Q and A

If Pixie and Brutus could have a chance to talk to humans do you think they would take it?

DUDE. WE NEED THOSE.

Lin

Are there any fan comics you'd accept as canon?

Lin

Where did the idea of Pixie and Brutus originate? In your mind obviously, but did you have any inspiration for their characters from a specific place?

I wonder, do you like to draw other stuff but dogs and cats, like mythical creatures - dragons, wyverns, demons, ghouls, etc...

Pixie kinda looks like you!

How did brutus get his eye scraped

Would it be okay with you if I share these comics with my friends please? Maybe you'll get more members

Are you ever going to make/sell p&b stickers for texting?

This is amazing! Your comics are really awesome..

Hey fellow Ginja Ninja - when are you publishing a book? I would definitely buy one. Can you do some Print on Demand or an E-book of all your work. You truly are very talented and I'd love to buy some as gifts.

Just joined your patreon after months of doubting... not disappointed...not at al!

Hi just joined don't think you'll see this but if you do are you closing your eyes because you have a lazy eye like me 😍 (hate my eye but no one's going near it... NO ONE 🔪 )

CJ Toyger

Are you going to incorporate Sergio into your adorable comics more? Has it ever been said that he died, or just that Brutus is a military dog who retired?

Julia

Question?

Ben Hed

As of now, it actually is 😅

Ben Hed

She’s just a really small kitten 😅

Ben Hed

OH NO HES HOT

Is Patreon your only source of income?

How would an adult Pixie look like? Is she a Pgmy cat or is she just a really tiny kitten?

Angelique Rios

I am not directly involved in the marines. I have a few family members that are in or have been in the military, but that’s about it

Ben Hed

Do you yourself have any connection to the marine corps like brutus, so any military in general? My vfw and marine husband love these comics.

No clue 🤷‍♂️

Ben Hed

No. Just my Patreon and Insta comics

Ben Hed

Do you have a rough idea of when the first plushes will be released?

I will sell them through my insta, they should be about $25

Ben Hed

That’s not a comic, it’s a post telling the $8 tier Patrons to unsubscribe and instead subscribe to the $1 tier

Ben Hed

Just computer

Ben Hed

I honestly haven’t figured that out yet

Ben Hed

I have before. I might again

Ben Hed

Just a cute idea 👍

Ben Hed

Do you have a page where all of the comics are?

What inspired you to make these comics?

When the Pixie and Brutus plushes are made (so excited!) do you know where they will be released and how much they will be please?

I just became a $1 patron and there's a comic locked still?

Rachel Bavle

Do you draw with paper still or just on the computer?

How old are Pixie and Brutus and how many dog years and human years did he serve as an army dog?

Will you make comic that contain a meme?

Casey Tessitore

Pixie reminds me of my chihuahua. She is about 3.5 lbs and is best friends with a 63 lb black labrador and an 87 lb boxer mix. Is Pixie based off an animal or person you know, or was it just a cute idea you had?

Glad you like the wallpaper! I think your question is a bit too vague/broad

Ben Hed

I love the wallpaper! 😍 What is your biggest inspiration in life?

Good question. I guess I’m my mind it’s because he just completed his service. I’m pretty sure there’s a certain age where military are meant to retire, or at least a certain amount of time in the service. I haven’t thought about it too much

Ben Hed

Okay so I got more questions! 😂 1. Can we see Brutus’ medals/badges? Haha just an idea 2. Did Brutus retire out of old age? Or is he just unfit to keep going?

Mordred

It was just another comic idea. People liked it, so I kept making it

Ben Hed

No, only here

Ben Hed

Why did you start making the pixie and brutus comics and inspired you?

Are the comics you post here also gonna end up on the Instagram as well at some point? Just curious.

I’m working on making some stuffed animals

Ben Hed

Yup, he’s pretty old

Ben Hed

Start posting now! Make a comic account on Insta or something, and start filling it with comics! For the longest time I was working construction full time, and I only was able to make comics in my spare time/ on weekends. But the earlier you can start, the better

Ben Hed

MERCH?

Raymond Guo

If Brutus is 10, wouldn't that make him around 67 to 70ish in human years?

I want to learn to draw comics! But for the long term, like 5 years, as know i'm currently focused on my career (software development) What advice would you give me? Like beginners steps.. PD: LOVE your comics!

I’m partial to larger dogs, and of the larger dogs, GSD’s are among the most aesthetically pleasing to draw; so I think that’s why

Ben Hed

Are you partial to GSDs? Brutus is a notable example, but there's also the GSD in your "dogs are so graceful/noble/etc." comic, too!

Lupa Greenwolf

Those are 2 opposite ends of a broad spectrum, where I would probably sit right in the middle

Ben Hed

Disney/Pixar/Dreamworks movies. Burgers. No preference. Country.

Ben Hed

Are you more of a Brutus, or a Pixie?

Oooh, yes. I want enamel pins and stickers at minimum.

DodgerEmerson

What is your favourite movie, food, colour and music? ^^

any merch plans?

Not a question, but wanted to show appreciation! *clap clap*

Eventually

Ben Hed

One thing that helped me is practicing drawing animals realistically

Ben Hed

She was a fan made character; an owl. She only appears once though because she’s very hard to incorporate into the comics 😅

Ben Hed

Will we find out what Brutus did and how he got his scar? Also will we find out how they both came to be in the same house?

What character doesn’t receive enough fan art?

Any suggestions for fellow artists about drawing, attracting an audience, or any other thing you just want to say?

Terribly sorry, but who is Athena? She was mentioned in a question above. BTW, love love, love your style!

You rock I adore your art. I love the characters you created <3

At first I thought you were a girl by the feeling I got when I look at your artwork. I was surprised when I saw you were a guy and I'm getting used to it haha

Photoshop

Ben Hed

What drawing software do you use?

Probably

Ben Hed

Bonus comics only here

Ben Hed

Yes. And it’s probably more paternal than anything, even though he’s considered her “big brother”

Ben Hed

Do you plan to upload all the Pixie and Brutus comics here, or is this strictly for the bonus panels?

Lauren Frey

Will ever see Pixie and Brutus interact with other animals besides Randal

Sovereign16

Do you think that Brutus not only cares for Pixie because he wants to protect the innocence in her because his was ruined, but absolutely loves her just because of who she is? And do you see their relationship as a sibling thing, or a paternal thing?

Whoops! 😁 I guess you could mirror the whole thing (and redo his scars) if you’re looking for an easy fix. 😉

That’s a big maybe

Ben Hed

It was honestly just an idea like any of my other comics. So yeah, I never thought it would be this popular 😅

Ben Hed

I’m not sure specifically how old she would be, very young though

Ben Hed

Probably not

I was just wondering if Brutus is blind in his left eye. I had assumed that he was, because of the scars & different colour iris. But in the Hide & Seek comic he seems to have enough vision on his left to spot her quickly!

Will Brutus have a romantic in the future?

What was the inspiration for Brutus and Pixie? Like did you just one day say.. I'm gonna make a comic about a really big scary dog and a smol little bean? Where did the contrast come from? And did you ever think it would become this HUGE?

Mordred

How old is Pixie? By size comparison she looks too young to be adopted out, but I suspect that's part of the art style.

Heather Brooks

I worked for my dad doing construction 🔨

Ben Hed

what was your job before becoming a full time illustrator ?

Yes

Ben Hed

Before I spend the time searching, will/does your exclusive content have a Bigfoot? That’s one of my favorite things about your work tbh, searching for them.

Initially, it was just an idea I thought about work like any of my other comics. Nothing special 🤷‍♂️

Ben Hed

Photoshop on a Wacom Cintiq 13” HD

Ben Hed

Energetic 😅

Ben Hed

We know how you got the references for the characters, but how did you get the initial idea for pixie and Brutus. Most people aren’t aware of MWD’s.

Delc17

Which program/tools do you use to draw your comics? would love to get into drawing online someday too. (also if u have affiliate codes like for amazon let us know. wont buy for now but mybe someday in the future)

How’s Spider?

Eventually...

Ben Hed

I’ve honestly never thought of that, I guess I don’t really have a preference 🤷‍♂️

Ben Hed

Secret... for now

Ben Hed

No cat in particular, just kinda came up with him

Ben Hed

Probably, eventually

Ben Hed

I have a GSD mix named Spider

Ben Hed

Female

Ben Hed

Grizzly Bears are probably my favorite animals. Wolves however are very aesthetically pleasing to draw

Ben Hed

When will we see what happened to Brutus?

What’s your favorite breed of dog, both to draw and in the real world?

Why does Brutus have an earhole? I know it has to do with him being an MWD dog. But you please explain? Thanks. :)

I concur! You do have a gift!

I love mr.Wrinkles so much! who was he inspired by !?

Hi! Will you make a comic about Spider???

Do you have any pets yourself? If so, what are their names?

Oh, and a maybe really stupid question that I am not able to solve: is Pixie a female or male? I always get confused...

How did u learn to draw? By yourself, art classes, online tutorials, blessed by God...? 😂

What's your favorite animal, either to draw or just to look at?

Nah, I plan on keeping it very simple, with just one tier. Should change though

Ben Hed

Have you considered adding tiers/making new patreons (not sure how that works but hopefully you know what I mean) for your other characters? Like a tier for extra Lola and Mr. Wrinkles and/or Athena comics, etc?

Simple, I love animals. They’re very interesting, and even more so when they can talk and act 😅

Ben Hed

🤷‍♂️ she’s surprisingly hard to incorporate

Ben Hed

Hard at first, but like anything it gets easier. Each comic takes me an average of 5 ish hours

Ben Hed

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember! I’ve only been doing comics for a bout 2 years now though

Ben Hed

When did you start drawing? I love your art!

How is it to make comics? Is it difficult or is it easy?

When will we see athena again?

Thank you for making us happy all over the world! From Kazakhstan with love <3

What made you decide you wanted to make comics based off animals? P.s. love you and your work.

