Certain characters have been around for centuries, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be reimagined. Talented US-based artist Damon Hellandbrand decided to twist up the modern characters associated with each zodiac sign, turning them into monstrous creatures from your scariest nightmares.

Hellandbrand uses a mix of drawings, watercolors, and digital illustration programs to bring his art to life. In an interview with Bored Panda Hellandbrand revealed, “I have a fondness for anything fantasy related or anything that doesn’t exist in reality, and mythology certainly has that in spades.”

Read on to see the 12 zodiac signs reborn as horrifying monsters imagined by Damon Hellandbrand.

Aries

Aries is symbolized by The Ram, and is said to represent a group of born leaders with lively, fearless qualities.

Hellandbrand used his knowledge about each zodiac sign to influence the final product. “I basically took what I knew the signs represented in terms of their name (i.e. Cancer = Crab, Leo = Lion, Pisces = Fish etc.) and proceeded to illustrate them as human/animal hybrids.”

Taurus

Taurus is represented by the bull and stands for strength, tenacity, power, and virility.

Gemini

Gemini, represented by The Twins, is said to signal intelligence, communication, and ability to express one’s self fully.

Cancer

The Crab represents Cancer, this water sign is said to be highly emotional, caring, generous, and intuitive.

Hellandbrand employs a number of different methods to create his final product. This particular image was created by black and white pencil drawing on paper, which was then scanned into a drawing/painting program known as Corel Painter. Using this program, Hellandbrand added his finishing touches.

Leo

The Lion represents Leo, a sign seen as dynamic, bright, motivated and energetic as the sun.

Virgo

The Virgin represents Virgo. As the sixth sign, Virgos are said to be loving, sympathetic, and faithful perfectionists known to overreact and easily become moody.

Libra

The Scales symbolize Libra, a sign said to represent the element of air, or rather intellect.

Scorpio

The Scorpion symbolizes Scorpio. This fixed water (ice) sign is said to be magnetic, determined, and sexy too!

Hellandbrand has always had an obsession with art, as a child he would spend endless hours working to recreate art by Walt Disney. As a kid artists like Boris Vallejo, Frank Frazetta, and Ralph McQuarrie inspired Hellandbrand. Today he is interested by all types of art, “from the great masters of the past to the current masters of the present, as well as the amazing works of mother nature!”

Sagittarius

The Centaur is the Zodiac symbol for Sagittarius. Half-man, half-horse, this sign is ruled by Jupiter and is therefore said to be one of the most jovial signs of all.

On Hellandbrand’s official website he describes his general artistic process in 6 different steps:

1. He comes up with a cool idea to draw.

2. He starts working on a couple of different sketches and then selects the drawing that best represents the creation within his mind.

3. He then goes to work on his selected piece, which he says usually don’t end up working.

4. And so he revisits step 2 and begins again on step 3.

5. He uses pencil, watercolor, acrylics, charcoal, or any artistic medium he is feeling inspired to use.

6. Lastly, he transfers his drawings into Corel Painter to add finishing touches and bring his artwork to its full potential.

Capricorn

The zodiac sign for Capricorn is The Goat. Capricorns are said to be practical, ambitious, and down-to-earth.

Aquarius

The Water Bearer is the sign for Aquarius, a group of independent, free thinking individuals.

Pisces

The Fish is the sign for Pisces, a sign seen as the most mature and spiritually developed sign of all.

Hellandbrand says he worked more off his imagination than actual mythological research. As a result, he admits he has gotten a lot of feedback critiquing the accuracy of his awesome zodiac artwork. He says, “…needless to say I’ll be making a few new pieces to redeem myself.”

We can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!

Photo Credits: dhellandbrand.com, DeviantArt