ADVERTISEMENT

It’s been a mystery for centuries, an unsolved jigsaw that's been keeping generations busy, trying to find out… What hides in a cat's mind? Why are they made this way? How can they act like sneaky creatures while being the most affectionate and adorable at the same time?

The question of a real cat's nature is purrfectly shown in the single-panel comics by the British illustrator Anthony Smith. His series 'Learn To Speak Cat' depicts cats and the lives they get to live by their own rules. If you missed our previous post featuring earlier works by this artist, make sure to check it out.

Scroll down to see the best comics from the series and to find out more about its author by reading our interview.

More info: gocomics.com | Facebook | Instagram | anthonysmithillustration.com

Bored Panda reached out to Anthony Smith and asked some questions regarding his work. First, we wanted to know what influenced the artist’s unique style in creating comics. Anthony shared with us: “I grew up in the UK and at the time there were a variety of comics and publications that inspired me. I actually mainly loved Marvel Comics at the time and would purchase all the UK weekly reprints published by Marvel UK.

Ironically one of those early paid assignments was at Marvel UK, but rather than drawing superheroes they wanted me to draw puzzle pages for their comics aimed at younger readers, which was great at the time. (I was a mere 16 years old!)”

RELATED:

    Asked how he comes up with ideas for new comic strips, Smith answered: “I still read a lot of comics as well as other literature, and like everyone, I think I just absorb concepts and ideas which pop out in another form later on.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    I'm also inspired by real life or events, especially when doing work for the likes of Private Eye which is a satirical and current affairs news magazine published in the UK.”

    #4

    Anthony Smith Shows The Secret Life Of Cats In A Very Fun Way (50 Photos)

    anthony_smith_illustration Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Stephanie Goadsby
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Straight out of the X-Files! Love it! All it needs is a smoking mouse getting the hell out of dodge before the rebels take out the flamethrowers.

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    We were curious how Anthony’s style or approach evolved over the course of his career, and we found out: “I think it's been less about my style evolving and more about developing new styles for various jobs. I think you need flexibility these days.”

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Lastly, we were wondering if Anthony could give any advice to aspiring comic artists looking to break into the industry. Smith said: “That's tricky because opportunities in the local press and small publishing houses aren't what they used to be and that's how I started.

    On the flip side, there are now so many opportunities to showcase work on online platforms, so I think if I were starting out again, I'd concentrate on building a presence online.”

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #28

    Anthony Smith Shows The Secret Life Of Cats In A Very Fun Way (50 Photos)

    anthony_smith_illustration Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Remember those old Warner Bros. Cartoons, with neurotic Claude Cat and the little yappy dog that would send him claws-first into the ceiling with the sudden surprise bark attacks?

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #31

    Anthony Smith Shows The Secret Life Of Cats In A Very Fun Way (50 Photos)

    anthony_smith_illustration Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The struggle is real. What's worse, though, is when you're explaining to your soft can-opener what's what, and they meow something nonsensical, like water shelf. We just roll our eyes and carry on.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
    Unlimited content
    Ad-free browsing
    Dark mode
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda