Meet the Community: Pinar E.

How long have you been modelling/sculpting?

I joined a Drink & Draw meeting ten years ago, and there was an arts teacher there with bags full of materials. On the way home, we were on the same bus. While I was getting off the bus, she suddenly decided to give me a package of clay saying, “Look how soft this is, do you want to have it?” I didn’t know what to do with it, but I took it anyway. Who can say no to free art materials? Luckily, there was a sculptor in my friend group, so I asked him to help me make a figure of Mary from my favorite movie, Mary and Max. We met at a park and worked on the sculpture together, and that was it. I loved it and have been doing it ever since!

What inspired you to make Travis?

Around the time I started working on Travis, I was having trouble getting inspired to sculpt. I guess you could call it sculptor’s block. I talked about the issue to my friends in the Game Tester Discord server as I always do. A friend — who was a mod back then and is now a Project Coordinator at Game Tester — suggested that I make a sculpture of Travis, the Game Tester mascot. He thought this would be an opportunity to show my talent to the people in the community.

At first, I was reluctant to start a big project like that because I didn’t have the energy to see it through. I ended up making a VIP badge instead, and to my surprise, my fellow game testers really appreciated it. Their kind words and wholesome energy motivated me to start working on Travis.

I think Travis was the most difficult project I’ve ever worked on. It took more than a year of work on and off. I tend to break my sculptures, either accidentally because I’m clumsy, or consciously because I need to remake something. But my friend waited patiently while reminding me of my priorities. When I finished the sculpture, my friend suggested I add more potatoes. So, he had to wait a little longer. Then, other testers suggested that I add voiceover to the video, which added even more time.

I had fun making Travis, but since he’s done now, I can say I’m complete and am ready to start working on the simplest projects I can think of.

Where do you live, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I live in İstanbul, Türkiye. The thing I enjoy the most is the people here are all unique. It’s a big city with citizens from all around the country. Nobody is alike, but we all have a weird sense of humor. Being outside for even just half an hour, you’re bound to see at least a couple of funny things happening around you. Every time I go out, I come home with stories that make my husband laugh. It also makes for great writing material.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Other than sculpting and writing, I like trying to play musical instruments (which has turned into a hobby of hoarding them). I have an acoustic guitar, a piano, a hang drum, a tambourine, and a couple of maracas. I have no idea how to play any of them properly.

I also like watching television. I’m especially obsessed with Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. I’ve watched them multiple times, to the point where some might say this obsession is unhealthy. But I say we have to stick to what we like. It’s what makes us who we are.

What is your favorite local saying?

My favorite local saying is “Muhabbete limon sıktın,” which literally translates as “You squeezed lemon into the conversation.” When you join a conversation of people talking about something enthusiastically, and then you mention something sad or boring, everybody stops talking or gets sad. You basically ruin it for them. Don’t be that person.

I also like “Körle yatan şaşı kalkar,” which translates as “The person sleeps with the blind wakes up cock-eyed.” It means you assume the traits of the people whom you hang out with. We have a lot of these kinds of sayings. So many that some people think I’m making them up!

How many languages do you speak?

My mother tongue is Turkish, and I speak English fluently. I learned fluent German in high school, but I only remember one sentence now. I’m also learning French. I’m actually B1.1, but I need practice. I refuse to accept the fact that I’ll never be able to speak it like I speak English.

What is your favorite video game?

My favorite video game is Oxygen Not Included. I have logged over 2500 hours playing and I recently got a tattoo of it! I can’t tell you how much I love this game. Every detail is a work of art. Just play it, and you’ll see.

What’s your best piece of advice?

I’m not the best person to ask for career advice by any means, but I often see people get frustrated when they don't get a ton of opportunities right away. Be patient. Things will work out if you focus on improving yourself. It may be slow, but they will.

It’s also important to interact with and learn from others. If you have a community that’s as welcoming and supportive as the Game Tester community, don’t let those relationships pass you by. Be an active member of your circle and watch how quickly you grow. You can find Pinar on social media as Mahmurlemur.

Check out her Youtube and Instagram for pictures, video tutorials, and updates on her sculptures.