Kaya's Kosmos

Fantasy artist, creature and character designer

[kayas-kosmos]

Welcome to my Kosmos!

Hello everyone!

I am a fantasy illustrator, creature and character designer. I love to draw all kinds of weird creatures and fascinating characters.

I am also currently working on a dark fantasy webcomic called "Flowerpunk". It follows the story of two anarchists as they try to save the city of Wyrdon from a supernatural plague known as "the rot." There is magic, monsters and rebelling against the system!

The entire IP is currently under a creative commons licence so anyone is free to use any of the characters, creatures and ideas for any nonprofit reasons.

All of my links - including to my webcomic and other sites, can be found here:

kayas_kosmos | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

Freelance fantasy artist, creature and character designer.

I am also currently available for commissions, so please email me at [email protected] if you would like one.

Or, if you would like to support my work, please consider donating a Ko-Fi. (I will be setting up a Pateron eventually when I figure it out).

Buy Kayas-Kosmos a Coffee. ko-fi.com/kayaskosmos

Become a supporter of Kayas-Kosmos today! ❤️ Ko-fi lets you support the creators you love with no fees on donations.

[burninglights]

fucking insane to be a person of colour in the uk right now

[burninglights]

When my family first moved to the UK, we faced a similar risk to our wellbeing & safety as many are facing now, albeit for different reasons. in light of everything happening in Ireland & the tensions increasing in Glasgow, and the perennial England, here’s a list of actionable things to do for people who may be targeted & anti racist allies.

MY HOME IS ON THE LIST/LIKELY TO BE TARGETED, WHAT CAN I DO?

* it may bring you peace of mind to have a go-bag ready, just in case. A go-bag is a bag with everything in it that you need to get out a volatile situation quickly. Any bag that can be secured (buttoned or zipped) will do. In your go-bag, you should include;

- identifying documents; passport/driver’s license/asylum card/ILR certificate/British Residency permit card

- Wallet and/or banking books

- A spare charger & cable and/or a power bank

- any shelf-stable medication (tablets, inhalers etc.) if you are on medication that needs to be refrigerated, leave it in the fridge until you have to leave

- Sanitary items; toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary pads & tampons, deodorant. If you have very young children with you, you may also want to take your nappy bag.

* If you have to leave, a go-bag is a convenient way to ensure you have everything of importance with you.

* If you are being supported by an asylum seekers or refugee charity, or are a member of a gurdwara/temple, mosque, synagogue or church, reach out to your religious leaders. They may be able to provide direct support, or put you in contact with organisations or other congregants who can help. If you are friendly with your neighbours, it may be worth contacting them too.

* IN THE EVENT THAT “PROTESTORS” DO COME TO YOUR HOUSE, CALL 999 IMMEDIATELY, AND FOLLOW ANY INSTRUCTIONS THEY GIVE YOU. MOVE AWAY FROM ANY WINDOWS. DO NOT OPEN YOUR DOOR UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY EMERGENCY SERVICES.

I’M AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT/CARE WORKER/NHS WORKER, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

* Contact your student welfare office/NHS Trust/agency for advice, support and referral to organisations that may be able to provide assistance

* if you live in or commute through an area that is likely to be targeted, contact your lecturers and your faculty to find out whether remote study is possible; if you work in care or as part of the NHS, find out if it is possible to change shifts.

* If it would provide peace of mind, prepare a go-bag as listed above

* Reach out to your the uni society or student’s organisation for international students or students of specific ethnic origin; they may be able to provide you with direction to resources and peer support. If your university has a Marxist or Socialist society, reach out to them for mutual aid with a travel buddy etc., for getting to and from your place of study/work

* If you are a member of a gurdwara/temple, mosque, synagogue or church, reach out to your religious leaders. They may be able to provide direct support, or put you in contact with organisations or other congregants who can help.

* If you are friendly with your neighbours, it may be worth contacting them too for assistance with travel to & from work.

