I recently discovered the wonderful world of Zettiology. It made me curious as to what this art style actually encompassed, but I had a hard time finding a definition of it myself. Because of that, I looked for some clues for you to take into account.

Did I get it right I wonder?

Here’s what I know for sure: Zettiology is an art form based on the work of Teesha Moore. Teesha has a website showcasing her work. When I went to her website, I found myself in a different world and was stunned in it for a while just amazed at her creations. What I could not find was a written definition of her art. It would be difficult to identify something you’re doing intuitively and naturally, so maybe that’s why there’s no writing to help the viewer understand it. However, the motives for not specifying the zoology are pure speculation on my part. There are certainly pages of examples of Tisha’s work that people can study and form their own conclusions, but I wanted some of the words she told me about as well.

What else do you know about zoology?

First of all, Teesha Moore coined the word to describe a new genre, a mixture of the ordinary and the fantastic. I can see it being about creating new creatures made from both the familiar and the realms of fantasy. The new creatures belong together like a tribe: you can call them The Mythical Zettis.

One of the more succinct explanations I’ve found is that zoology is “constant confusion”. When you look at Zetti-style artwork, you’ll likely notice parts of animals and people pulled together into a single figure, with outlines and doodling all over to make the merges not too confusing. This makes the original quirky art a little fun or silly.

Craftsmen often use black and white elements mixed together with bright colors for their Zetti creations.

You may also find whimsical words or sayings handwritten or printed in whimsical font alongside the Zetti creature.

However, Zetti’s artwork is more than just these few elements. Zetti’s work also produces an otherworldly feel. I often marvel at how people put together so many different elements and make them work so well together.

Another way to think of Zetti’s art is to start with a human or animal figure (i.e., with reality), and then blend it with something fantastic or otherworldly (i.e. fantasy), such as adding wings to a child’s body. Add other unexpected details like striped legs or conical hats to make Zetti’s new creature more contrasting.

I think you can think of Zetti as taking traditional ideas and mixing them in unconventional ways. You can take objects that you scribble on, then cut and paste them together on a whole new level. Use patterns and textures that contrast with each other as you create your new creature.

In short, the ways I’ve found to make your own Zetti art are:

• Aim to turn the ordinary into something whimsical or from a fantasy world
• Use contrasting motifs and patterns
• Use lots of bright colors but mix in some black and white patterns like stripes
• Use mismatched faces and bodies
• Add body parts, clothes, and/or wings for a creature that they don’t normally have
• Give your creatures cool hats and crowns
• Combine weird, weird, and eccentric to make a new Zetti creature
• Use lyrical, poetic, handwritten or text sayings
• Use outlines and doodling to bring all sorts of items together

Did you catch the essence of panic? Could anyone really do that but Tisha Moore? Perhaps not defining Zetti’s style makes it more subtle and mysterious? I suppose we will have to draw our own conclusions!