On 5 March 2026, Dubrek Studios in Derby hosted a different kind of evening from the OneCab team. Known for…
By K Futur LOCALDerby’s creative scene has always thrived on individuals willing to build something from the ground up. In a city where artists often have to create their own opportunities, illustrator Brandon Morris, better known as Zah Zah Binks, represents the DIY spirit that keeps the local culture moving forward.
Blending watercolour painting, pen work and layered references to film, comics, music and pop culture, Zah Zah Binks creates artworks that feel part graphic novel, part surreal collage and part cultural time capsule. His pieces are packed with characters, hidden details and strange scenarios that reward anyone who spends time looking closely.
For TRENDИG’s Artist Focus, we spoke with Brandon about Derby’s influence on his work, the creative worlds that inspire him, and what is coming next for one of the city’s most distinctive illustrators.
Growing Creativity in “Derbados”
Brandon is currently based in Derby, affectionately known to locals as “Derbados”. While it may not be a huge metropolitan hub, he believes the city plays an important role in shaping how artists here operate.
The city offers inspiration on a visual and cultural level. Derby’s natural landscapes, its mix of historic buildings and modern architecture, and the subtle contrasts across the city provide a constant stream of visual ideas. At the same time, being in a smaller city creates a practical challenge that artists must navigate.
“Derby’s influence on my work could probably be split into two categories, one being inspiration on a creative side, whether it’s its natural landscapes or history, or its contrast in architecture around the city,” he explains.
However, the smaller scale of the city also means artists must take matters into their own hands.
“Seeing as it’s quite a small city it’s bred the necessity for creating our own events and opportunities within the numerous creative groups in the city.”
This DIY culture has become a defining feature of Derby’s grassroots arts community, with artists organising exhibitions, gigs, skate events and collaborative showcases to push their work into the public eye.
A World of Illustrative Storytelling
Zah Zah Binks’ artwork sits somewhere between illustration, graphic storytelling and pop culture collage. His pieces often combine traditional mediums such as watercolour with detailed pen work, creating scenes filled with references that reward repeat viewing.
He describes his work as artwork with “an illustrative twist”, bringing together references from across different worlds.
“I mix all kinds of media and references to pop culture, history and whatever strange scenarios I can come up with.”
Watercolours form the foundation of many pieces, combined with a wide assortment of pens and drawing tools. The process is deliberately fluid and experimental, allowing him to incorporate different influences and visual ideas as they evolve.
Growing up surrounded by comics, films and graphic novels had a major impact on his creative direction. Rather than focusing on a single artistic style, he approaches each piece like a curated world of references.
“I guess my art is my own version of blending all these references and curated scenarios and characters that you wouldn’t ordinarily see all in one composition.”
The goal is simple but ambitious: create something visually unique.
“I strive to make something people haven’t quite seen before and something I would want to come across on a wall somewhere myself.”
A City Coming Together Through Art
One of the most significant moments in Brandon’s creative journey came from organising a multi-disciplinary event at Dubrek Studios, one of Derby’s key grassroots music and arts venues.
The event brought together visual artists, musicians and performers from both the UK and Europe, creating a collaborative showcase of different creative disciplines.
The response from the city surprised even him.
“It came together in a great way, we went over capacity and it was one of the first times I’ve seen the city really embrace everything that was going on at a multi-faceted event like that.”
For many artists in smaller cities, moments like this are powerful reminders that audiences exist, even if they sometimes need to be built from scratch.
Another major highlight in his journey connects to Derby’s skate culture.
After skating locally for more than 15 years, Brandon was given the opportunity to design artwork celebrating Rollersnakes’ 40th anniversary, one of the UK’s most legendary skate shops.
For someone who had also worked at the shop in the past, the moment felt particularly meaningful.
Creating the anniversary design represented a full circle moment, tying together his artistic work with the local skate culture that helped shape his creative identity.
The Challenge of Exposure
Like many artists working outside major cultural centres, Brandon sees exposure as one of the biggest challenges.
