Our Story
Yel is a name derived from Yalçın and Elif, symbolizing their strong bond and the journey they have embarked on together.
Design Philosophy
Founders’ Note
At Yel Studios, we bring together creative thinking, craftsmanship, and sustainability with the belief that every design should carry meaning and originality. Every piece we create is more than a functional object. It reflects a culture shaped by creativity, authenticity, and thoughtful design. Our vision is to build a creative platform where craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation inspire a lasting design culture.
In today's design world, we embrace a modern and minimalist aesthetic while carefully refining every detail with exceptional quality and precision. Each handmade piece combines timeless beauty with everyday functionality and is the result of a deliberate creative process that transforms ideas into carefully crafted objects.
Every creation reflects our respect for traditional craftsmanship and our contemporary approach to design. At Yel Studios, we strive not only to create high quality ceramic objects but also to offer meaningful, original, and enduring designs that represent the values at the heart of our brand.
Elif & Yalçın
About
Yel Studios
Yel Studios is a multidisciplinary design studio founded in Istanbul in 2021 through the shared vision of two passionate creatives.
Interior designer Elif Aybüke Yeşiltepe and ceramic artist Yalçın Yeşiltepe transform the aesthetic potential of ceramics into a distinctive design language, where material and form exist in perfect harmony.
Their shared passion for art and design is reflected in refined craftsmanship, simplicity, and a sculptural approach. Each piece is conceived not only as a functional object but also as a design statement that enriches the sensory experience. Through its collections, the studio aims to bring contemporary living spaces a modern, timeless aesthetic with a strong sense of character.
Yel Studios is a registered design brand in both Türkiye and the United States, operating internationally through collaborations with retailers, galleries, and customers around the world.
Co-Founder / Interior Architect
Elif Aybüke Yeşiltepe
Elif Aybüke Yeşiltepe graduated with honors in 2018 from the Department of Interior Architecture at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Marmara University. Alongside her studies in Interior Architecture, she also pursued education in the Department of Ceramics and Glass. She later completed her master's degree in the Architectural History, Theory and Criticism Program at Istanbul Bilgi University, graduating with a thesis that contributed to the field.
After completing her education in interior architecture, she gained valuable professional experience at architecture firms in New York, where she contributed to a wide range of creative design projects.
Her passion for materials naturally led her to the field of ceramic design and production. At Yel Studios, she focuses on developing sustainable materials and products that embrace waste reduction and responsible production practices. Alongside ceramic design and craftsmanship, her practice explores waste-based material research, with the aim of creating innovative approaches that reduce the environmental impact of ceramics through regenerative methods and natural production techniques.
Through a refined aesthetic, rich textures, and sculptural forms, she creates timeless ceramic objects that establish a meaningful connection with everyday life. Throughout every stage of the production process, she embraces a thoughtful and responsible approach toward materials, people, and the environment.
Co-Founder / Ceramic Artist
Yalçın Yeşiltepe
Yalçın Yeşiltepe graduated in 2020 from the Department of Ceramics and Glass at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Marmara University. Alongside his major, he also completed a minor in Interior Architecture, developing an interdisciplinary approach that continues to inform his creative practice.
Throughout his education, he was deeply influenced by the Bauhaus philosophy, drawing inspiration from the intersection of art, design, craftsmanship, and technology. His close collaborations with numerous respected ceramic artists, both in Türkiye and internationally, enriched his technical expertise and played a significant role in shaping his artistic perspective.
In addition to designing functional objects, he produces limited-edition artworks that explore the expressive potential of ceramics. His practice focuses on creating layered narratives through the material itself while expanding its boundaries through space, form, texture, and depth.
Yeşiltepe's work has been featured in leading creative publications including Vogue Türkiye, Unlimited Publications, and Mercado, where interviews and editorial features have introduced his practice to a wider international audience.
His works are held in numerous private art collections, while collaborations and sponsorships with brands such as Gorbon, Grandma, and Jack & Jones have further expanded the reach of his creative practice.
Join our story, Instagram
