Serkan (E.) Sökmen
Software Architect | Creative Technologist | Game Developer
Website: serkansokmen.com
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Contact: me@serkansokmen.com
Contact & Links
Professional Summary
Serkan E. Sökmen is a creative technologist and software architect based in Istanbul. Trained in fine arts, Serkan channels his background in sculpting and drawing into interactive installations, generative AI experiments, and game-centric experiences. Since 2010 he has collaborated with startups and cultural festivals — crafting audio-reactive video projections, AI-driven music videos, and custom interactive tools. His work sits at the crossroads of art and code, blending hands-on craftsmanship with open-source machine-learning pipelines to create human-centered digital art.
Core Competencies & Tools
- Creative Technologies: OpenFrameworks, Processing, Unity 3D, Unreal Engine, WebGL & GLSL shader programming, Three.js
- Programming & Development: JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, C#, C++, Swift; frameworks: Django, Flask, Node.js; scripting: Bash, PowerShell
- AI & Machine Learning: TensorFlow, PyTorch, OpenCV, Mediapipe, Stable Diffusion & variants, ComfyUI, CoreML, StyleGAN, Disco Diffusion, custom open source models
- Design & Visualization: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects; 3D: Blender, SideFX Houdini; UI/UX: Figma, Sketch
- DevOps & Collaboration: Git, Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, Azure, Ubuntu, CI/CD (Jenkins, GitHub Actions), Streamlit
Experience
Pixelcraft Studios — Game Developer (Feb 2023–Present)
- Developing game mechanics and multiplayer features for NFT‑backed metaverse experiences alongside a small, cross‑functional team.
Reboot Interactive — Game Developer (Jan 2021–Dec 2022)
- Led implementation of mobile game titles, integrating AI‑driven NPC behaviors and playtesting feedback.
Wamo.io — Lead Frontend Engineer (Sep 2019–Nov 2020)
- Architected UI components and optimized performance on real‑time dashboards for end users and administrators.
TokiGames — Senior Frontend Engineer (Jun – Sep 2019)
- Contributed to rendering pipelines and UI for multiplayer lobbies, collaborating with backend engineers.
Duuple — Senior Frontend Engineer (Nov 2018–Mar 2019)
- Integrated frontend framework and UI component library, focusing on clarity and accessibility.
ManageCasa Inc. — Full‑Stack Engineer (Mar 2016–Jun 2018)
- Developed APIs and designed dashboards for a property management SaaS platform.
Hipo Labs — Senior Frontend Engineer (Mar 2014–Feb 2016)
- Developed interactive prototypes and client deliverables using JavaScript and modern CSS frameworks.
(Earlier roles in software development and academia, 2003–2014)
Education
- M.F.A. in Sculpture (incomplete), Hacettepe University, Faculty of Fine Arts (2008–2010)
- B.F.A. in Sculpture, Hacettepe University, Faculty of Fine Arts (2004–2008)
- B.Sc. in Economics, Hacettepe University (1999–2004)
- Kuleli Military High School (1994–1998)
Selected Projects & Exhibitions
Projects & Installations
- Edge of the Earth (June 15, 2023) – AI‑generated music video using Deforum Stable Diffusion
- Riu d’art Street Fest (2022) – Audio‑reactive video projection on theme “Water/River” at Riu d’art Street Fest, Catalonia, Spain
- Touch of Hands (July 18, 2022) – Multimedia AI art combining lyrics and imagery; recognized at Known‑AI Film Festival
- Lonesome Highway Superstar (Nov 10, 2022) – Music video with Disco Diffusion & Deforum
- March of Madness (Apr 22, 2022) – Disco Diffusion music video, Top 2022 release
- Neural Visions (Jul 30, 2020) – GAN‑powered art installation, Water/River Festival, Catalonia
- Body Sequencer (2013) – Interactive musical instrument built in OpenFrameworks C++; installed at Rock’n Coke Festival Cultural Zone
- Side & Souls (2010) – C++‑based projection mapping application for contemporary dance at Çermodern Art Museum, Ankara
Workshops & Talks
- DE.INFECTIONS.07: OpenFrameworks (2015) – Creative coding workshop, Bilgi University, Istanbul
- AngularJS Bootcamp (2015) – Speaker on AngularJS at Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul
- OpenFrameworks Workshop (2014) – Introductory workshop at Hackerspace, Istanbul
- Processing Workshop (2010) – Workshop at Teknolab, Ankara
- OFLab Breda (2010) – OpenFrameworks C++ workshop by Zach Lieberman & Todd Vanderlin in Breda, Netherlands
Exhibitions & Festivals
- I. ACADEMIADA International Art Academy (2010) – Group exhibition, Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus
- Rehearsal 1 / With-Out-Con-Text (2009) – Exhibition at Piramid Art Gallery, Istanbul
- Good, Bad, Ugly (2009) – Exhibition at Goethe-Institut, Ankara
- IX. ECUME Mediterranean Art Schools Meeting (2009) – Workshop exhibition at Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
Recognitions & Involvement
- Area51 Film Festival (USA) – Semi‑finalist for Best Original Song: "Edge of the Earth" (Ethem Serkan Sökmen)
- Known‑AI Film Festival – Recognition for "Touch of Hands" (2022)
- QOyun'2020 Quantum Game Hackathon – Finalist (2020)
- Startup Weekend Ankara – Participant (2014)