Cities such as London, Manchester or Berlin offer dense networks of galleries, studios and creative districts where events happen constantly. Derby, by comparison, operates on a much smaller scale.
But rather than seeing that as purely a disadvantage, he believes the responsibility often comes back to the artist.
Promoting events, organising exhibitions and consistently sharing work can make a major difference. When he has pushed hardest to get his work out there, he has also seen the biggest response.
The city’s creative scene may be smaller, but it is growing.
A Long List of Influences
Zah Zah Binks’ influences stretch across art, cinema, literature and music. His work pulls inspiration from a wide range of creative voices, many of whom shaped modern visual storytelling.
Among them are legendary science fiction illustrator Moebius, concept artist Ralph McQuarrie, and comic creators such as Frank Miller, Tim Sale and Alan Moore.
Outside the art world, inspiration also comes from filmmakers, writers and musicians.
Figures such as Hunter S. Thompson, Philip K. Dick, Salvador Dalí, Anthony Bourdain, and director Paul Thomas Anderson all play a role in shaping the strange, cinematic tone of his visual storytelling.
Even actors like Nicolas Cage and Philip Seymour Hoffman make the list, highlighting just how broad his creative influences really are.
A Style That Has Become More Personal
Over time, Brandon’s approach to art has shifted. Earlier work often explored different directions and visual styles, but more recent pieces have become more personal and focused.
Rather than trying to meet expectations, he now simply creates the work he wants to see.
“My artwork has gotten more specific and more personal in a way. I’m just making what I think I would like. If people don’t, fuck it I guess.”
It is a mindset many artists eventually reach: authenticity becomes more important than trying to appeal to everyone.
What’s Next for Zah Zah Binks
Although Brandon has been relatively quiet publicly for a while, that silence has been intentional. Behind the scenes he has been building up a large collection of new work.
“Right now I’m in a place where I haven’t shared artwork for quite some time. I’ve been stockpiling. I’m going to start uploading it all over the next few weeks.”
Several exciting projects are also in development.
He is currently collaborating with fellow Derby artist Syahi on artwork for the new Flo Skatepark, which will open inside the former Eagle Market building before summer. The project will involve murals and visual contributions from multiple local artists.
Brandon has also been helping to bring other creatives into the project, giving them the opportunity to leave their mark on the space.
Beyond Derby, he is also preparing an event in Manchester with Birmingham-based DJ Jacky P, bringing together talent from across the UK.
Art That Rewards a Second Look
When people encounter Zah Zah Binks’ work, he hopes they walk away with a sense of curiosity.
The immediate reaction might be simple appreciation.
“I’d hope people come away with a basic notion of ‘oh that’s cool’.”
But the deeper reward comes from the details hidden throughout his compositions.
Many of his pieces contain tiny references to films, albums or cultural moments tucked away in the background. These small Easter eggs are meant to be discovered over time.
“Maybe each time they looked at it, they picked up on something else… and then those Easter eggs inspired that person to go watch that film or play that album that’s in the background in tiny scribbles.”
It is an approach that mirrors the media that inspired him in the first place: layered, referential and endlessly rewatchable.
Where to Follow Zah Zah Binks
For now, the best place to keep up with Brandon’s work is Instagram, where he shares updates about artwork, collaborations and upcoming events.
You can follow him at @zah_zah_binks, with a dedicated website also in development.
With new artwork ready to be released, murals on the horizon and collaborative events in the works, the next chapter for Zah Zah Binks is already taking shape.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
When asked what advice he would give to other artists, Brandon’s answer reflects the philosophy behind his work.
“Remember what it is about whatever you do that made you not want to do anything else, and use that as the proverbial carrot on the stick in life.”
Staying connected to that original spark is what keeps creative work meaningful, even when the path becomes difficult.
He also emphasises the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely support your journey.
But he ends with a characteristic bit of humility.
“But I’d never give advice.”
