Meet Jean T. | CrispyMeows Artist & Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jean T. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jean, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is authenticity. When interacting with people on social media, I strive to be present, engaging, and relatable. I believe your online persona should mirror your true self to convey your values and passions. You can’t just hide behind a profile – your interactions and messages to the world matter.

It means a lot to me when businesses go above and beyond for their customers. When I’m packaging an order, I always try to include little freebie stickers, prints, and even a fun thing I like to call: cat confetti (they’re tiny paper cats made out of recycled construction paper). I give every order a purrsonal experience! When they see my packaging, they feel a burst of energy and happiness.

I also try to be as transparent as possible by openly sharing the highs and lows of my journey, offering a real perspective of what it’s like running an art business. Maybe other artists are feeling the same frustrations as I am and that’s important to express. My brand is a way for me to showcase not only my personality but to express my vulnerability, advocacy, silliness, and creativity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Throughout life, I’ve explored various creative paths. I discovered my passion for cat art and just started graduate school at 21 years old when the pandemic hit. Balancing a full-time job as a graphic designer with part-time school left my schedule constantly packed. Meanwhile, I struggled to find an art style I loved; most of my college art was photorealistic, and my work felt very serious. I was feeling unsatisfied and tired of meeting others’ expectations until I created a cat drawing. When I brought it in for class critique, it received positive feedback and reignited my excitement for art. I continued drawing cats for class, gradually shedding the need for strict photorealism to embrace a colorful and joyous style.

After completing graduate school in April 2021, I considered starting my own business—an opportunity I had never pursued professionally. It was the perfect time to bring my initial idea of CrispyMeows to life, aiming to establish a new revenue stream, challenge my abilities, and connect with like-minded creatives through my art. After several months of deliberation, researching designs, and gathering necessary resources, I launched my online shop in September 2021 with stickers and prints. I still remember the thrill of that afternoon when I received 10 orders on the very first day!

However, I found myself hyper-focused on work, often extending hours for minor edits or “just one more drawing.” Recognizing the toll this took on my mental health, I began therapy in 2022 to find a better work-life balance. Therapy provided valuable insights into setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, and prioritizing self-care. It also helped me heal parts of my past, leading to significant changes in my creative process, including adding more vibrancy to my pieces. I now understand the importance of valuing my time and energy, setting work limits, and taking necessary breaks. Reshaping my perspective on the value of rest and its role in personal growth has greatly improved my productivity.

Fast forward to fall 2022 and I just took one of the biggest risks for CrispyMeows. I attended my first major convention in California as a vendor. I recognized its potential to reach a new audience aligned with my niche. Despite the significant investment, this convention was transformative. It alleviated my previous doubts about in-person events. Since then, I’ve continued booking more events, expanding my network, and connecting with countless individuals. I’ve participated in events out-of-state, raised funds for charities, shelters, and celebrated over 1,000 online sales this past year. My product range has also grown to include apparel, stationery, and enamel pins. This journey has been so exciting and I still have so much more silly cat art to show the world! Be sure to check out my Instagram (@crispymeows) for frequent cat art on your feed – I change the drawing theme every month to keep things fresh.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When friends come to visit, I go the extra mile to ensure they have an incredible time exploring the Sunshine State. South Florida is full of hidden gems to explore and delightful dining spots waiting to be discovered. A standout destination is the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens—they showcase Japanese art, history, and serene gardens. It’s the perfect place to learn, relax, and immerse oneself in nature’s beauty. Butterfly World in Coconut Creek is also another magical destination. This is home to an array of butterflies, vibrant flowers and offers the unique opportunity to feed birds for an additional fee—a truly beautiful experience.

Being a passionate foodie, I love sharing my favorite dining spots as well. Lemongrass Hot Pot in Boca Raton tops my list with its all-you-can-eat hot pot buffet featuring a tempting selection of meats, veggies, and noodles, complemented by delightful desserts and fruits. Nearby, Tea Plus offers delicious boba teas and snacks worth trying. In Boynton Beach, Natuurlik is a vegan restaurant with island flair. They serve flavorful dishes like jerk stew and curry bean stew. Don’t miss out on their refreshing smoothies or juices! Another standout is Yen’s Kitchen, where you can savor authentic Vietnamese dishes that remind me of my family’s home-cooked meals. I always recommend trying their pho paired with a refreshing drink—their cà phê sữa đá is a definite must-try!

The fun doesn’t stop there! South Florida is home to the Good Luck Cat Cafe, featuring separate areas for kittens and older cats. A visit here is always heartwarming and exciting. Additionally, the Greenmarket in West Palm Beach is a delightful Saturday morning activity available from October to April. It’s the perfect setting for leisurely strolls, sipping coffee, and supporting local artisans and businesses. Each visit offers a chance to make new connections and discover something unique. Overall, South Florida offers many exciting activities and dining experiences that promise a memorable week for my friends.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe my deepest gratitude to: my mom, friends, and online community. My mom embodies incredible strength, and I admire her resilience. Despite facing hardships, she reassures me that everything would be okay. In my art journey, she remains my anchor, always ready to discuss art ideas, assist with product production, and help manage my event tables. Her ability to ease my travel anxieties and alleviate stress during events is truly amazing. I love her dearly and cannot thank her enough for everything in life.

Next, my friends deserve immense appreciation for their constant encouragement and belief in my dreams. They’ve witnessed my growth, lifting me up during challenging times, and always making me smile. Their support has been influential in shaping my journey, and I value their insights through life’s highs and lows. Let’s not forget the amazing memories created over the years when we’re together. I am incredibly grateful for my friends and honored to be in their lives.

Additionally, a heartfelt thank you goes to the online community for their incredible support and acceptance. Their embrace of my cat art has not only fueled my passion but also significantly boosted my confidence and growth in my art journey. Their encouragement has empowered me to stay true to myself and continue pursuing what I love. Each like, comment, share, and purchase goes a long way and I am so thankful for everything. Thank you a million!

Website: www.crispymeowsart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crispymeows

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crispymeows

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crispymeows Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/crispymeows

Image Credits
Headshot, catnip kickers, apparel, tote bag, candid drawing photos: Beatrice Bizarro Gil, @beatricebgil on Instagram Photo of Peet & his to-do list sent in by: @redowlrocks on Instagram Photo of Juneau with Progress Pride Flag Print sent in by: @deliciouscatdonut on Instagram