Early Life And Career

Matt Furie: Creator of Pepe the Frog

Early Life and Career

Matt Furie was born August 14, 1979, in Columbus, Ohio. He is a Sicilian-American comics artist and illustrator. Furie earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2006. His comics have appeared in various publications, including The New York Times Magazine, The Stranger, and The Nib.

Creation of Pepe the Frog

In 2005, Furie created the character Pepe the Frog as part of his webcomic "Boys Club." Pepe was originally a laid-back and relatable frog, but his character evolved over time. In 2008, Furie published a one-page comic titled "Feels Good Man," which depicted Pepe using the phrase "Feels good, man." This comic went viral and established Pepe as an internet meme.

Controversy and Impact

In recent years, Pepe the Frog has become associated with alt-right and white supremacist groups. This has led to some controversy, as Furie has publicly denounced such associations. In 2017, the Anti-Defamation League added Pepe to its database of hate symbols. Despite the controversy, Pepe the Frog remains a popular internet meme. He has been featured in numerous articles, videos, and merchandise. Furie has also used his platform to speak out against racism and hate speech.

Conclusion

Matt Furie is a talented artist and the creator of one of the most recognizable internet memes in history. Despite the controversy surrounding Pepe the Frog, Furie remains committed to using his work to promote positivity and inclusivity. As the internet continues to evolve, it is likely that Pepe the Frog will continue to be a part of our online culture for years to come.