Gracias

Ben Hed

Photoshop on a Wacom Cintiq 13” hd

Ben Hed

Outside of Hugo and Lola, probably not. At least I’m not planning on it

Ben Hed

I’m not planning on it, no

Ben Hed

As long as I can remember! It’s cliche, but practice. I would also recommend following plenty of comic artists on insta for inspiration

Ben Hed

Te felicito por tu trabajo, soy una gran admiradora, amo a Brutus y a Pixie. Saludos desde Chile.

Hai bro, I'm your fan of pixie n brutus. Love your work and keep it up 👍👍

What equipment/ programs do you use to illustrate your comics?

^I 2nd this.... I know it’s not a democracy or anything here... just saying I support this.

Many military dogs also suffer from ptsd. Would you ever consider having brutus be scared of something due to ptsd and pixie comfortimg him?

Do you plan to have more interaction with Brutus and other dogs? I think it would be neat to see how he interacts with other dog breed stereotypes. (My ACD Thor is so super high energy I could just see an ACD trying to herd Brutus 🤣😂

Heather Irvin

Would you do a service dog clip? I have a service dog (seeing eye dog) and if you need any tips on how they act I'm happy to help! Anything to get the word out that service dogs come in all shapes and sizes to do multiple functions and you should never no matter what pet or distract them! Oh and emotional support dogs are NOT service dogs.

Swayze

How long have you been drawing? Any pointers for a comic artist who's definitely more amateur than you? Lol

Well, I don’t PLAN on it, but who knows 🤷‍♂️

Ben Hed

Do you plan to add more bird characters?

I plan on it actually 👍

Ben Hed

It’s all digital, and yeah, I have considered it... perhaps I’ll offer it in the future

Ben Hed

Would you consider doing a PTSD related strip?

I have a couple questions :)) Do you sketch them on paper first and then illustrated on iPad/tablet, or is it all digital from the beginning? Would you consider doing a time lapse of new illustrations? Love, love the wallpaper btw, really encompasses their relationship 💝

Eventually. I have the story all played out in my head

Ben Hed

10

Ben Hed

Are you ever going to reveal how Brutus got his scars?

Out of curiosity how old is Brutus?

Well, it just adds to his whole theme of “big scary dog,” it explains his scars, and I’ve always thought army dogs were cool

Ben Hed

What made you decide to make Brutus a MWD out of curiosity?

Jesse

Of course I’ll still post on Instagram 😅

Ben Hed

Do you plan to continue posting any future comics to your instagram or will they all stay on your patron page?

Pixie: Tara Strong. Brutus: Sam Elliot. Hugo: Bob Sapp. The rest: undecided

Ben Hed

In a hypothetical scenario where your comics became a tv show one day, who are some voice actors you might picture portraying your characters? xD

Rachel01860

Nah, not really

Ben Hed

Sorry second and last question I promise. Are you planning on doing any spider comics?

I do offer commissions, but they are only available when I open up a new round of slots... which usually fill up within half an hour. So to get a commission, you kinda have to be lucky and just happen to be on Instagram when I open up new slots

Ben Hed

Do you take commissions for pics of our pets?? I would HAPPILY pay for a pic of my cat and two cute little dogs I know!

I think probably. But not anytime soon.

Ben Hed

Maybe

Ben Hed

And will you do comic books of pixie and brutus ? Physical copies (with perhaps an autograph)? I'd love to collect them

Can you also do pins every month? I'd love a brutus and pixie pin of the wallpaper you just posted

This Patreon page is the first time I’m going to actually be paid specifically for my comics. Are used to think I was going to be a children’s book illustrator. I even had an illustration page on Instagram, it did pretty well too, it got over 25K followers (benhedillustration, but I don’t post anything there anymore 😅). Anyways, one day I came across a comic page on Instagram, and I was like “I could do better than that.” I don’t mean any offense to that particular comic artist, but that’s just what I thought when I read through some of their comics. So I figured “why not give it a try?” At about 500k followers, I decided to change my career plans 😂

Ben Hed

When did you first start drawing comic as a job? And what's the story behind it?

No, it’s not particularly tricky, and it varies, but probably an average of around 5 hrs

Ben Hed

Do you find it tricky to come up with a storyline for each comic and how long would you say it takes to create each one? (They're all amazing!) X

About 2 years now

Ben Hed

Well, I've already made a crossover with my reoccurring characters (Pixie, Brutus, Lola, Mr.Wrinkles, Hugo, Randal, and Athena). Any other characters you've seen, you probably won't see again.

Ben Hed

I have a puppy named Spider! He's a mix between a German Shepherd and some mystery breed.

Ben Hed

I has actually considered making a comic about 3ish years down the road where Pixie would be a grown cat, but otherwise she's gonna stay a little kitty

Ben Hed

No specific real pets really. I pretty much just looked up "MWD" for reference pics for Brutus, and "cute kittens" for Pixie

Ben Hed

Do you own any pets? If so, what kind, breed, and name(s)? (I have a doggo chow chow named Cooper 😊)

Is this one big universe and is it possible to get a giant cross over comic with some if not all the pets in your comics?

Are you planning on letting Pixie grow up? Are keeping her young?

Was Pixie and Brutus inspired by any real-world pets or just came out of some adorable cute place in the brain?