Jordan Jelev

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Jordan Jivkov Jelev, known as The Labelmaker, is a Bulgarian graphic designer, typeface designer, calligrapher and photographer. He was born on 14 June 1975 in Varna, Bulgaria. His interest in visual arts began at age 12 when he made handmade signs on jeans. In Varna, he developed a love for calligraphy and custom lettering that shaped his later work.

He studied at Varna University of Economics, starting in 1996, and began working as a graphic designer at Zograph Studio. In 1998 he moved to Factor R in Varna, where he focused on wine label design. He has created many premium Bulgarian wine and spirits brands. In 2003 he started doing professional photography for wine and spirits, and in 2005 he held his first solo photography exhibition in Varna.

Since 2010 he has worked with wineries around the world, including Barossa Valley (Australia), Napa Valley (USA), Fair Haven (New York), Languedoc (France), FYRO Macedonia, Lombardy (Italy) and Rheinhessen (Germany). His work has been featured on design blogs such as Packaging of the World, Lovely Package, The Dieline and World Packaging Design. The nickname “The Labelmaker” comes from his Bulgarian wine label designs and has become his signature brand. He is married to Elitsa Jeleva and they have two children.