the Faculty of Communication, Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design Department, with a full scholarship. I moved my life from Ankara to Istanbul. For three years at Bahçeşehir University, I worked in various positions, played a key role in developing the university’s website, and contributed to the development of Uğur TV, Turkey’s first distance education model. Additionally, during my university education, I served as R&D Manager at OKULYAPI, providing innovative solutions to the education sector.

A significant turning point in my career came towards the end of 2010 when I founded the Creative Projects Agency called PIXLORD. Together with a distinguished team, we began developing innovative projects. PIXLORD became an agency that reflected my vision and my team’s expertise in producing unique and impressive projects.

In 2011, I successfully completed my academic journey and began preparing to fulfill my military service. During this period, I structured PIXLORD to be effectively managed remotely. Managing projects from afar during my military service allowed me to balance my professional goals with personal responsibilities. My return from the military was crowned with the opportunity to continue my career at ALTAVIA TURKEY as Digital Media Manager. Thanks to the valuable reference from Prof. Dr. Ali Atıf Bir, I was appointed to this position and developed countless digital projects and works for leading brands such as TEKNOSA, Carrefoursa, Decathlon, Sephora, and Allianz over five years. I would like to express my gratitude to ALTAVIA TURKEY CEO Mrs. Zeynep Necipoğlu, who always supported me and stood by me with her wisdom.

After five productive years at ALTAVIA TURKEY, I decided to revive and strengthen PIXLORD once again. Our digital media consulting services provided to prestigious institutions and organizations such as IPEKYOL, Turkish Education Association, Bahçeşehir Colleges, Rhino Runner, and AGE Information Technology solidified our agency’s position in the industry. Additionally, to contribute innovatively to the education sector, my wife and I launched Turkey’s first customized school wall design brand, OKUL TASARIMCISI. This initiative quickly attracted the attention of leading private schools in Turkey and successfully created unique designs and projects for each. Furthermore, by establishing okulumda.com and PROLL Giant Coloring Paper brands, I carried my passion for providing innovative and effective solutions in the field of education forward.

However, effectively managing multiple brands required dedicating sufficient time and energy to each. Therefore, in late 2018, I handed over all the brands I had created to my wife and trusted individuals and embarked on a new career journey as Digital Media Manager at VISIOTT | TPS, founded by my brother Emre Özden. This role offers me an exciting challenge in creating new brands and business potential.

Throughout this rich and diverse journey, I had the chance to work with many talented and inspiring people. I sincerely thank everyone who touched my life and added value to my projects. Now, I am in pursuit of new adventures and successes.

Yes, it has been exactly three years since I wrote the above lines. I have visited my website occasionally but never had the chance to update the text. Let’s quickly add what has happened from then to now.

My son, my dear Rüzgar, is now 10 years old, and we are growing together in an even more enjoyable father-son relationship. I always say I wish I had experienced fatherhood earlier because sometimes you realize there are things you want to do together that you can’t.

The okulumda.com website I mentioned above is no longer as active as it once was. Aggressive marketing and trust principles of Trendyol.com, along with changes in consumer behavior, have made costs high and the business unsustainable. We now keep the website open as a single sales channel for products we like.

PROLL has become a savior for parents wanting to engage in activities with their children at home during the Covid-19 pandemic. With its 5-meter length, it has entered approximately 32,000 homes, a number I find very impressive.

Okul Tasarımcısı is progressing slowly. Despite emerging amateur competitors, I am confident that as long as we maintain our standards, we will continue to be recognized as a leading brand.

The main reason for my return to Ankara, VISIOTT, is doing quite well. I am serving as the Deputy General Manager, supporting our General Manager. It’s a continuous adventure and excitement, much like my son Can Rüzgar, with each day offering a new experience.