Given the chance, once again Bored Panda reached out to Milk Dong, the artist behind the powerful and thought-provoking comic/illustration series "HEY HUMAN, SEE WHAT YOU DO!?"
When asked about his process and how he decides which issues to highlight in his illustrations, he responded, "For the 'HEY HUMAN, SEE WHAT YOU DO!?' series, my process starts from a deep dive into news, research papers, and documentaries. I'm always learning about new issues facing the animal kingdom and our planet. I feel a surge of emotion - anger, sadness, frustration - and that emotion fuels my art. I decide what to highlight based on the urgency and relevance of the issue. I hope to give voice to the voiceless in real-time."
Regarding personal experiences with animal cruelty, the artist revealed a painful incident that ignited his advocacy. "Yes, I have witnessed incidents of animal cruelty that deeply affected me. Once, I saw a stray dog being ill-treated by some boys in my neighborhood. I felt so helpless and angry. I think that moment sparked the idea of using art to raise awareness about such issues. My drawings are my protest against injustice."
Despite having worked in various industries for survival, the artist never gave up on art. He discussed how these jobs influenced his work. "I have worked in various jobs, each job taught me something different. For example, being a waiter taught me patience, being a fishmonger gave me insights into commercial fishing. All these experiences broadened my perspective on life and society, and this definitely seeped into my art. My varied experiences have helped me illustrate the connection between different aspects of our society and their impact on the natural world."
The artist also shared about his love for animals, particularly dogs, and how their mistreatment impacts his work. "I feel a special connection with all animals, but dogs have a special place in my heart. I own a couple of dogs, and they're my companions, my friends. The mistreatment of dogs, particularly in puppy mills or as part of the illegal dog meat trade, deeply distresses me and has influenced my work."
Finally, when asked about what he hopes his followers will do after they see his illustrations, Milk Dong said, "I hope my illustrations will make people pause and think. I want them to question their actions and choices, their consumer habits. I hope they understand the message behind each illustration and take steps towards change. Be it adopting a vegan lifestyle, stopping the use of products tested on animals, or even reporting cases of animal abuse, every small action counts. I hope my art sparks that change."
