Char and Whiskers

08/20/2024

very cutesy with it

📸🐩

08/12/2024

Does your dog know they’re adopted?

08/08/2024

⭐️GIVEAWAY⭐️

We are re-launching custom ornaments! Getting into the festive spirit, and I are giving away one custom pet portrait ornament!

To enter:
1. Follow and
2. Tell us your pet’s name in the comments
3. Share this post in your story

Giveaway ends Friday, August 16, 2024!

📸

08/03/2024

“Who’s Char?”

Char came into my life through the cat distribution system back in 2012, when I was just a young lad in university.

He was a tiny kitten, probably no more than 3 months old, wandering the streets of Germantown outside of my apartment complex. I always made a point to stop and say hi to him. I’d whistle and he would run over to me. His meows could be heard a block away, he was always vying for human interaction.

I kept thinking to myself that I was not ready to take care of a pet. I mean, I could barely take care of myself! (As my mother would tell me.)

But one day, as I was walking home from school or my minimum wage retail job, I noticed a couple neighborhood kids throwing lawn chairs at him.

And so I whistled, and he came running towards me. I scooped him up and brought him home. I could not just leave him there. Who knows what would’ve happened!

From that day on, Char has been with me. He was an indoor/outdoor cat in his youth, but now that he is a senior citizen, he favors his spot on the couch rather than adventures in the neighborhoods of Philadelphia.

I’m so grateful for him and the joy he’s brought me. He’s been with me through so much. He could’ve left and never came back so many times but always ends up on my doorstep meowing at his highest volume to be let in.

That’s the story of Char, my first-born.

07/29/2024

making lots of catnip noods lately

I’ve been loving all the cat videos you’re sending me! Happy to see them going feral over the catnip toys.

07/26/2024

07/25/2024

working on a mural for

my favorite projects are the ones with drinks and food

they’re opening soon in Philly Chinatown and their Viet coffees and banh mi’s are SO good

croissant banh mi?? what!

07/16/2024

This heatwave is getting pretty ruff ngl

Art by Scott

07/12/2024

Want to know a secret?

I never aspired to be a business owner.

So what changed?

IRL world building ~

I wanted to work with people who are passionate about their craft. I wanted to build friendships instead of a “network”. I wanted to build an enjoyable environment. I wanted to be inspired by personal stories instead of the happiness of shareholders.

Because we spend most of our waking hours at work, we see our coworkers more than our family and friends. And I believe it is absolutely possible to work and enjoy it too. It’s always a work in progress.

Char and Whiskers has been my favorite world builder so far. Let’s unlock the possibilities.
___
Thank you .agbay for the accurate photo of me getting my hours of screen time at the studio. It’s a pleasure to know you!

07/08/2024

there’s nothing worse than the smell of boiling dog p**p on a sidewalk 😤

it’s 100 degrees here in Philly

07/01/2024

Alex told me his story of why he wanted a tattoo of his best friend Patton, who sadly passed in February from cancer.

Patton was a partner in crime, doing everything together from hikes to road trips, always by Alex’s side.

When Alex spoke of him, you can tell the immense love that existed between them. It’s not everyday that we experience something so beautiful, and it makes you want to never let go.

Thank you .keating for the honor of designing this special piece to memorialize him.

Tattooer:
Tattoo Studio:

06/28/2024

do you ever get tempted to adopt another dog or is that just me

Art by Henderson Yan

06/24/2024

I’m always curious how you decorate your space with your pet portraits. Send pics! I want to see your decor style!

06/18/2024

work hard but don’t forget to take breaks

Weeks go by where I forget to pause for a moment to check in with myself. Am I okay? Am I tired? Am I hungry?

Little breaks throughout the day definitely helps, especially when the studio is filled with good friends and dogs.

I’m appreciating all the beautiful moments that comes with the job, and thankful for everyone who makes everyday filled with joy.

Thanks for the candids !

06/17/2024

the etching art style by Scott is so detailed and delicate

Art by

06/12/2024

puppy pics are always welcome

06/04/2024

Another mural in the books! Thank you for having me!

I designed the mural to have dynamic Nasturtium flowers and leaves in a minimalist line art style. I wanted to incorporate something that is special to their restaurant like their edible flowers.

There were many first for this one. First…
- brick wall (and SUPER textured)
- out of state mural
- lift rental
- second story exterior
- restaurant

And I couldn’t have done it without the help of for her advice, for parking the lift every night, and for painting the hard to reach spots. Thank you 🙏

See ya again soon Buffalo!

05/22/2024

please ignore me when my voice gets super high pitched when I meet your dogs in-person

I’m sorry

05/11/2024

May is a busy market month and I couldn’t be happier

See you soon!

04/30/2024

some cats just look so cuddly but sometimes are not so cuddly but I’m very tempted

Art by Henderson

04/22/2024

Have you ever used your dog as an excuse to leave?

04/21/2024

Thank you to everyone who voted for Char and Whiskers for the Philly Favorites! We won 🥈 for “Pet Store” and 🥉 for “Place to Buy a Gift”!

I’m so grateful for you, our community, for supporting Char and Whiskers. And congratulations to all the winners! I’m so blessed to be placed next to talented friends in these categories.

Everyone nominated is incredible. It must have been such a tight race based on the list! You all inspire me and I’m happy to know you!

04/15/2024

If you were to have told me 10 years ago that I’d be using my fashion degree to make cat toys, I’d be so confused. But here I am making these catnip nuggets for cats to toss around at 3am. There’s nothing like hearing random thuds in the middle of the night.

Thank you for enjoying things I make. Together we’re keeping jeans out of the landfill and putting toys in the paws of cats.

cat:

04/09/2024

sunsets in the studio at are unreal

04/05/2024

Big life things happened this past week, and I’ll update about it soon! In the meantime, I’m back at work, doing what I love - drawing some pups and cats!

Can’t wait to see you during market season! I’ll be popping up all over Philly!

04/02/2024

Getting a tattoo of my art is the biggest compliment I’ve received as an artist.

Thank you for choosing me as your artist and thank you for tattooing!

03/24/2024

new mural in the works for

03/20/2024

If you love cats, you’re my type of people

03/14/2024

Our pets enter and leave our lives, leaving an impression that stick with us forever.

Thank you for the honor of having my art of your pup memorialized. There are no words to truly express how we feel when beloved pets pass, but I hope you find comfort in the memories you built together. 🤍

Tattooer:
Studio: