The Book I Made & Where You Can Get It

A little sign to make your stuff and put it out in the world

The column that appeared this week in my local paper was inspired by the first real wintry weather of the season — back around Thanksgiving. As previously mentioned, I didn’t realize there was no paper the week of Thanksgiving and so my columns ended up both ahead and behind. So, I’m going rogue over here.

Anyhoo, since I first wrote the Thanksgiving-era column, another winter blast has blown through and so, thankfully, the contents still apply. They include a little nonsense from my Secret Monster Project archives.

from Secret Monster Project by Kate Welshofer November 2024

For the uninitiated: Secret Monster Project started as a creative practice on New Year’s Day 2023. I started posting daily doodles on Instagram because I needed and wanted an outlet that was simple and purely for fun.

I had a very narrow definition then of what it means to be an artist — as in, I never would have considered myself one in any way, shape or form. I think differently about that now. Not to get too deep into it, but suffice to say, you don’t have to be on the PGA Tour to be considered a golfer.

When I’m drawing, sometimes I will have a specific idea in mind but most of the time I just start with a general shape, add some eyeballs and just see what happens after that — fur, fangs, hightop sneakers — you never know. I will say there’s something really cool about watching a character come to life. It’s also been fascinating to see how they resonate. People of all ages have favorites and different reasons why they connect to certain monsters.

The monsters and their stories became an art installation first displayed at Silver Lake Brewing Project in my hometown of Perry, NY and most recently, added to the walls of Old Souls Bakery and Old Souls Gelato, also in Perry.

Now, there is a Secret Monster Project book. It’s called “You Monster: That’s a Compliment.” I created limited edition hardcover coffee table books along with a small batch of paperback versions. It shares the story of some of the original monsters.

Currently, there are signed copies available in-store and online at the local shop that first sold monster merch: Eleven Covington in Perry.

As described in the introduction, “this book is for anyone who needs a boost, a giggle or something to shore up the wobbly leg of a table.”

I mean, if that doesn’t scream bestseller…

I could not have imagined what this little project would become. Working with the monsters always brings me joy and it has reminded me that good things can happen when you lean into things you just enjoy doing without putting a lot of weight on it or pressure on yourself.

I hope the book provide lift and inspiration for anyone who picks it up. I also hope it encourages other creators to not wait for permission, but to just go for it — make your stuff, enjoy the process and don’t be afraid to share it.

As always, thank you for the support! More to come including added locations and maybe even a signing or two. Stay tuned!

**loud monster cheering**