We love discovering creative talent in Leicestershire and so when Dan Cole popped up with his design brand Zeppo we couldn’t wait to find out more about it.

Zeppo is all about quirky designs for modern times. Not only offering custom art and logo designs, but also cards, prints, clothing and accessories.

We had a chat with Dan to find out more about the brand.

Zeppo designs leicester

How did you first get started with Zeppo?

I’ve always liked art and drawing, doodling and being creative whenever I can. A few years ago, I was having a pint in the Orange Tree (RIP) and saw some cool art on the wall…and it was for sale! It was a picture of some sweets with cartoons drawn over it – sounds random, but it was really cool! I asked at the bar about buying it and got the details of the artist. 

Long story short, there was a lot of backwards and forwards and despite agreeing a price I never got the art. I remember thinking “Fine. I’ll do it myself!” So I started focusing on my own designs, and experimenting with different tools and ideas.

zeppo depot designs

What were some of the first designs you started with?

I created some quirky cartoon characters in different scenarios. I then started manipulating photos of superheros with their undercover counterparts – the first being Superman vs. Clark Kent! It was around this time I heard about Etsy – being encouraged by a friend to set up a store, I did! Looking for a logo for my store, I found one of my cartoon designs…and that became Zeppo!

You’ve got some really quirky designs available from superhero themed to word based designs, do you have any favourites?

I’m keen on wordplay, so started to incorporate that into my designs too – #FourFoxHake goes down well when people realise what it’s all about! Sometimes I’m in the middle of making food or something and an idea for a drawing with a play on words will just hit me – I’ve learnt the hard way that I need to scribble it down straight away! 

I’ve since started to put my designs on t-shirts, and am getting requests to design specific things including art and logos. I’m loving just having fun with this, and the opportunities that present themselves. 

zeppo depot designs

What plans do you have for Zeppo going forwards?

Going forward, I want to carry on having fun with this, and exploring different things I can do and get involved with. It’s on my bucket list to produce a book…so watch this space!

You can see more of Zeppo’s designs and purchase items online. You can also follow them via Instagram and Facebook