About Zilly

Zilly isn’t just a brand.
It’s a way of seeing the world.

I’m Jon — though most people know me as Zilly — an illustrator, storyteller, and creator of curious little worlds where quirkiness is celebrated, feelings are allowed, and imagination leads the way.

I’ve always been drawn to the in-between spaces: where nostalgia meets modern life, where childhood wonder bumps into grown-up emotions, and where characters say the things we sometimes struggle to. Zilly grew from that space — from sketchbooks, half-formed ideas, late-night concepts, and a lifelong need to make sense of the world through creativity.

What I Create

Under the Zilly umbrella, I create:

• Illustrated art & posters inspired by place, memory, and character

• Freakz by ZILLY™ — a growing illustrated universe of gentle, quirky beings who explore emotions, belonging, and being different

• Stories, books, and characters designed for children… and for the adults who still carry their inner child close

Everything I make is intentionally human. A little imperfect. A little nostalgic. Often playful. Sometimes quietly emotional.

Why I Do It

I believe art can be a soft place to land.

The Freakz, in particular, were born from the idea that feelings don’t need fixing — they need understanding. Each character holds a piece of emotional truth: worry, joy, stillness, curiosity, overwhelm, kindness. They’re not heroes or villains. They’re just… Freakz. And that’s enough.

If my work makes someone smile, feel seen, or pause for a moment — then it’s done its job.

The Zilly Way

I don’t chase trends.
I build worlds.

Every illustration, character, and story is created with care, intention, and a clear visual canon. From colour palettes to personality traits, nothing is accidental — but nothing is over-polished either. I like my work to feel lived-in, loved, and slightly off-centre.

Zilly is for the curious.
For the nostalgic.
For the gentle weirdos.
For the kids who feel big feelings — and the adults who remember what that felt like.

Welcome In

You’re always welcome here — whether you’re here to explore the Freakz, collect art, or simply wander through a creative universe that doesn’t ask you to be anything other than yourself.

Thanks for stopping by.

Zilly