Cryptid Creatures: Learn to Draw Mysterious Beasts from Around the World

Learn how to draw a multitude of menacing monsters, creepy cryptids, and gruesome ghouls in this step-by-step drawing guide.

Shh. Did you hear that? That must have just been the wind rustling the leaves of the trees overhead--or could it have been Bigfoot?

(Definitely Bigfoot.)

Cryptids are animals whose legends are spread far and wide at slumber parties, sleepaway campfires, or on internet webpages you stumble across at 2 a.m. Their existence has never been confirmed by science but that doesn't make them any less fascinating! In Cryptid Creatures, learn how to draw 35 different types of cryptids from all around the world and pick up a thing or two about their origins as well.

For artists of all skill levels, this step-by-step drawing book will show you how to sketch basic shapes and forms as well as use shading techniques to help your drawings come alive. Learn to draw such creatures as:

• Bigfoot, aka Sasquatch, the iconic cryptid said to inhabit the Pacific Northwest of North America
• The Loch Ness Monster, the underwater sea creature said to lurk in the depths of Scotland's Loch Ness. Affectionately known as Nessie.
• The Mongolian Death Worm, a gigantic worm that allegedly lives in the most remote reaches of the Gobi Desert. Probably wants a friend.
• The Bunyip, a creature of ambiguous description stated to haunt bodies of water in Australia.
• Mothman, the classic harbinger of doom.
• . . . And more!

This book also provides guidance on cryptid anatomy so you can create your own, unique cryptids. With both drawing instruction and tales of global folklore to engage your mind, Cryptid Creatures will transport you to a world of shadows and spookinessthat will have you producing "realistic" illustrations with a touch of the fantastical in no time flat.

Author: Ballyraven
Publisher: Castle Books
Published: 08/05/2025
Pages: 192
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.35lbs
Size: 9.88h x 8.00w x 0.60d
ISBN13: 9781577155317
ISBN10: 1577155319
BISAC Categories:
- Art | Techniques | Drawing | General
- Art | Subjects & Themes | Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Body, Mind & Spirit | Unexplained Phenomena

About the Author

Ballyraven is an Appalachian illustrator who loves nature and monsters. A traditional artist, she predominantly works with pencils, dip pens, and inks to create wildlife field sketches, medieval bestiary pages, and other art for books, games, and cryptid enthusiasts. Through her work, she shares her love for prehistory, science, fantasy, and all things creepy. Ballyraven not only draws but also writes books and hosts a podcast--all focused on cryptids, myths, and the paranormal.