Matt Tarpley is the creator behind Catscafecomics. He creates some of the cutest and warmest comics you will see on the internet. Matt was first introduced to comics when he was in elementary school. Like many other comic artists, Matt a well grew up reading comics which inspired him to create his own. Earthwonders reached out to Matt to ask him more about his work.
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“I grew up reading syndicated comics such as Calvin & Hobbes, Opus, Garfield, and many more. I read them every day, kept a stack of their books next to my pillow, and would read them over and over again. I enjoyed them so much I wanted to make my own and create short funny stories. My first comic was actually a collaboration with my best friend George in 4th grade in fact. It was about a super banana called Banana Man.
From that point on comics stayed a part of my life. Throughout the years comics would play different roles in my life contributing in many ways. It was a form of creative communication that resonated with me since it allowed me to express myself and articulate my feelings/ideas more effectively. I was most comfortable to be myself and represent myself through comics,” shared the artist.
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Everyone who has seen catscafecomics will agree that they are super adorable, and the concept behind the work it’s quite powerful as well. The artist said that what inspires him in his work is the challenge of expressing complex emotions or mental health topics in a relatable and accessible way. Sharing his experiences, feelings, or other aspects of life in order to help others feel ‘seen’ and understood has been the main motivator in Matt’s work. All of his work it’s to help others.
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Moreover Matt shared about his working process, which he said there’s not really a cut process, and writing the idea is always the most challenging. ” Sometimes an idea will instantly pop into my mind while doing dishes, others I will have to think about for weeks, jot down and come back to months later for a fresh perspective. Other times I am trying to express my own personal experience or feelings. Once I feel strongly about an idea illustrating the comic actually doesn’t take that long to do. Oftentimes, as I am drawing the comic, the idea will change and develop from the original idea. It’s a pretty fluid ‘process” in which there really isn’t one,” explained the artist for Earthwonders.
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