The Making of Simon’s Cat: An Inside Look at the Iconic Cartoon Creator

Simon’s Cat is one of the world’s most popular cartoon characters, with millions of fans around the globe. Created by British animator Simon Tofield, the playful and mischievous feline has taken the internet by storm, appearing in countless viral videos, books, and merchandise. But how did Simon’s Cat come to life, and what goes into the making of this beloved character? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the behind-the-scenes process of creating Simon’s Cat, from its early beginnings to its current status as a global phenomenon.

Simon Tofield’s love for cats goes back to his childhood, where he grew up surrounded by furry companions. As an adult, he worked as an animator for various companies, including Disney and Aardman Animations. In 2007, he decided to create a short animated film featuring a fat, lazy cat named Hugh, based on his own experiences with his pets. The short film, called “Simon’s Cat,” was an instant hit, garnering millions of views on YouTube and catching the attention of animation studios and publishers.

The success of the first “Simon’s Cat” film inspired Tofield to create more adventures for the mischievous feline. He gradually developed the character’s design and personality, drawing on his observations of real cats to make Simon’s Cat as authentic and relatable as possible. Tofield has said that he sees Simon’s Cat as a “universal cat,” embodying the quirky, playful, and sometimes frustrating behavior of cats everywhere.

One of the unique things about Simon’s Cat is that Tofield has always been a one-man show, handling every aspect of the character’s creation, from the animation to the sound effects to the music. He works out of his home studio in Devon, England, using a Wacom tablet and Adobe software to draw every frame by hand. He also records and creates all the sound effects himself, using household objects like pots and pans to simulate the sounds of cats playing and eating.

Over the years, Tofield has created dozens of Simon’s Cat short films, each one featuring the lovable feline getting into various scrapes and adventures. He’s also released several books featuring his work, including “Simon’s Cat in Kitten Chaos” and “Simon’s Cat vs. the World.” In addition, Simon’s Cat has become a merchandising empire, with everything from plush toys to mugs to clothing adorned with the feisty feline.

Despite its success, Simon’s Cat remains a labor of love for Tofield. He’s said that his biggest joy comes from seeing the reaction of fans all over the world, who often share stories and photos of their own cats inspired by Simon’s Cat. He’s also expressed his gratitude for how the character has allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life, regardless of language or culture.

In conclusion, Simon’s Cat is an iconic cartoon character with a rich and fascinating history. Created by animator Simon Tofield as a way to bring his love of cats to life, the character has become a worldwide sensation, thanks to its relatable, funny, and charming personality. The making of Simon’s Cat is a testament to the power of passion and creativity, and to the enduring appeal of cats as one of humanity’s favorite companions.