Even if you're not a big cat-lover, like me, I think you'll still enjoy today's post because it's more so about the celebration of a talent and a success story.
As you may have noticed, for the past two weeks, I've featured video clips on my sidebar of my favorite feline animated cartoon...Simon's Cat.
I discovered British animator Simon Tofield, creator of Simon's Cat, about three years ago and have been a HUGE fan of his ever since. To me, the man is BEYOND brilliant. And not only because I really like his simplistic, black and white sketchy drawing style, but also because he precisely depicts the mannerisms and attitude of a cat. It's so obvious that he has a special connection with felines because he completely understands and conveys their psyche.
And what I found so impressive was that Tofield began this whole series of films on a creative impulse one morning; not ever realizing how popular they would be. After he created his first animated film, Cat Man Do, he discovered that someone had posted it on You Tube. And by the time he found out about it, it had received over THREE MILLION views! Suddenly, Simon's Cat became an internet phenomenon.
Here are some sketches from a few of Tofields' books and films, to give you an idea of his drawing style and sense of humor...
I leave you with one of my favorite animated films, Scary Legs, because I am deathly afraid of spiders, therefore would have had the same petrified reaction as Simon. I find this film both adorable and hysterical.
Please take note to the amazing detail and subtle nuances Tofield captures, in how all three characters physically move and react to what's going on; especially their facial reactions. Also, I would like to share that Tofield himself makes all the vocal sounds of his characters in a recording studio, after the animation is completed.
It gives me immense pleasure and joy to share the unique and cat-tabulous talent of Mr. Simon Tofield.
Enjoy!
*please view in full screen to see all the detail.
Have a MEOW of a weekend everyone!
X
*Video on Simon Tofield (how he created Simon's Cat)
I like the simplicity of the black and white drawings and how he does convey a lot of expression into it! I hate spiders, too. The cartoon was terrifying to me.....haha! Have a super weekend!
ReplyDeleteThese are great. Cats are hilarious! I've always been more of a dog lover, however we inherited my son's cat about a year ago and I must say she has won me over.
ReplyDeleteI love "Simon's Cat"! The illustrations are so simple, but they convey so much meaning and, as you noted, Simon Tofield really captures the essence of the cat mentality.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a cat, but I used to feed the strays around my family's house and I got to appreciate cats. They're such intriguing creatures--no wonder the ancient Egyptians worshiped them!
Thanks for posting this, buddy, and I hope your weekend is the cat's pajamas!
Haha this is awesome! I don't like cats but I have to say I would react the same way to a spider. I also love the facial expressions in the video you shared. The cat was so confused why her owner was freaking out. Acted like she was playing with the spider. Really nice share and a good laugh to start the weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Ron. I've been a Tofield fan for a while now. He's super-talented. It's one thing to be able to draw cartoon characters but it's quite something else to bring them to life the way he does. I hadn't seen Scary Legs before, so thank you for that. Have to say that I hadn't noticed the one in your sidebar.... I really must take this blindfold off when I go visiting.
ReplyDeleteHope your Friday is going well xx
Ron, I love the first drawing of the cat posing as a bird house. That's hilarious! What talented man he is. My favorite thing in the film clip you shared was when the cat squashed the spider, SPLAT! Spiders freak me out too, and living in Florida they're everywhere.
ReplyDeleteCat-tabulous post, Ron! Have a wonderful weekend x
Hey there Suzi!
ReplyDelete" Cats are hilarious! I've always been more of a dog lover, however we inherited my son's cat about a year ago and I must say she has won me over."
Yes, it was the same for my father. He was more a dog lover, however, after my mother adopted our first cat, he fell in love with it. They shared a bond that was so touching. In fact, when my father got very ill, that cat stayed by his side all the time.
Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a super weekend!
X
Hey there Rob!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Simon's Cat faaaaabulous? Tofield is genius!
"I don't have a cat, but I used to feed the strays around my family's house and I got to appreciate cats. They're such intriguing creatures--no wonder the ancient Egyptians worshiped them!"
Yes, I remember you mentioning that on one of your blog posts several years ago. I agree, cats are such intriguing creatures. And you're right about the Egyptians, they worshiped them.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by, buddy. Have a MEOW of a weekend!
X
Hey there Shae!
ReplyDeleteIsn't the video hilarious? Back when I had two cats, whenever a spider or Palmetto bug would get into my apartment, I would grab the cats and say, "Go get them!" HA!
Much thanks for stopping by, girl. Have a SUPER weekend!
X
Good morning Valerie!
ReplyDelete"He's super-talented. It's one thing to be able to draw cartoon characters but it's quite something else to bring them to life the way he does."
I agree! Isn't Tofield faaaaaaabulous? I had never seen the video of how he created Simon's Cat until this week, when I found it on You Tube. He seems like such a nice gentleman too.
He has FOUR cats of his own!
Much thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Have a lovely Friday and weekend!
X to you and Joe!
Hola Denise!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that first drawing freaking HILARIOUS?
" My favorite thing in the film clip you shared was when the cat squashed the spider, SPLAT!"