* Report any racism or racialised violence you are subjected to. NHS staff have a right to refuse to treat patients who harass, abuse, threaten or insult them; if a patient is racist to you, where possible, ask another member of staff to take over their care.

PERSONAL SAFETY:

* do not leave your home unless strictly necessary. If it is necessary to leave, don’t do it alone.

* use NextDoor, WhatsApp, social media and word of mouth to avoid commuting through “protestor” road blocks, areas of active conflict etc.,

* When travelling, use Share My Location or Life360, and keep at least two people aware of your expected time of arrival at your destination with instructions to contact the police if you do not let them know you’ve made it safely

* do not directly confront any individuals involved, or allow them to bait you into becoming confrontational

* only record if it is safe. Do not record individuals directly/from up close

* Do not directly intervene. If you see violence occurring, contact emergency services and if safe to do so, record what’s happening.

ALLYSHIP & HOW TO HELP:

* if you have neighbours, friends, coworkers or acquaintances form targeted communities, reach out to them. Ask them what you can do to help them feel safe.

* If you live in an area likely to be targeted, reach out to any vulnerable people you know. If safe and possible, offer to let them shelter with you in the event they need to leave home

* If you see any incitement to violence online screenshot it; it may prove useful in the event of individual “protesters” being prosecuted

* If you see any specific areas being discussed as targets, alert anyone you know at risk in the area

* Reach out to local refugee & asylum seekers’ organisations, to organisations supporting foreign national care & healthcare workers, and to churches, mosques, gurdwaras; they may be looking for short term assistance in helping to provide for vulnerable members of their community

CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE & TO SUPPORT:

* NASC Ireland; refugee & asylum seeker charity

* Doras.org; migrant, stateless persons, refugee and asylum seeker rights advocates

* Jesuit Refugee Service; religious refugee & asylum seekers charity

* Irish Refugee Council; supporting stateless displaced persons & refugees in NI & ROI

* International Student’s House (IE & UK WIDE): provides hardship funding and help to international students

* PathFinder (UK WIDE); supports international students

* Care International (GLOBAL); global carer’s charity

* Choose Love (IE & UK WIDE); charitable organisation supporting refugees and asylum seekers

* Praxis UK (UK WIDE); supporting refugees & asylum seekers

* The Runnymede Trust (IE & UK WIDE); antiracism education charity

* Migrant’s Rights Network (IE & UK WIDE); advocacy and support for migrants and refugees

* ShareTheMeal (GLOBAL); providing meals for refugees and those fleeing conflict globally

* Amnesty (IRELAND, UK & WORLDWIDE); human rights NGO

* UNHCR & UN Refugee Council (GLOBAL); UN refugee bodies supporting those seeking asylum, fleeing conflict & internally/internationally displaced worldwide

[morggo]

2026 - 2025 - 2024 - 2023

in spite of it all, happy 2026 pride.

you can download current and past hi-res versions of these over at my ko-fi (ok to print for personal use): https://ko-fi.com/mxmorgan/shop/freedownloads

you can also snag shirts here which go to various orgs: https://mxmorgan.threadless.com/collections/pride

these get reposted a whole lot from here to reddit to twitter to tiktok and on and on, and i don't personally care whether or not i'm credited. i made these for everyone to use, enjoy, and find meaning in them. i appreciate folks who do credit me, but if able, please at least link to the threadless shop in the previous post - folks can get an official shirt where 90% of earnings go to trans led orgs focused on mental health (which is an important matter in general, but very personal to me) and not from a scam bot site selling AI-churned maga garbage where you probably won't get one anyway. i also suggest downloading the files from my ko-fi - they are free/PWYW and you can use them to make your own shirt, patch, embroidery project, whatever. tips are always nice, cuz i do like a pizza now and then, but never required for download.

final thought - breaking the pride tradition and more than likely won't make a new piece. the top one from TDOV is all i'm making this year. i have my focus on other projects currently and i don't want to force a poster design. these came from a specific head space and my current head space is Very Tired lmao so i wanna work on other things. 👍

[kayas-kosmos]

🏳️‍🌈 It's pride month again! 🏳️‍🌈

Gonna be bringing that Ludwig energy this time around 😁

[kayas-kosmos]

Baby nocturnaphrax 🦇

[kayas-kosmos]

🌋🔥 Igniphrax 🔥🌋

Despite it being one of the largest phraxai species, the igniphrax is also one of the most elusive due to being located in volcanically active areas below the surface of the earth. Where most animals would perish, they thrive.

