Joseph McKenzie February Guest Artist 2025

I'm Joseph McKenzie, a graphic artist in South Bend, Indiana. As an 80s kid, I spent a lot of time at the movies or in my local comic shop in Niles, Michigan. Shows about the paranormal, UFOs, and of course cryptids have always interested me growing up. My work reflects my eclectic interests and my dedication to creating visually striking pieces that resonate effectively with my audience or clients.

            My passion project for over a year has been my book Creepy Cryptids Indiana. From better-known beasts like Bigfoot to more elusive entities like the Elizaville Monster, my art is intended to spook the bravest souls, explore the unknown, and embrace the mysterious world we live in. My book incorporates insane illustrations, original short stories, and bizarre accounts of these local creatures as seen by locals, just like you and me.

            Another series I have been working on is my Holiday Horrors. Christmas and Halloween are two of my favorite times to create. The holidays ignite my creativity by inspiring me to infuse whimsy and spookiness into my designs. From Belsnickel to the Yule Cat or All-Hallows-Eve to Zombies, I enjoy uncovering obscure holiday traditions or figures and retelling their stories through my unique art.

Other creepy creations include my Book of Shadows, a collection of original creatures, short sinister stories, and petrifying poetry. Recently, I have been corrupting classic cartoons such as the Nickelodeon characters by redesigning them into monsters or zombie-like creatures called Nickelodemons. Cat-O-Mine is a series about my kitty Odin. This furry friend continues to inspire a great deal of fun that is transferred into funny short comic strips.

             So come along with me, and let's explore a mystery from history. Let's contemplate cryptid curiosities and illuminate illustrations inspired by those imaginings. As we journey through the past and experience the phenomenon, let's see what creations will inspire the future. For more from this festival of the ferocious and fierce, you can follow me @JPMcKenzieArt on Facebook or Instagram. Remember to keep it creepy.

Joseph McKenzie