Yes...that's my favorite thing in the video too! And I love the look on the spiders face and his big eyes.
" Spiders freak me out too, and living in Florida they're everywhere."
OMG...you are so right about that, Florida is a haven for spiders! I would get them in my apartment all the time, especially after it rained. And thank god I had cats because they would exterminate for me - HA!
Much thanks for stopping by, girl. Have a wonderful weekend!
Meow....X
And THIS is why I'm a dog-lover, Ron, ha! Simon's drawings are amazing -- such detail, and he really captures the essence of felines.
ReplyDeleteLoved "Cat Man Do," and I can totally appreciate that poor hungry kitty trying to wake his owner. "Scary Legs' gave me the willies -- I'm a bit afraid of BIG spiders, too, and this one was sooo realistic!
The cartoon of kitty sitting in his man's lap while he's working at his computer is spot on -- Dallas is typically right beside me then (though not in my lap. Thankfully!)
Thanks for sharing Simon's talent -- have a super weekend!
Love, love, love it! Thanks so much for sharing the cuteness on this stereotypical Friday the 13th! The only thing better would have been for the cat to have been black! LOL!
ReplyDeleteHello there Debbie!
ReplyDeleteAren't Simon's drawings AMAZING? His attention to detail and being able to capture the true essence of cat, blows me away!
"Loved "Cat Man Do," and I can totally appreciate that poor hungry kitty trying to wake his owner."
About three years ago, I shared that video clip on my blog because I thought it was the most HYSTERICAL thing. OMG...when the cat hits him with the baseball bat and then quickly resumed his sleeping position on the bed, I HOWLED.
"The cartoon of kitty sitting in his man's lap while he's working at his computer is spot on -- Dallas is typically right beside me then (though not in my lap. Thankfully!)"
Back before computers, one of cats would always jump up on my desk while I was writing a letter or something, and then take his paw and try to grab my pen as it was moving across the paper. OMG...it drove me insane.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have a SUPER weekend!
X
"on this stereotypical Friday the 13th! The only thing better would have been for the cat to have been black! LOL!"
ReplyDeleteOMG, Lisa, that's right...it's FRIDAY THE 13TH...I totally forgot! Yes, a black cat would have been better - HA!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a cat-tabulous weekend!
X
Ron, I think you already know my admiration for Simon's Cat, so this post was fascinating to read. I had no idea about how Tofield created Simon's Cat, so his video was extremely interesting to me. I'm glad you shared the link to his website too, because I'll be checking it out more thoroughly this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI had not seen Scary Legs before but it's brilliant, as all his videos are.
Cat-tabluous post, dude. Thanks for sharing it!
Hiya Matt!
ReplyDeleteYes, I do know your admiration for Simon's Cat and was so thinking of you when I wrote this post. In fact, after you and I discussed it on a comment thread last week, that's when I got inspired to share this post today. So thanks!
I had not seen the video myself about how Tofield created Simon's Cat until this week, so I thought it would be interesting to share. I also spent a lot of time on his website this week, sifting through his pages. There are so many cool things to read, so I hope you enjoy it.
Isn't Scary Legs HILARIOUS?
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy! Have a MEOW of a weekend!
X
Nice. I've seen Tofield's stuff before, I'm glad he's getting known in the States also.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! Cutest thing EVER! I had laughing tears from watching 'Scary Legs'. Not a fan of spiders crawling on me either! HA HA. Thanks for sharing and making my Friday bright! (I've been begging my husband for a cat the last few days...I'm taking the timing of this post as a sign I'm on the right track. HA!)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
I adore Simon's Cat! I have them all on my iPhone, so I can watch whenever I need a giggle and that always make me laugh, no matter how many times I see them :)
ReplyDeleteJust because I don't like cats (allergic) doesn't mean I can't appreciate a good cartoon about one! Thanks for the laugh for the weekend Ron!
ReplyDeleteLove the strips! As you know, I'm a cat lover too, which is why I find them purr-fectly appealing. BTW, I think the guy in the 3rd one down looks like a grown-up Bart Simpson.
ReplyDeleteHave yourself a great weekend!
Ron, I loved the video. I watched it two times. Hysterical! And you're right, he perfectly depicts a cat to a tee. What a talented man. I don't know if I ever told you this but I have a cat. He's a tabby, named Toby. I adopted him from a shelter about two years ago and he's a love. He's the first cat I've ever had because my family always had dogs. I love dogs, but I also love cats. One day I would like to have one of each because they're completely unique in their own way.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this today, Ron. I will persue the Simon's Cat website this weekend because there looks like a lot of great stuff. I can't wait to see more of his videos too. Meow!
Dale, isn't his stuff faaaaaaaabulous? What talented, talented man Tofield is! I'm such a HUGE fan of his!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a super weekend!
X
Helloooooo Angelia!
ReplyDeleteIsn't the cutest thing EVER? Anytime I watch these videos, I laugh my ass off!
" (I've been begging my husband for a cat the last few days...I'm taking the timing of this post as a sign I'm on the right track. HA!)"
YES! It's a SIGN!!! I bet your husband agrees and you get one soon! And if you do, please post about it (with pictures) on your blog because I would LOVE see it!
I adore cats!
Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a MEOW of a weekend!
X
Hey there Babs!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Simon's Cat the BEST THING EVER? Tofield, in my eyes, is a genius because I've never seen anyone capture the essence of a cat the way he does. He's so talented!
"I have them all on my iPhone, so I can watch whenever I need a giggle and that always make me laugh, no matter how many times I see them :)"
Oh how FUN! I noticed on the Simon's Cat website that they sell iPhone games and ring tones. If I had a phone, I would definitely get them.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a cat-tabulous weekend!
X to you and Mo!
Hey there Benze!
ReplyDeleteGlad you got a laugh out of the video. Isn't it HILARIOUS?
And speaking of allergies, over the years I too developed a cat allergy, which is sad, because I ADORE cats. It occurred when my two cats got older and began producing more dander; making me sneeze and my eyes water. But still, whenever I see a cat I pick them up and hold them. I just can't resist.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a beautiful weekend!
X
P.S. Hope you're feeling better....(((((((( You ))))))))
Mark, I KNEW you would love Simon's Cat!!!! Aren't the strips faaaaabulous? And his video/films are too! Tofield is brilliant!
ReplyDelete" BTW, I think the guy in the 3rd one down looks like a grown-up Bart Simpson."
HAHAHAHAHAHA! Yes, he sure does!!!!
Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a puuuuurfectly fabulous weekend!
X to you and Tara!
Hey ho Robert!
ReplyDeleteIsn't the video CAT-TABULOUS? Glad you enjoyed!
And no, I don't think you ever mentioned that you had a cat. How AWESOME! And I love his name...Toby! I too had a tabby at one time (black, white and grey stripes) and he was also a love. OMG...he was so affectionate and cuddly. He would actually get under the covers with me at night and sleep in my bed.
And yes, my family had dogs growing up as well, so like you, I love and appreciate cats AND dogs. And actually, cats and dogs get along better than two cats. At one point, my family had both and they loved one another. They would actually groom each other - HA!
Yes, if you have time this weekend, please poke around his website because there are a lot more videos and cool things to see.
Have a super weekend, buddy, and thanks for stopping by. Meow!
X
I discovered this guy a while back - very funny stuff!
ReplyDeleteJust spent some time reading through all the posts I missed while I was off-line. I'm so glad to hear about your new part-time job. The perks sound absolutely lovely! And I loved the lights photos. Al just gorgeous. I've been thinking a lot about lighting as I decorate. I also love natural sunlight but soft artificial lighting. It has a much cozier feel to me.
Hey girl, it's sooooooo great to see ya!
ReplyDelete"I discovered this guy a while back - very funny stuff!"
Isn't he awesome? And yes, very funny stuff! Ever since I discovered him about 3 years ago, I've been such a huge fan.
And thank you for reading my previous posts, you're a sweetheart. I love this job a lot. And yup, the perks are super! In fact, I have two more training's this coming week, so I'll be getting MORE gratis - yay!
'' I've been thinking a lot about lighting as I decorate. I also love natural sunlight but soft artificial lighting. It has a much cozier feel to me."
I so agree! And I can't wait to see what you do with your new place. Congrats on the move. LOVE your new home!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and thanks for stopping by!
X
Ron, I was able to spend more time on the website last night and enjoyed it. Loved the Apple Apps! I may download the iTunes.
ReplyDeleteRobert, I know, aren't the apps. cat-tabluous? I wish an iPhone so that I could use them :)
ReplyDeleteHave a SUPER Sunday, bud!
ha. i have only recently and when i say recently i mean in the last few months, seen this guy's work. funny stuff. cats rule, don't they. do you think you will ever get another one?
ReplyDeleteHey there Val!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Tofields work funny? And it blows me away by accurate he is in depicting a cat. Yup...cats rule. Meow!
And yes, I think I will get another one because I really miss not having a kitty around.
Much thanks for stopping by, girl. Hope you had a super weekend. Wasn't the weather gorgeous?
X
How absolutely hilarious and brilliant, Ron!
ReplyDeleteBut where have I been? I just now, on this post, am learning about Simon Tofield? Would you believe? After countless cats and other animal species.
Must say they're ALL gems, but the cattitude while the birds are tempting him...classic!
Thank you for the introduction to Simon Tofield's work, Ron! Perrrrfection!
Now, to catch up! I'll have to find a kitty who can speed read! ;))
Hellooooooooo there Petra!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Tofield BRILLIANT?
OMG...since you love cats, you have got to check out his website where he has a slew of videos; all of which are faaaaabulous!
Tofield himself has FOUR cats, which where he gets his inspirations for this cat books and videos.
"but the cattitude while the birds are tempting him...classic!"
HAHAHAHAHA! Isn't that one hilarious? Such a type cat attitude!!!
Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Hope your weekend was beautiful. Have a cat-tabulous week!
Meow!
X
Ron, not only spiders, but bugs of all kinds. Florida is a haven for creepy, crawly things - water bugs, lizards, snakes, and ants too!
ReplyDeleteYou said it, girl!!!!!
ReplyDeleteX