Rion [like Lion] Holland
Illustrator | Concept Creator | Visual Storyteller
Born and raised on a council estate in Liverpool, I cut my teeth in the family business: graphic arts [think sign-making, graphic design, vinyl artwork and screen printing]. From day one, I was drawn to and inspired by Hip Hop, more specifically the art forms of rap and graffiti, which shaped how I see the world.
While studying Interactive Media at Liverpool Community College, I co-founded an arts collective with a few like-minded peers. We started selling our work across pop-up shops and worked with clients like Alder Hey Children's Hospital, It’s Liverpool, and Farm Urban, giving me my first taste of turning great ideas into reality.
At Liverpool John Moores, where I took on a BA in Media Production, I explored the world of motion graphics and filmmaking, collaborating with clients beyond the classroom. That period taught me the power of storytelling through visuals, shaping the way I approach both freelance and personal projects.
By 2016, I was ready to step out on my own as a freelance illustrator, working of branding, merch design, and event visuals for up-and-coming Scouse brands. I’ve always thrived on pushing ideas and turning them into striking visual metaphors that stick.
Lately, I’ve been diving deep into the authorial side of my illustration practice. After completing my MA in Illustration at Falmouth University, I’ve been exploring the intersection of hip-hop culture + comics + cannabis. Each of these elements feeds into my work, shaping a style that’s authentic, bold, and unapologetic.
Although I still work as a freelance artist, I’m constantly on the lookout for meaningful collaborations and projects with passionate people where I can push the boundaries of my skills and industry knowledge. You’ll find some of my latest authorial pieces on my store, Instagram, YouTube, or at select print and illustration markets across the UK.