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.…

Ky Santilli

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.…

Available to hire

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.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Design Artist at Creators Jam Animation
May 1, 2025 - June 1, 2025
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 at Dancing Echoes of the Soul
January 1, 2024 - April 1, 2024
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 at Radcat Creative
December 31, 2023 - January 31, 2024
Collaborated with Radcat Creative’s design team to conceptualize and create original design concepts for an upcoming project. Participated in brainstorming sessions, contributed detailed design work.
Snapdragon Fund Recepient at VAE Raleigh/Andy Warhol Foundation
May 14, 2025 - January 1, 2027
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.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at Savannah College of Art & Design
September 9, 2021 - May 29, 2026

Qualifications

Adobe Certified Associate
February 20, 2022 - June 20, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment
    Abyssal - Marin Havel
    Character design for Abyssal project…
    Abyssal
    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.…
    Magical Midlife Crisis - Character Select
    Video game screen mock up for the Magical Midlife Crisis characters…
    Magical Midlife Crisis Line Up
    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.…
    Jim Henson Tribute Poster
    Fully illustrated by me, a tribute to the great Jim Henson and his creations.…
    Monsters Inside Index Entity #003
    One of the concept art pieces for the Monsters Inside Index.…
    Monsters Inside Index

    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.

    https://www.twine.net/signin