unchARTeDiscussion Bally Raven Kristen Cox E0005

Join us at the table for our conversation with Bally Raven, the cryptid field researcher who's chronicling monsters one illustration at a time!

Ever wondered what happens when scientific curiosity meets folklore? Grab your field journal and join us as we venture into the fascinating world of cryptid illustration with Kristen Cox (a.k.a. Bally Raven). From her meticulously crafted festival booths complete with specimen crates and nature sounds to her encyclopedic knowledge of obscure regional monsters, Kristen blends scientific precision with folkloric wonder to bring mythical creatures to vibrant life.

In this episode, we explore how she transforms her Mothman Festival booth into the headquarters of the "Bally Raven Cryptid Wildlife Protection Agency," dedicated to preserving endangered monsters before they disappear forever. Discover how she researches each creature's anatomy and habitat, her approach to balancing creative work with business necessities, and her clever fusion of environmental education with cryptid lore ("Plant milkweed to make Mothman happy!").

Whether you're curious about the creative process, fascinated by folklore, or simply want to know what an "Apple Devil" is (hint: it's a short, fat Bigfoot with a taste for stolen fruit), this conversation illuminates the rich intersection of art, storytelling, and community that defines Kristen's unique creative path. Don't miss her insights on festival life, artistic perfectionism, and making your passion sustainable in a world that doesn't always understand what artists really do.

You can find Kristen online at

instagram: Ballyraven_folklore (her instagram feed also lists the events she will be visiting)

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Ballyraven

Preorder the book Cryptid Creatures: Learn How tp Draw Mysterious Beasts from Around the World

As always, Craig and I love what we are doing and sharing with the world. And would greatly appreciate your support through 5 star rating and comments.

If you have any questions or comments, or would like to a guest on our podcasts, contact us as [e-mail]