ADVERTISEMENT

Teo Zirinis, an illustrator from Athens, Greece, has mastered the art of turning puns into delightful illustrations that brighten anyone’s day. With a series called On The Puntrary!, Teo pairs clever wordplay with playful drawings, bringing smiles through his whimsical sense of humor.

His inspiration comes from everyday life—random objects, animals, or even phrases he hears or reads—and he makes it a daily habit to jot down ideas, no matter how silly. Teo’s lighthearted approach to art shines in his goal: to spread happiness through his creations, whether it’s through t-shirts, online shops, or simple illustrations shared online.

More info: Instagram | handsoffmydinosaur.com | Facebook | Etsy

Once again Bored Panda reached out to the artist with some new questions! When asked about his personal favorite pun, Teo found it tough to choose just one but admitted, “I can’t pick a favorite, but the one that had me giggling all the way through from sketch to final result was the Bacteria Fronteria opposite.” It’s this kind of joy in the creative process that fuels his work and connects so strongly with his audience.

RELATED:
    #2

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #3

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST

    For aspiring illustrators looking to find their own niche, Teo shared some advice based on his own experience: “The more you draw and the more you experiment with styles and subjects, the more chances you have of finding what represents you and what works for you.” His journey serves as a reminder that consistent practice and exploration are key to developing a unique voice.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #4

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST

    Teo also reflected on how becoming a parent has shaped his work, saying, “Becoming a parent has influenced my work by broadening my sources of inspiration. Every day brings new anecdotes and adventures!” Parenthood has added another layer of creativity to his illustrations, offering fresh perspectives and endless material.

    #6

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Surprisingly, Teo prefers using a mouse over a tablet for his digital illustrations—a choice that many find unconventional. He explained, “Although I doodle and sketch a lot on paper as well as on the tablet, my style is quite simplistic and geometric, so when it comes to working on digital illustration, the mouse never felt like an inconvenience but more like a helpful tool.” This unique choice adds to the distinctiveness of his work.

    #8

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Smutty picture! Where's the censorbot now? 404 error. Bleep not found.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT

    As for dream collaborations, Teo has a long list of artists he admires, but one stands out: “I look up to and admire so many illustrators and artists that it would be hard to just pick one, but at the moment I am simply hooked on the art of Joel Robinson (@obinsun_). I always thought some silly ideas of mine would look great in his style.” Teo’s enthusiasm for collaboration and his constant search for new creative challenges make him an artist to keep watching.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #12

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #13

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Erin Fulton
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I hate mondays." - Garfield. Also said by EVERYONE litteraly every work/school person ever.

    #15

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    I am so confused rn
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "you've just triggered my fight or flight response. And I am a flightless bird (*insert boss music or megalovania*)"

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #19

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #24

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #25

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #27

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #30

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pardon my stating the obvious, but a clogged toilet really is the pits.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #31

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    nottheactualphoto
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Buoy is pronounced "boo-ee." Two syllables. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #33

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #35

    Spreading Smiles With Puns: Teo Zirinis And The Joy Of Playful Illustration (New Pics)

    handsoffmydinosaur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda