Optical illusions have become quite a feature on Creative Bloq this year, so much so that we've had to create a post summing up our favourites of just one type of illusion. This post celebrates the three animal-based optical illusions that melted our minds this year.
While all of these were popular on the site, one of them was so loved it broke our internet for a little while – we just couldn't rein it in (get it? No? Okay, it was the horse). So, get ready to have your eyes deceive you as we sum up the top animal-themed optical illusions. Want even more? Here are our favourite optical illusions of all time.
This illusion was shared on TikTok by TrippyHub (see above), and has been flummoxing us ever since. The question is, which way is the horse spinning? We honestly don't know. And at this point, we're pretty sure we'll never know. But that's the (black) beauty of the spinning horse. With unhelpful commenters on Twitter ranging from plain flabbergasted to thinking they're actually controlling the horse, it seems others are in the same (horse) shoes as we are.
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Need to know more? WhatPsychologyIs explains that "due to the image’s lack of visual cues for depth, the ambiguous 2-dimensional figure can be seen from two different perspectives. This alternation between two perceptual states is referred to as bistable perception." So there you go.
02. Hidden Tiger
(Image credit: Rusty Rust)
Apparently only one per cent of people can actually see the hidden tiger in this jungle-themed image by artists Rusty Rust. And we were pretty chuffed when we were among them. Yes, we know you can see one tiger – that's pretty clear. But there's a second 'hidden tiger' lurking there, right in front of your face.
Can't see it? Here's a clue: it isn't a picture of a tiger, and it's hiding in the first tiger's stripes.
03. Cat
(Image credit: 9Gag)
Onto a slightly smaller feline friend, who has divided the internet in another direction-related conundrum, posted on 9Gag. This cat is just minding its own business walking up some stairs.. no, wait, down. No. Up. Argh. Anyway, it's walking on some stairs. And apparently, the direction you see it walking in says a lot about your personality.
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According to The Minds Journal, if you see the cat walking upstairs then you're more optimistic, and if you see it walking downstairs you're more pessimistic. Since no scientific reasoning is provided, we'll just have to take their word for it.
Georgia has worked on Creative Bloq since 2018, and has been the site's Editor since 2023. With a specialism in branding and design, Georgia is also Programme Director of CB's award scheme – the Brand Impact Awards. As well as immersing herself with the industry through attending events like Adobe Max and the D&AD Awards and steering the site's content streams, Georgia has an eye on new commercial opportunities and ensuring they reflect the needs and interests of creatives.
