Featured Artist | Hands Off My Dinosaur, Teo Zirinis
Teo Zirinis, also known around the bubble as, “Hands Off My Dinosaur!”, creates delightfully punny designs. His art, inspired by food, life, and household items we see every day. With the added spin of Teo’s humor, his designs come to life full of wit and personality (who knew, a loo had best friends??)
Let’s Go On An Adventure
Where do you call home? Tell us something you love about where you live.
I’m from Athens, Greece. The weather and the food are great, but what I really like is how close you are to both the sea and the mountain no matter what part of the city you live in.
What is your creative weapon of choice?
Although the final format of my work is digital I’m going to go with classic pen & paper, because it always starts from there.
Please describe your work in 7 words or less
Silly, cute, colourful, punny.
Do Epic Shit.
Shaking My Head
What is one thing you cannot live without?
Music
If you were to eliminate one thing from your daily schedule/job, what would it be?
Procrastinating :P
What did you want to be when you grow up?
I wanted to be an oceanographer. Like Jacques Cousteau.
Something quirky people may not know about you that you’re comfortable sharing.
I’m both fascinated and obsessed with the paranormal. The truth is out there!
Afterlife
Tuesday
Anatomy
Nope
“…artists have an essential role in society. They inspire, provoke, raise issues, they bring out emotions and make our lives a little more colourful..”
10 Stories High
Is there an artwork you are most proud of? Why?
Every artwork I create is special to me but one I feel really good about is “10 Stories High” (link), because it’s one of my busiest pieces and because I’m proud of the concept I came up with.
In your opinion, what role do you feel artists have in society?
I think artists have an essential role in society. They inspire, provoke, raise issues, they bring out emotions and make our lives a little more colourful :)
What is the one thing you are most proud of in your artwork?
I feel very happy to know that my work, and the humour behind it resonate with people. It’s a great feeling.
“…one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to accept that you cannot please everybody, and that that’s ok.”
Cereal Killer
What advice would you give to artists starting out?
Not to get discouraged, to keep at it and to stay productive.
What has been the hardest lesson you’ve learned while creating a successful illustration career?
I think one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to accept that you cannot please everybody, and that that’s ok :)
Brainstorming
Turn Back
Would you recommend something you feel everyone should read or listen to (blog, podcast, book, etc)?
Personally, anything by Alan Watts. He has always been a great inspiration to me.
Where can people find you?
My website
Instagram #handsoffmydinosaur
Facebook
What part of Teo’s interview did you relate to the most? Share your comments and thoughts in the comments below.
