About the brand

What makes a (not so) Scary Monster (not so) Scary?

The (not so) Scary Monsters are an amiable brood of well-meaning creatures that exist in an eye-boggling spectrum of fantastical colours and forms. These magical Monsters ramble and roam in their own inexplicable realm, a few footsteps beyond the edge of our world.

Each Monster has their own clear identity and unique physical qualities - ranging from curly antennae, googly eyes and shocking quiffs of hair. Many are deafeningly noisy and disconcertingly ugly, exhibiting startling combinations of wonky teeth, protruding jaws and arms that drag along the ground. But even the most bizarre creature in the clan has a child-like playfulness and enthusiasm that makes it instantly (not so) Scary.

Although none of the Monsters can speak, they frequently produce expressive grunts, giggles and burps. They are incredibly sociable creatures, mingling as individuals, twins, clusters of friends or entire (not so) Scary Monster families.

Every (not so) Scary Monster starts life as a fuzzy little fledging, gradually losing its baby fur as it develops and grows proper Monster skin. There are both girl and boy Monsters of course - the girls can often be identified by their pretty names and long eyelashes. Fully grown Monsters come in all manner of shapes and sizes. Some critters would make a taxi cab look dinky, whilst others could fit happily inside a shoe box.

The (not so) Scary Monster world is not made up of conventional land and sky like our universe. Instead it is composed of mutating technicolour backdrops with suggested peaks and valleys that stretch out to the infinite distance.

The creatures dwell in cosy caves, equipped with hammocks for sleeping and all manner of monstrous home comforts. Beyond the (not so) Scary streets this realm grows ever more wild and fantastical. A trip into these mysterious homelands would reveal forests of stripy trees, spongy moss meadows and lofty mountains for Monsters to climb up and slide down.

The (not so) Scary Monsters are completely unaware of humans. This means that they often get things wrong, but they are a forgiving breed that don't recognise mistakes and always see the joke. This resourceful and imaginative bunch truly take life by the horns, inspiring the sort of chuckles and adventures that children find utterly irresistible.

Monstrous beginnings

Monster artist Jenny Arthur began dreaming up all manner of crazy critters over 16 years ago. A chance encounter with the aptly named Monster Factory in 2002 resulted in the first ever range of monstrous greetings cards, which was swiftly followed by licensed books, plush and other merchandise. The (not so) Scary Monsters' message was quickly spreading far and wide.

About The Monster Factory

The Monster Factory was founded as a greetings card publisher, initially specialising in handmade cards. It has since become synonymous with imaginative, eye-catching stationery and gifts that truly connect with the consumer. The Monster Factory work with innovative artists, rightsholders and product specialists to source and then beautifully package new concepts for high-end distribution.

From this launchpad, the company has nurtured a small, but extremely special stable of licensed properties that are progressing in several exciting directions. Its irresistible characters now feature in a range of key product categories around the globe.

With a reputation for stunning presentation and creative thinking, The Monster Factory works with first-class retailers, licensing agencies and manufacturers from all around the world. Monster plaudits include a Licensing award in 2009 for their Mr Potato Head™ greetings stationery, plus 2 Gift of the Year Awards for Fuzzy-Felt® greetings cards and MoPod™, a unique mobile phone accessory.

Jenny Arthur - Illustrator

The (not so) Scary Monsters are illustrated in glorious detail by their artist, Jenny Arthur. Jenny is a published author and childrens book illustrator based in South London.