Today, we’re joined by Liz Pavlovic, an artist whose love for cryptids has blossomed into a successful line of enamel pins, stickers, and custom designs inspired by West Virginia’s very own folklore.

The Early Years of Art and Inspiration

Liz’s journey into art started with her creative upbringing in Southern West Virginia, where she spent her summers and holidays. Her mom, an art teacher, instilled a love for creativity in her from a young age. Whether it was drawing, coloring, or crafting with potato stamps, Liz’s early days were filled with artistic exploration.

“Growing up in a family with a mining background, I was always surrounded by stories and history that sparked my imagination. It wasn’t just about the art—it was about the culture that inspired it.”

Growing up in a family with a mining background, Liz’s connection to her roots in Southern West Virginia is strong. Her early interest in art and folklore began to merge when she discovered the local cryptid legends that would later become the heart of her creative work.

The Cryptid Connection: How West Virginia’s Folklore Inspired a Line of Art

Liz’s deep dive into cryptids started after attending the Mothman Festival, where she was introduced to the stories of West Virginia’s mythical creatures like Mothman, Flatwoods Monster, Sheep Squatch, and more. After researching and reading about these legends, Liz found herself compelled to create art based on them.

“The legends of Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster are more than just spooky stories—they’re a part of our local identity. I wanted to create something that celebrated these legends in a way that could be shared with others.”

Her first creations were a series of pins—pepperoni rolls and West Virginia hot dogs, of course, but soon after, Liz started crafting designs of iconic cryptids like Mothman, Sheep Squatch, and the mysterious Flatwoods Monster. These became instant hits in her Etsy store, where she began to see her designs resonate with fans of West Virginia’s spooky folklore.

The Art of the Cryptid: Bringing Mothman to Life

One of Liz’s standout creations is her Mothman costume. Inspired by her design and love for the creature, Liz collaborated with local artist Dell Morton, who crafted the full Mothman suit that has since become a sensation. It’s not just a costume—it’s a piece of art that connects fans to the legends of the Appalachian region. Liz’s Mothman suit allows her to bring these cryptids to life, creating lasting memories for fans through photos and appearances at events like the Mothman Festival and local art walks.

Her Mothman costume is not just for Halloween; it’s a way for Liz to engage with her community in a fun and family-friendly way. Whether it’s posing for pictures with kids or attending art events, Liz’s cryptid-themed creations are making a mark.

From Graphic Design to Freelance Success

After studying graphic design and earning her BFA, Liz initially took office jobs, but it wasn’t long before she realized that working in a corporate setting didn’t align with her creative spirit. In 2016, Liz took a leap and started her Etsy store, selling pins and other designs featuring her unique cryptid art. From there, her freelance design work took off, and she was able to transition full-time into her creative business. She now enjoys the flexibility of working for herself, creating cryptid-themed artwork, greeting cards, and more.

Looking Ahead: New Cryptid Designs and Events

For Liz, the journey is just beginning. She’s constantly discovering new cryptids, researching their folklore, and bringing these stories to life with her illustrations. Her upcoming projects include expanding her collection of pins, stickers, and greeting cards, with plans to explore cryptids beyond West Virginia, such as the Squonk, which has captured the attention of cryptid fans far beyond the Appalachian region.

Whether it’s designing a new creature or donning her Mothman suit for an appearance, Liz Pavlovic continues to push the boundaries of art, folklore, and fun. Watch the full episode below and dive deeper into Liz’s fascinating journey through the world of cryptids, art, and West Virginia’s mysterious legends.

Want to inquire about Liz’s work? https://www.lizpavlovic.com/

Do you have your own cryptid stories? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your stories and join the conversation.