LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Growing up, many children fear monsters under their bed. However, Louisville artist, Ryan Case, has always embraced them.

“I’ve got a treasure trove of old monster drawings that I did in the fourth and fifth grade,” Case explained, showing Spectrum News 1 his artwork.

Originally inspired by monster art found on movie posters or VHS tapes as a kid, Case now paints monsters for a living. Case said he sells his pieces for $50 to $2,000. However, the colorful creatures help the stay-at-home Dad with more than just paying the bills. The colorful creatures are an outlet to release inner monsters, like anxiety and depression.

“They are on canvas and not inside and eating away at us,” Case explained.

Each monster starts out as a red blob. The 38-year-old then focuses his dark emotions into that.

“You add eyes, teeth, horns, and by the time you’re done with it, it’s so ridiculous it’s nothing to be afraid of, nothing to be stressed over,” case explained.

His talent and method aren’t just for him, though. Art also helped Case grow his confidence so he teaches his passion to help others relieve their own fears, stresses and anxieties. He also wants to inspire others to pursue their own dreams wholeheartedly.

“I want to be the type of person that says because of you I didn’t give up,” Case said.

A closer look at Case’s monster art also reveals his true nature. In most pieces he adds in something positive or unexpected, like a smiley face button on a creepy count or pink hearts surrounding a winged daemon with one eye and two horns.

When the art sells, it’s shipped away, but Case’s own monsters still remain.

“Monsters [are] always right here with us, and when I gave my daughter Lulu her My Pet Monster,” Case remembered, “She was like, ‘well, since monsters are my friends I have nothing to be afraid of anymore,’ and I’m like, ‘you get it!”

Case also showcases his art in galleries and sells it online. For the latest information about his art, visit his website, Solis Lumen – The Art of Ryan Case.