Ky Santilli
- Orlando, United States
- 9 projects
Illustrator and painter creating stylized characters and visual narratives inspired by horror, fantasy, subculture, and the strange corners of everyday life.
About
Illustrator and painter creating stylized characters and visual narratives inspired by horror, fantasy, subculture, and the strange corners of everyday life. Drawing influence from indie animation, alternative aesthetics, and contemporary design, I aim to create work that is emotionally resonant, visually memorable, and rich with personality. With a B.F.A., I have experience in character design, visual development, prop design, and storytelling. Skilled in translating ideas into production-ready visuals through research, iteration, and strong design fundamentals. Beyond passionate about creating engaging experiences for animation, games, toys, and entertainment brands.
- Joined June 2026
Languages
- EnglishFluent
Industry experience
- Media & Entertainment
More experts in Orlando, United States
Projects · 9
Two lovers, one fully human, one a hybrid of human and sea-beast, dive into the abyss to hunt a monstrous creature. They are overpowered and imprisoned by sentient, alien sea-beasts. As the ocean and its denizens torment them, their physical and mental limits are pushed, the hybrid is seen as “tainted,” and survival comes at a devastating cost.
- Concept Artist
- Illustrator
Video game screen mock up for the Magical Midlife Crisis characters
- Designer
- Illustrator
Four NEETs get isekai’d into their favorite magical girl anime, Legend of the Four-Petal Dream: Twilight Bloom Magica, after a freak magical energy surge in their basements. They must fight evil, solve problems, and keep their secret hidden from their overbearing (who just want them to get a job), parents upstairs.
- Character Designer
- Concept Artist
- Illustrator
Additional variation of the Jim Henson Tribute poster
- Designer
- Illustrator
- Photoshop Editor
Fully illustrated by me, a tribute to the great Jim Henson and his creations.
- Concept Artist
- Illustrator
One of the concept art pieces for the Monsters Inside Index.
- Concept Artist
- Illustrator
I’m currently developing a body of work titled The Monsters Inside Index, a project centered on internalized fear, identity, and psychological symbolism, expressed through figurative and surreal imagery. Exploring the connection between horror and human psychology, the project is informed by interviews and conversations with other North Carolina residents and artists, making it both a personal and community-rooted body of work. It will include concept art, framed prints, and paintings. It will be an exhibition installation in December 2026 in Durham, North Carolina.
- Art Director
- Artist
- Marketer
- +1
Work experience· 4 roles
Snapdragon Fund Recepient · VAE Raleigh/Andy Warhol FoundationMay 2025 – Jan 2027 · 1 yr 9 mos
One of the recipients of the Snapdragon Fund from VAE Raleigh and the Andy Warhol Foundation. This fund allows one to fully conduct their own project from research to development. The project is called the Monsters Inside Index and touches on the relationship between horror and human psychology. At the end of 2026, the project will end with an exhibition or showcase.
Design Artist · Creators Jam AnimationMay 2025 – Jun 2025 · 2 mos
Designed the concept art for the main characters of an animated short created during the Creator’s Society Animation Jam. Contributed to concept designs, final character designs, and model sheets for the animation.
Background Team · Dancing Echoes of the SoulJan 2024 – Apr 2024 · 4 mos
Assisted in the creation of detailed background art for an animation project, contributing to the overall visual storytelling. Worked within a professional pipeline under tight deadlines.
Design Team Member · Radcat CreativeDec 2023 – Jan 2024 · 2 mos
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration · Savannah College of Art & Design2021 – 2026
Certifications and awards
Adobe Certified Associate2022 – 2026
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