The Pixelated Boat meme template originates from the distinct, satirical art style of Australian cartoonist Ben Ward, known online as @pixelatedboat. He is most famous for creating the 'Milkshake Duck' phenomenon, which describes the internet's tendency to embrace a wholesome figure only to discover their problematic past minutes later. His comics often feature absurdist humor and sharp social commentary, typically utilizing a simple layout that highlights the irony of modern life. This template is widely used by netizens to highlight the cyclical nature of online 'main characters' and the inevitable disappointment or controversy that follows rapid internet fame.