Igniphrax are largely solitary creatures that spend most of their lives hibernating. When they awaken, the ground shakes and destruction follows. They are a highly specialised creatures adapted to the very peculiar environment created by the equally bizarre dandefire. The dandefire has been key to the evolution of the igniphrax, to the point where this flower has formed a symbiotic relationship with the larger creature. Lining the body of the igniphrax are large penklatory glands that act as greenhouses for the plant. The dandefire provides vital nutrients for the igniphrax by breaking down the materials in ash while the igniphrax provides much needed warmth and protection from creatures looking to eat the dandefire.

The igniphrax possesses head folds used as protection from extreme heat and the rocky earth when tunnelling. During flight, the igniphrax opens up these protective folds to act as funnels, channelling the ash from burning organic matter into the penklatory glands where the plants reside. Typically an igniphrax will rely on volcanic eruptions or forest fires to do the burning work for it, but when neither are available the igniphrax will start controlled fires. All phraxai have both an igniter and inhibiter to start and stop whatever chemical reaction they specialise in creating.

Furthermore, the dandefire is what allows such a massive creature to fly. The energy created by the dandefire gives the igniphrax buoyancy and the slow release of hot gas from a specialised vent protruding from the wing's elbow allows forward motion. The only major downside to their mode of propulsion is how painfully slow and sluggish they are in flight. A positive - if it can be called that - is how they inspired the design of the greenhouse airship. It is rumoured that one of the earliest prototypes used living parts from an igniphrax.

When igniphrax are low on dandefire crops, they will take a more proactive approach to feeding and either lie in wait for other breeds of phraxai and other magical creature to come too close, or they will use their magma-like excretions to cook their prey to death.

Sadly as is the case with all magical creatures, the collapse of the food chain that once supported the igniphrax for centuries has created an environment that is too hostile even for a creature built for a very hostile environment. It is theorised that most igniphrax have migrated to the most distant and dangerous volcanic locations on the planet in order to avoid human interference.

The closest living relative of the igniphrax is the cetaphrax.

[kayas-kosmos]

Peruvian Thundercatch

The Peruvian Thundercatch is a species of Phraxai with a truly electrifying personality. Their name is derived from their ability to snatch lightning from the sky.

Peruvian Thundercatches are a tropical species that enjoy humid climates where frequent thunderstorms occur. The tropical region is also responsible for their striking appearance, boasting a beautiful palette of rich colours that are easily spotted even on the stormiest days. Both a combination of exterior penklars and their highly conductive back scales allow for the harvesting and channelling of electricity. They can feast from the energy thunderstorms produce, enough to concentrate into bolts of energy that shoot from the end of their tails.

A family of thundercatches are known as a rumble. This comes from the combined rapid beating of their wings which produces a sound not too dissimilar from thunder itself. Thundercatch families range between 5-20 members. Within each thundercatch family is a matriarch, the eldest female who has extensive knowledge of weather patterns and where to find food. She is usually easy to spot with her muted colours and her horns that only grow when a thundercatch reaches old age.

Despite their predatory nature, the thundercatch is also know to be very playful at heart. Some are even known to play with humans, provided that the thundercatch has a full stomach and therefore no incentive to devour their bipedal playmate. Thundercatches also have rather poor hearing and as a result, communicating entails a lot of dancing, touching and screaming at each other.

-------------------------------

This is a design I came up with in 2013 and I decided to give it a much needed update.

