Two furry characters, one catchy tune, and a friendship that makes it through it all is what graphic artist Steve Cowden’s adorable new animation short is about. The resident of Lake Oswego said the idea for the cute little song “Chocolate Cake And Ice Cream” came as the family was grieving from the death of his nephew last December.

“My son, Trent, began spontaneously playing a sentimental tune on the piano. My twin brother, Scott, joined in with singing the words ‘chocolate cake and ice cream.’ The silly words seemed to lighten our heavy hearts.” Everyone started singing in harmony, and the jingle just stuck.

After Steve and his son recorded it, the beautiful story was born. It follows the friendship of two adorable friends who become inseparable as Steve and Trent are singing “Chocolate Cake And Ice Cream.” Thanks to the song’s magically calming effect, the story will fill your heart with warmth many of us really need these days.

More info: SteveSowden.com | Youtube (Steve Cowden)

Steve recorded the “Chocolate Cake & Ice Cream” jingle with his son and turned it into this beautiful animated story about two furry friends

And here’s the shot-by-shot storyline of the “Chocolate Cake & Ice Cream” story that fills the heart with warmth

Bored Panda reached out to Steve Cowden, the artist behind the viral “Chocolate Cake And Ice Cream” animated story. Steve told us that the song was born at a family celebration of life for his nephew who died unexpectedly. “It was at my dad’s ranch in Illinois. Most of the out-of-town guests had left.”

Suddenly, Steve’s son Trent began playing the sentimental tune on the old piano, making up the words on the spot. “My twin brother Scott joined in with singing the words ‘Chocolate Cake and Ice Cream.’ We had just eaten dessert and he sang the silly words, I think, to lighten our hearts,” Steve said.

As Steve was upstairs with his mom, he heard the sweet tune coming from downstairs and ran there to be part of the moment. “We all sang in harmony together. It kind of felt magical and seemed to help us.”

Steve returned to Oregon, where he lives, but the song stuck. One day, “while commuting to work, I began singing it and adding more words. I pulled out my voice memo app on my phone and made some recordings. By the time I had arrived at work (about a 40-minute drive), the song was complete, but very rough.”

He and his son recorded the final version right after Christmas on their old piano, which sounded similar to Steve’s dad’s, “slightly out of tune.” The song was so catchy that Steve immediately got the idea to turn it into an animated short.

“The feeling of loss and separation got me thinking about a dog and cat, their friendship, and getting through tough times,” the artist said.

Steve said that the response he received was absolutely amazing. “So many people have shared with me that they shed happy tears. Many have shared how it has brightened their day.” One woman told Steve that she was sharing the video with her network of families who experienced a loss of a loved one.

“I think so many have felt isolated this year and especially during this holiday season lockdown. They connect to the yearning and sorrow of the dog and cat.” Steve added that it brings him “a lot of joy that it has brought smiles to so many.”

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On his website, Steve describes himself as “a sort of a jack of all trades when it comes to visual storytelling.” “I certainly never get bored and I never say ‘no’ when a creative project is presented to me. I like the challenge.” Check out more of Steve’s great animated videos on his website right here.

And people just loved Steve’s uplifting story

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