Cryptids of North America
Overview: Over 50 illustrated North American cryptids in my folklore‑rich art series inspired by the spooky legends from every state.
As the weather shifts and things get spooky, it’s the perfect time to explore North America’s strangest folklore. If you’re enthralled by the Pacific Northwest’s history of Bigfoot sightings, wondered if the Jackalope could be real, or have even seen disembodied pants walking late one California evening, this list is for you.
Cryptids of North America is an ongoing October tradition—a project I revisit each year to illustrate legendary creatures from across the globe. My goal was to illustrate at least one legendary folklore creature from each state in the US and map them accordingly.
The Cryptids of North America
Each cryptid was first doodled in a very small notebook, then brought into Adobe Illustrator and drawn with clean vectors using a small collection of textures and colors—taking about 2-3 hours per character.
I hope these heavily researched, highly accurate, and difficult to disprove illustrations of all the classic cryptids are a delight to your senses. Enjoy!
“I’m not saying it was Bigfoot, but I watched a massive, upright figure step out of the treeline with a slow, deliberate weight—too tall, too quiet, and too aware of me to be any animal I’ve ever known.
“I swear I only had six or seven beers, but that rabbit‑looking thing with antlers stopped, stared at me like I was the weird one, and then hopped off faster than any self‑respecting bunny should.”
“I always figured the Mothman was just a West Virginia campfire scare, but the thing that unfolded its wings on the bridge looked right at me with those red eyes, and firm, presumably chalky, moth butt.”
“I didn’t believe in the Squonk until I saw this wrinkly little creature sobbing so hard it left a trail of tears. Then it spotted me, wailed even louder, and practically dissolved into a puddle before I could say I wasn’t judging its skincare routine.”
“I always thought the Enfield Horror was just an Illinois rumor, but the thing that hopped across my yard had three legs arranged in a way that mathematically required two butts.”
“Something tall, glowing, flowing, and floating stared at me from the treeline, and if that wasn’t the Flatwoods Monster, then West Virginia just owes me one more apology.”
“Whatever smelly thing swooped over the street had wings, a spotlight on its head, and the attitude of something deeply disappointed in us all.”
“The pale figure watching me from the edge of the cemetery had the exact calm, patient energy of a woman who’s killed, been killed, and is back for a little follow‑up.”
“The Hodag is a marvelous creature; happy, horned, and emotionally available. A real Rhinelander.”
Wrapping Up
So many mysteries yet to be discovered! Perhaps in the future I’ll work up the fortitude to begin again with Europe and Japan/China.
Please support my unhealthy addiction to drawing charming cryptids by purchasing one of the lovely wares from the store:
A lovingly illustrated poker deck of 54 cryptids from North America, representing all 50 United States and parts beyond. Each cryptid illustration is named and placed by state, rendered in bold color, and playfully arranged among the pips. Decks come in a die cut, handmade, 80lb cardstock tuck box stamped in gold ink and wrapped in twine; reminiscent of a field journal filled with illustrated identification cards.
The card design is entirely custom, yet familiar—suits, numbers, and typography are in expected locations, with tightly refined margins for compact spreads, and quick readability. Printed by the excellent folks at MPC on casino/magician-quality M31 linen stock, cards are coated with an incredibly luxurious BETA finish for amazing handling and durability.
You’ll be delighted by the heavily researched, highly accurate, and difficult to disprove illustrations of all the classic cryptids: Bigfoot, Chupacabra, Enfield Horror, Flatwoods Monster, Hodag, Jersey Devil, Mothman, Screaming Kangaroos, Tahoe Tessie, Wendigo, and many, many more!
Featured prominently in early Paul Bunyan stories, the hodag is a fearsome critter resembling a large bull-horned carnivore with a row of thick, curved spines down its back. Said to be born from the ashes of cremated oxen, the history of the hodag is strongly tied to the city of Rhinelander Wisconsin, where it was claimed to have been discovered.
The cover design for the cryptid deck in a large attractive matte poster format. The finish and color on this poster is glorious!
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Giclée printing quality
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%
Over 58 North American cryptids lovingly illustrated and representing every state on a detailed map of the US. All your favorites are here: Bigfoot, Chupacabra, Enfield Horror, Skunk Ape, Snallygaster, Flatwoods Monster, Mothman, Jersey Devil, Jackalope, Hodag, and many more from across the continent. You’ll be delighted by the heavily researched, highly accurate, and difficult to disprove illustrations. This museum-quality poster is printed in vibrant ink on thick matte paper, and is sure to add a wonderful accent to your secluded cabin on a mysterious lake, child's bedroom full of haunted dolls, or office.
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Giclée printing quality
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%
The card back design for the cryptid deck in a large attractive matte poster format. The color and finish on this poster is glorious!
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Giclée printing quality
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%