[foxglovefaun]

o man a sketch

[foxglovefaun]

The boy but fed through a gradient map

[kayas-kosmos]

🌺 Cwenhild 🌺

[kayas-kosmos]

Stig Doodles

[kayas-kosmos]

There are many peculiar members of the unguligrowth family of magical creatures, but one is strange even by their standards. This is the myceliatops, not a true ceratopsian mind you, but one would be forgiven for making that assumption.

Myceliatops are three-toed unguligrowths, perhaps more closely related to the rhino or tapir than anything else. But what puts them in the unguligrowth category is their covering of rigid fungus-like structures that seem to be part of the creature itself rather than a separate organism. These structures serve to protect the animal from harm, but they may also have something to do with their ability to wield magic, giving them abilities such as shapeshifting. They are highly emotionally intelligent, perhaps on a par with elephants, and they are herbivores that live in herds.

Not much is known about these creatures since they suffer from the same issue as many other magical creatures. They are exceedingly rare and dead specimens are extremely difficult to study because all magical creatures decay at a much more rapid rate compared to their non-magical counterparts. This makes preserving specimens very difficult if not outright impossible in the case of the myceliatops. So really, most information we have about this species relies on witness accounts and artistic renditions.

Though according to some sources, the myceliatops is capable of limited human speech, so perhaps some of what we know is from their own mouths. That being said, they are rumoured to have spoken in a mumbling manner that was incredibly hard to understand.

[kayas-kosmos]

The slingafling is a creature that spends 80% of its life "hanging about" as a stationary lump of organic matter and the other 20% shooting through the trees at a frightening speed.

These creatures have become so used to life in the trees that they almost never touch the ground. Their lower legs have all but atrophied into vestigial claws used for light gripping, their leg muscles have blended with their long, prehensile tails. Adding to their bizarre anatomy, the slingafling also possesses an unusual head "nest" made from bony material. It is believed this is to protect their skulls while moving at speed through the canopy.

Often these creatures will be covered in moss and lichen and their fur is matted with dead plant matter, sticks and debris. It enables them to disguise themselves as clumps of dead plant matter or abandoned birds nests hanging from the branches.

Slingaflings can exhibit different behaviours depending on what region they inhabit. Some survive entirely by growing special kinds of magical plants within their skull nest, these plants inject energy into the creatures in exchange for protection from other herbivores.

Some magical plants have such a close symbiotic relationship with the slingaflings that after the most recent mass extinction, these plants can "only" be found growing on slingaflings these days. Other slingaflings have been found to have birds nests on their heads, what the advantage of this is exactly is unknown but it is perhaps another symbiotic relationship where the slingafling can protect birds nests while the birds can warn slingaflings of nearby predators.

Slingaflings live in groups and they have a locking mechanism in their fingers, Allowing them to hang effortlessly for hours, days or even weeks at a time. However when the time comes to move along, the entire group will rocket through the treetops like a spray of bullets until they find a new home.

[kayas-kosmos]

The zekkra (also known as a false zebra) is a predator like no other. Capable of shapeshifting into an ordinary zebra, the zekkra infiltrates herds and takes down its prey from within.

However it has no loyalty to its fellow predators. Some zekkra act as twisted shepherds, attacking and devouring anything that threatens its food supply. They are known to hunt lions, hyenas and in some rare cases, crocodiles. Zekkra are excellent swimmers after all.

Zekkra are flexible regarding social dynamics. Some are loners and some form small and loose packs. Multiple zekkra may infiltrate a zebra herd at once, though same-species conflicts will arise when food starts to become scarce.

It is also worth noting that zekkra cannot be tamed and ridden. Many have tried but the zekkra has a nasty habit of feigning obedience before turning on their riders for an easy snack.

[kayas-kosmos]

Be careful where you tread! The Deadly Pathway is a type of amphibious monster lurking just under the soil. If ever you spot a footpath that seemingly begins and end in a strange place, best avoid it, there is a monster in hiding.

