What is the Monster Project?
The Monster Project is the undertaking of a passionate collection of artists who share a common goal: to help children recognize the power of their own imaginations and to encourage them to pursue their creative potential.
How do we do that?
We simply invite Elementary students to draw monsters. Once their creations have taken shape, we bring them to life in our own artistic styles. Then, when we deliver these new interpretations back to the students in person, we are able to demonstrate new art techniques within their original creative context. They are able to see what their idea sparked in others.
Why do we do that?
With a decreasing emphasis on arts in schools, many children don’t have the opportunity for creative exploration they deserve. That’s a monstrous trend we would like to destroy. As artists ourselves, we understand how important that initial creative exposure is and how it can truly alter the shape of a child's future.
By collaborating with the students and finding inspiration from their imaginings, we hope to help them recognize the value of their ideas and make them feel excited about the potential of their own minds. Creativity comes in many forms, and we hope to encourage their exploration of their own unique perceptions of the world we share. And, while we're at it, we want to introduce to them the notion of art as a legitimate career path.
We have to admit, this isn't just for the kids. What a refreshing opportunity it is to be offered a glimpse into someone else's head – especially the fantastically bizarre, unobstructed thoughts of a child. It’s an amazing opportunity.
What is Monster Project UNITE?
MPU is a new program we introduced in September 2018 in an attempt to broaden The Monster Project’s reach. It’s an open illustration challenge we run via Instagram that invites artists of all skill levels and styles to re-imagine a new kid’s drawing every two weeks. Anyone can sign up to be an artist (sign up for the prompt emails here). Parents and guardians can submit their kids’ drawings for a chance to have it re-imagined via this form.
To see the amazing monster recreations that have been submitted so far, search the hashtag #MonsterProjectUNITE on Instagram!
How can my school/organization apply?
If you want to be considered for the main Monster Project (which physically comes to your school/organization and includes every kid in the program), you can fill out this form! We're a very small group of volunteers with extremely limited funding so our reach is still way smaller than we'd like. However, we are excited to keep growing so we can bring The Monster Project to as many kids as possible! We're looking to work with passionate teachers, advocates, and friends of the arts who believe kids learn, grow and do better when they exercise their imaginations!
We do get hundreds of applications, so please be patient and understanding if we don't get back to you right away. We so appreciate your enthusiasm and advocacy for your students and it gives us real hope about the future of art education!
If you want to submit an individual kid’s drawing for a chance to be selected as our Monster Project UNITE prompt, you can do that right here. If you’re a parent, guardian, or teacher of a small group of children, this is the best way to submit! See the explanation above for more information on our Monster Project UNITE program.
How often does the project occur?
We have been able to do one round of The Monster Project each year since the project began. Each round typically includes between 100-130 students and 100-130 artists. It's a huge undertaking and a real feat of logistics and coordination!
The Monster Project UNITE is ongoing, with prompts going out to artists every two weeks.
Can I pay to get a monster reimagined?
We believe it means more to both the kids and professional artists when the monsters are created and reimagined for free! Sharing the love of art and creativity is a wonderful gift that our artists are excited to give.
How can I become a Monster Project artist?
The main Monster Project is now invite only. However, Monster Project UNITE, our open Instagram challenge, is open to anyone and everyone who wants to join in! Artists of all skill levels and styles are welcome to participate. Simply sign up for our prompt emails, which go out every two weeks!
Sponsorships & Partners
We’re always looking for partners to help us enhance the value of our project for the kids and artists! Whether you’re able to offer monetary support, product donations, or have an idea for an event or project expansion—we want to hear about it.
Send an email to Hello@TheMonsterProject.org and let’s chat.
Are you an artist?
Join Monster Project UNITE!
An open creative illustration prompt that invites artists to reimagine a new kid’s monster drawing every two weeks via Instagram.
Submit your kid's monster!
Submit a drawing to be considered as a prompt for Monster Project UNITE (an open creative challenge hosted on instagram).