Learning to Speak Cat with Anthony Smith

Many cat lovers know me through Learn to Speak Cat and Cattitude – Doggonit, cartoons that explore the often mysterious, occasionally mischievous, and always entertaining world of cats and dogs. While pets may be the stars of my work today, my journey as a cartoonist began long before I started imagining what cats might be saying behind our backs.

Where It All Began

I started drawing cartoons at a very young age, inspired by the comics I read at the time. I loved the vibrancy and inventiveness I saw in each panel. There was also something about the fact that I could keep a comic and read it again and again, unlike, for example, a TV show. Well, back then anyway!

So I became a bit of a collector and had piles of comics and cartoon compilations dotted around. In fact, I still do!

I started cartooning for publications at a very young age. First with the local newspaper and soon after with Marvel UK, drawing puzzle pages for their line of children's comics. Cats would have been popping up in my work even back then, but I wasn't doing a dedicated pet cartoon feature for anyone. That would come later!

I have a substantial background in advertising, and my background in graphic design, typography, and art direction has also probably influenced my cartooning. I do like producing cartoons that are impactful and clear. I'm much more conscious of the overall design of a cartoon than I was before I worked in ad agencies.

Finding the Voice of Cats

I wanted to do something a bit different and delve into the world of cats from the point of view that they had their own language and were communicating with each other and trying to communicate with us. If only we would listen!

In my cartoons, I often put cats in human-like situations or give them human characteristics. I think we tend to project our human characteristics on cats quite a bit. Which is not surprising, given that they share the same space as we do. They walk through doors, sit on furniture, and eat off plates (Well, sometimes!). But it's fun to 'humanise' cats in various situations and helps to give them their voice.

Inspiration Is Everywhere

People are often surprised to learn that, sadly, I currently don't have a cat! But that could always change, of course.

That doesn't stop me from finding inspiration. Cats and dogs inspire endless possibilities for humour.

Although I don't encounter cats or dogs in my own home at present, I frequently interact and observe them elsewhere. I wouldn't say I have a typical day in relation to pets, but my radar is always up in terms of picking up something I can use in a cartoon.

If I could actually speak cat for five minutes, I know exactly what I'd ask:

"What do you really think of us humans?"

In terms of what the reply would be, I really have no idea. It would no doubt be something unexpected. You really can't predict cats and dogs.

Lessons From Pets

Previous pets have always impressed me in that their personalities don't contain some of the less-than-likable traits sometimes displayed by humans. And they don't tend to dwell on things. They take life as it comes and often effortlessly navigate problems.

Pets can teach us all sorts of things. I think I've learned to be more patient from cats and probably to be a bit more spontaneous from dogs. And, as mentioned earlier, to try to take life as it comes.

Of course, pet ownership isn't without its challenges.

Back when I had pets, like all owners probably feel, the passing of a pet was probably the most challenging.

Building a Community Through Cartoons

I have a very mixed group of fans on Facebook and GoComics (for Learn to Speak Cat and Cattitude - Doggonit). Those are the two channels where most of my pet-themed cartoons appear. I think there's a slightly different audience on Facebook. People who just love cats and dogs and their antics in general. Whereas on GoComics, I think the audience is already very comic-focused.

Over the years, I've had people contact me to say they love this or that cartoon, or that a close friend or relative of theirs follows my work. It's always nice to hear that you are entertaining people with your work.

I've also been fortunate to support organizations that help cats in need.

I have donated original art and prints to the likes of Cats Protection here in the UK and to the Cat Network in the USA. Both organizations do great work when it comes to helping and rehoming cats.

A Few Final Thoughts

I think it is worth bearing in mind that there is a big commitment that needs to be undertaken when it comes to truly looking after a pet for its entire life.

It's quite a responsibility and should not be taken lightly.

For aspiring creators, the good thing these days is that there are so many opportunities via social media to get your creations in the public domain. So I would say, start by self-publishing.

I would also say that anyone thinking about embarking on a career in cartooning should consider a parallel career. Preferably a creative one! It's rather tricky to survive on cartooning alone unless you get very lucky.

And if you're wondering who's really in charge when a pet enters your life?

They are, of course.

If you want to see more of Anthony's work, take a look at his Facebook and GoComics (for Learn to Speak Cat and Cattitude - Doggonit).