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The Author Of ‘Brutus And Pixie’ Comics Reimagines The Animals From Viral Photos And Almost 500K People Like It
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The Author Of ‘Brutus And Pixie’ Comics Reimagines The Animals From Viral Photos And Almost 500K People Like It

Interview With Artist
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Chances are you know what the wildly popular Pixie and Brutus comics are all about and there’s no need to introduce Ben Hed. Unless you were off for a vacation to the moon and just joined the bandwagon. In that case, feel free to feast on the hilarious adventures of the unlikely pair that is a tiny kitty and a big, intimidating war veteran dog here, here, and here.

But Ben, who’s best known for his Instagram account “Pet Foolery,” which has 2.3 million followers, is back with a new set of comic strips. This time, it’s all about imaginary animals inspired by mind-bending real-life pics. Ben decided to take the optical illusions to a whole new level and recreate the animals as if they were real. The result is surreal furry pals like antler cat and caterpillar dog, both cool and endlessly enjoyable to look at. Don’t say you wouldn’t want one, or all of them.

More Info: Instagram | Patreon

Ben is back with new mind-bending illustrations of imaginary animals

Image credits: pet_foolery

Image credits: pet_foolery

Image credits: pet_foolery

Bored Panda reached out to Ben to find out more about the project. It turns out, the idea of imaginary animals came at random. “I just looked up ‘funny animal illusions’ on Google,” he told us, and the rest is history. Meanwhile, Ben believes that throughout the years, his drawings have become more detailed and realistic in style. “But outside that, nothing has changed too much,” he assured us.

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When it comes to coming up with new ideas and fresh storylines, Ben has occasional slumps like any other artists. “And it’s usually just when I don’t have a good idea for a comic.” There’s a whole different story if the illustrator has a good comic idea in mind, which makes it easy for him to be motivated. “As far as getting ideas, one thing I like to do is just write anything down that I think of throughout the day that could be a comic.”

Image credits: pet_foolery

Image credits: pet_foolery

Image credits: pet_foolery

In reality, none of Pet Foolery comics were conceived by Ben sitting down at his desk and actively brainstorming. “Most of my comics come from random thoughts I have when I’m driving to Walmart or cooking food,” he laughed.

If you’ve ever wondered why there are no detailed backgrounds in Ben’s comics, he has a good reason for that. “I choose to have no background because it makes the characters the focus. When a scene requires more environment, you’ll notice the backgrounds in my comics are more detailed, but usually a background isn’t really necessary.”

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Ben uses Photoshop on a 13” Wacom Cintiq HD. He starts with drawing rough sketches, then goes over them with the linework, and only then, he colors it. Lastly, Ben adds the word bubbles where he wants to, and the strip is ready.

The antler cat seems to be the public’s favorite

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virgilblue avatar
Virgil Blue
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the "cantler" cat's miffed expression in the second panel.

emailoyj avatar
Animal Lover
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the dog with more legs than normal because the longer the dog, the more snuggles you get.

lindastorm2000 avatar
Linda HS
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is my fav post! I always wait for more...If it was me, I'd choose all of them!🥰

pelste-liam25 avatar
MantisKeeper
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i would love the mat cat and agree with the one who said he held infinite wisdom

20012591 avatar
Jordan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want the antler cat... I also now have a Halloween idea...

corky1630 avatar
Christopher Corkill
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Antler cat would be great to have. Nothing on a table or shelf would be safe. But blanket cat would be the best snuggler. Catepillar dog would be so fun to watch as you walk him. Three words: Catepillar Doggo PUPPIES! The world Shifts into a new configuration because they exist.

mascha-claessens avatar
Mascha Claessens
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd choose the huge cat! He looks like Falkor and I need to cuddle him.

savepennynow avatar
Victorya Chase
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Teh blanket cat, although it would be really warm in the summers. But with how cats headbutt, would get hurt with the catelope. Although all are pretty darn cute.

kristina_thomas avatar
Kristina Thomas
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ROFL at the doggie with human legs running holding his front legs up!

virgilblue avatar
Virgil Blue
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the "cantler" cat's miffed expression in the second panel.

emailoyj avatar
Animal Lover
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the dog with more legs than normal because the longer the dog, the more snuggles you get.

lindastorm2000 avatar
Linda HS
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is my fav post! I always wait for more...If it was me, I'd choose all of them!🥰

pelste-liam25 avatar
MantisKeeper
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i would love the mat cat and agree with the one who said he held infinite wisdom

20012591 avatar
Jordan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want the antler cat... I also now have a Halloween idea...

corky1630 avatar
Christopher Corkill
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Antler cat would be great to have. Nothing on a table or shelf would be safe. But blanket cat would be the best snuggler. Catepillar dog would be so fun to watch as you walk him. Three words: Catepillar Doggo PUPPIES! The world Shifts into a new configuration because they exist.

mascha-claessens avatar
Mascha Claessens
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd choose the huge cat! He looks like Falkor and I need to cuddle him.

savepennynow avatar
Victorya Chase
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Teh blanket cat, although it would be really warm in the summers. But with how cats headbutt, would get hurt with the catelope. Although all are pretty darn cute.

kristina_thomas avatar
Kristina Thomas
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ROFL at the doggie with human legs running holding his front legs up!

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