TC Artist Creates Mythical Michigan Monsters and More
Even before you get in the door at the Enjoy Michigan gift shop in downtown Traverse City, you know you’re going to find something “unusual” inside. A large, furry green hand is attached to the shop window. The foot belongs to Michigan artist Eric Buist’s version of Michigan’s Bigfoot.
Eric Buist’s “Mythical Michigan” creations are offered through the Enjoy Michigan gift shop located in downtown Traverse City.
Photo by Carla Bumstead
Buist’s artwork, for sale through the shop, is known as Mythical Michigan (MM) and features such creatures as the Michigan Snow Monster, Dogman and Bigfoot. He also has a Troll, a Frost Giant and other signature creations.
Eric Buist — Mythical Michigan
His artwork is a little unusual but is a popular commodity at the Enjoy Michigan gift shop in Traverse City. His creatures grace T-shirts, mugs, stickers and more. All items are available of the shop’s website here.
Photo by Carla Bumstead
Buist’s style is hard to define but the word “unusual” fits pretty well. His creations are inspired by both Nordic Mythology and comic book artist Jack Kirby. But Buist is quick to credit his father Dick Buist as his main inspiration.
“I’ve always been attracted to the unusual. If something is common, or been done before I immediately don’t want any part of it I get this attitude from my father, who is very uniquely individualistic. He’s proud of being strange and unique, and I’m proud to be his son.”
Buist, age 43, lives near Traverse City with his wife and seven children. (Yes, seven). He’s been into art for most of his life. He is mainly self-taught but did attended Kendall College of Art and Design.
The artwork featured in his MM collection was originally done with pencil. He then inks them in and makes a copy to color with regular colored pencils.
Michigan Maps
In this Mythical Michigan map, shown here on a T-shirt, the Lower Peninsula is a troll and the Upper Peninsula is a “yooper.” Michigan natives implicitly understand. There is also a map featuring the the Snow Monster and one with Dogman and Big Footfoot. The current list Michigan-themed mythical creatures includes Dogman, Bigfoot, Snow Monster, Troll, Yooper, Swamp Creature and Frost Giant.
Buist’s first Mythical Michigan artwork was a map of the state that had been turned into an island covered with various creatures. His first MM creature was the Michigan Bigfoot. He said mythical creatures are popular in his household that includes six daughters and one son.
“My oldest daughter is 13, and she is really into mythical creatures. She was part of my inspiration.”
Buist’s Creatures
One of Buist’s maps of Michigan, with Bigfoot’s “hand” and the Dogman, are shown here in sticker form. But his creatures don’t just live two dimensionally. He has made (and worn) a Bigfoot costume and a Snow Monster head (below).
The Mythical Michigan line of merchandise has been available at Enjoy Michigan since last fall and is selling well. Buist has been working there for a year and a half. The owner of the shop noticed his talent right away, and now his work can work can be found on T-shits, mugs, stickers and more.
Buist’s Advice to Aspiring Artists
Eric Buist has lived in Michigan all his life, in both the upper and lower peninsulas. He loves the state and says the Traverse City area is especially rich with a variety of artists. When it comes to any advice he might have for other artists, he recommends staying true to oneself.
“Embrace the kind of art that you love without worrying too much about what other people think — because there are others out there who will appreciate it.”
Children’s Book on the Way
Eric Buist is currently working on a children’s book. With seven kids who enjoy his creative style, it made sense. It is titled The Michigan Dogman - A Mythical Michigan Tale. After the children’s book, he hopes to write his own comic book.
You can find Buist’s the full line of Mythical Michigan merchandise online at the Enjoy Michigan website and the Enjoy Michigan’s downtown Traverse City location at 118 S Union Street.