👻 Spooky Kiddos
My Halloween Character Creations and Costume Nostalgia
Hello All,
We’re dangerously close to All Hallows’ Eve! October always seems to move at double speed — twice as fast as February, despite February’s lean 28 days. I suppose that’s because I’m disproportionately fond of this season for many reasons: costumes, candy, fireworks, ghost stories, and that fresh, biting autumn air.
Some of my fondest memories trace back to this time of year during my childhood. What I remember most — by a long shot — were the costumes. Getting to don a new one every year was something I looked forward to endlessly.









My family didn’t have much money for store-bought costumes, but that never stopped us. We’d scour thrift stores and garage sales for bargains, cobbling together bits and pieces to make something magical (or at least recognizable). My favorite memories now — though not so much at the time — are of wearing homemade costumes crafted by my lovely mum. She co-created my Halloween wardrobe more times than I can count: ghost, vampire, zombie, mustached debutante, devil, Batman… all so ramshackle and spliced together that it looked like tape and paperclips had a baby.
Back then, I used to die inside from embarrassment, convinced I was the awkward kid stuck in a lackluster version of my favorite characters. Unacceptable! But now I look back with nothing but love and gratitude. Thanks, Mom. ❤️









Now, as the title suggests, it’s time to talk about the artwork in this post. The drawings you see here are all my creations — a series I call Spooky Kiddos: children dressed in silly and spooky Halloween costumes. Pretty cool, huh?
This set is a by-product of years of costume inspiration. Each illustration was done in a single day throughout October 2024 — rough, quick, and full of energy. I’m proud of completing all 31, especially since it would’ve been much easier (and tastier) to just eat a peanut butter cup every day instead.









Chocolate temptations aside, I’d love to connect with anyone who enjoys these characters or shares a love for Halloween. Don’t be shy — say hello!
And with that, I’m off to carve up a pumpkin pie and devour the gouged-out part known as a slice. It’s been a slice!
Wishing you all a safe and happy Halloween. 🎃
Ahmed
Head Monster at Monster Machine
www.monstermachine.ca





Hey Ahmed, it's Josh Myers. It's been too long! Just wanted to say Happy Halloween! I love these. Every single one. They are just dripping with nostalgia and love for Halloween and spooky season (the greatest time of year IMHO). Your art is incredible and inspires me to create, and your reminiscing really takes me back to my childhood and brings out the spooky kid inside of me. Miss you man! Hope your halloween season is full of cheer, candy, horror ,and love. Peace, brother! -Josh