The Deadly Pathway likes to hide in places with high foot traffic, waiting for some unfortunate soul to step on it. The creature lies upside-down under the soil's surface, its sensitive tendrils can easily pick up on vibrations. As soon as someone sets foot on the path, they will spring up from the soil, ensnaring their victim, then sink back into the soil to digest their meal as others walk over the path area completely unaware of what has just transpired.

Particularly fiendish members of the species will target "desire paths" knowing that they are more likely to grab a snack here.

Desire path - Wikipedia

Related to the Deadly Pathway is a species known as the Bridgeback which takes its disguising capabilities to another level. They are large and powerful enough to shapeshift into a stone bridge, but like the Deadly Pathway they will often appear in odd places that make little sense.

One of the largest specimens of Deadly Pathway ever recorded reached a whopping 75 metres long, found preserved in a cave network in Japan. The creature was believed to have created the cave network, plus it may have been responsible for unusual seismic activity in the area.

[kayas-kosmos]

Doodled up a little Flowerpunk species, the sycafawn! One of the tiniest members of the unguligrowth group of magical creatures, they reach a height of just a few inches. They live in and around sycamore trees as the name suggests, disguising themselves as seeds.

[kayas-kosmos]

Introducing the Hoori-Doori-Din-Rin!

Much like the chuckme and the chidderin, they are named after the unusual call they make. They are arguably the court jesters of the world of magical creatures with their painfully unserious behaviour and absurd albeit elaborate dances.

The hoori-doori-din-rin starts life as a small pup that looks like it can't remember what blinking is supposed to do. They have a downy, greyish coat that over time is replaced with an increasing amount of colours. Once they have reached adulthood, the hoori-doori-din-rin has a beautiful set of technicolour plumes that it can use for communication and defence. These creatures typically inhabit tropical rainforests and the bright plumage is seen in both males and females of the species.

The feathers serve many functions, though the primary function is communication, which the hoori-doori-din-rin does mostly through dance. Over 50 different dances have been observed and they have incredible command over each of their separate cape feathers.

As for defence, the hoori-doori-din-rin live in large communities known as a "ruffle." When threatened, they will bunch together with their feathers stretched out and interlocked, shivering violently and spitting a natural dye from the blue glands on their cheeks.

If you would like to befriend one of these bizarre creature, it helps to wear the most extravagant and colourful clothes you can. This will guarantee a ruffle of hoori-doori-din-rin will come running up to you like a group of excited children and begin dancing and screaming with excessive merriment.

[kayas-kosmos]

The beautiful Mizzitfly - a creature with the wings of a butterfly and the sting of a wasp. Its venom is so potent that it can paralyse mighty dragons, but its honey is seen as worth the risk.

This creature is one of very few arthropods with magical properties. This is down to how penklatory ganglia clusters work and how they are better suited to animals with endoskeleton's rather than exoskeletons. Mizzitflies can be found around the world but most commonly in Madagascar.

Mizzitflies also have the most complex hive structure of any insect. Instead of living in a single hive, the hive is made up of smaller hives that work like districts in a city, creating a multi-hive structure. Each district has unique properties and even different flavours of mizzitfly honey. The multi-hive structure is also extremely tough and nearly impenetrable. The hive skin itself has been harvested for multiple uses including footwear and even armour.

Mizzitflies can produce honey from a variety of substances. Some create honey from nectar, others from carrion. Sometimes they even mix and match or find new ingredients depending on the season. Mizzitflies are also one of few insects that intentionally seek out magical plants to pollinate. Most pollinators may harvest and pollinate magical plants, but the honey they produce tends to lose its magical properties. Mizzitflies are capable of creating honey that retains magical properties.

Unfortunately for these insects, their delicious honey attracts unwanted attention. While the multi-hive structures can hold off most threats, there's no stopping the Madagascan honey dragon. Not only are they immune to the paralysing sting of the mizzitfly, but their flammable excretions can melt through the concrete-like shell of the multi-hive structure. They are also known to eat mizzitflies when food becomes scarce.