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“There’s nothing better than starting a day with a smile,” shared Chow Hon Lam in a previous interview with Bored Panda.

Chow Hon Lam is the artist behind Buddy Gator, a heartwarming comic that promotes kindness and empathy. The Buddy Gator universe is filled with other animals who interact by helping one another in various ways. Audiences feel a deep connection with Gator, and the comics have become a safe haven for many. So, if you’re still searching for yours, you might just be about to find it.

More info: Instagram | buddygator.com | x.com | Facebook

Once again, we reached out to Chow, who kindly shared more about himself.

First of all, we were curious to know what the most challenging comic or project the artist has worked on so far has been. He wrote: “The most challenging project for me was creating 365 T-shirt illustrations in one year—a project called FM365. I had to commit myself to designing one illustration every day for 365 days. After a few months, I faced creative blocks, but I overcame them by focusing on generating ideas first before starting the actual drawings, instead of trying to do both at the same time. I also turned down other projects to dedicate more time and energy to this challenge. The project was successfully completed on November 11, 2011.”

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    #3

    Buddy Gator comforts a sad cloud, helping it cry, and a flower blooms.

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    ZovThePhoenix
    Community Member
    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times. If only one remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore

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    Chow also shared what tools he prefers to use when working on his illustrations.

    “I use a Wacom tablet with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. From idea and sketching to the final artwork, everything is done digitally. I rarely sketch on paper,” wrote the artist.

    #4

    Buddy Gator gives concert tickets to an ostrich, they watch moles play music underground.

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    Most artists have other artists that they look up to. Therefore, we asked Chow to share what other creator he would love to collaborate with if he could.

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    Chow responded: “Akira Toriyama. He was the artist who inspired me to start drawing comics—I’ve always admired his creativity and character design. It’s heartbreaking that he’s no longer with us.”

    #6

    Caring Alligator helps a whale inflate its pool, showing gratitude in a comic by Chow Hon Lam.

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    #7

    Buddy Gator sharing a bauble with a mouse, helping with a Christmas party decoration.

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    Owen
    Community Member
    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like to think they're listening to Finnish death metal.

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    Lastly, looking ahead, Chow shared what new themes, mediums, or projects he is the most excited to explore in his artistic journey.

    “I will continue focusing on Buddy Gator comics while expanding into more media and merchandise. My hope is to bring even more smiles to the world,” wrote Chow.

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    #10

    Buddy Gator comic strip by Chow Hon Lam, featuring a caring alligator helping a friend finish a watermelon.

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    #11

    Buddy Gator offers donuts to animals, who float on donuts in water, showing kindness and friendship.

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    #12

    Buddy Gator helping fish clean the ocean with a net, featuring a caring alligator by Chow Hon Lam.

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    #13

    Buddy Gator and friends celebrate weight loss with donuts in a heartwarming, comedic scene.

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    ZovThePhoenix
    Community Member
    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do this too!!! I like to say that calories with friends don't count!😂

    #15

    Buddy Gator helps a hedgehog get a haircut with a sheep's assistance, featuring characters from Chow Hon Lam's uplifting comic.

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    #17

    Buddy Gator assisting a snake by holding ice cream, while a cow looks on joyfully.

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    Peter Bear
    Community Member
    8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a brilliant lesson about how equity is essential to equality. Everyone has ice cream; they're equal. And everyone also has the help they need to enjoy the ice cream; that's equitable.

    #19

    Buddy Gator taking a group photo for a rabbit, showcasing a humorous and caring interaction in uplifting comic style.

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    #20

    Buddy Gator helps an eel recharge, illustrating a caring act in Chow Hon Lam's comic.

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    #22

    Buddy Gator comic by Chow Hon Lam shows an alligator, penguin, and chicken learning to fly with a giraffe's help.

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    #23

    Buddy Gator in a kayak with a turtle, showcasing friendship and kindness.

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    #25

    Buddy Gator holding an umbrella for a koala in the rain, while a giraffe uses a cloud as cover.

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    #27

    Caring alligator Buddy Gator and friends play a cute game of hide and seek underwater.

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    #29

    Buddy Gator forms a bridge with fish to help small animals cross safely.

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    #30

    Buddy Gator comic: an octopus, alligator, and walrus play water polo with enthusiasm and teamwork.

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    #31

    Buddy Gator comic by Chow Hon Lam depicts a caring alligator alerting others to a road hazard at night.

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