Meet Ian The Meow, The Cat That Reminds San Francisco to “Be Nice.”

If you regularly walk around San Francisco, chances are you’ve met Ian The Meow – the cute cat that politely reminds passersby to “be nice” But few people have been lucky enough to find the elusive cat and score an interview.

Luckily for me, I am one of those few.

Ian, a lot of people want to know, are you from San Francisco or somewhere else?

“I was born in Astoria, Queens, NYC. The cat was born in 2008 in the UK. Technically Ian is an immigrant. But San Francisco’s signature overcast and fog reminded me of home.”

What cities have you lived in?

“I’ve always been scared of cities. Too much going on. Loud noises and lots of people usually means chaos. I think San Francisco is the first major city I’ve ever lived in where I’ve felt comfortable. NYC was too human. San Francisco is the perfect blend of civilization and nature. It’s a place that makes creativity easy.”

When did you first draw Ian?

“Ian Thomas, or as strangers know him, Ian The Meow, was first created as a soft toy in 2008. While I loved Ian, I wanted to spread Ian’s message of self love to the masses, so I started drawing him. He is based off of a real cat that died when it was 17 years old. Ian was the best cat ever. Super chill. The good news is that now Ian is immortal.”

What inspires your art?

“Originally my cat (Ian) inspired me. Because I too am a cat. A bit of a scaredy cat, so I never really showed anyone my art when I first started. But then I had a friend show me how to wheat paste during the pandemic, and I wanted to connect with people in a way that didn’t exasperate my social anxiety. I was going through a lot of depression because of the isolation of the pandemic. I’ve struggled with my mental health since my dad’s suicide at 13, and I know how alone it can make you feel. But that feeling is a lie, so I told Ian to remind the people of San Francisco and anyone else who would listen that they aren’t alone. I wish my dad knew that. I would say he is my biggest inspiration. Not only in art, but in life to help others in whatever way I can.”

San Francisco can be a tough place to survive. What motivates you to stay in the city and remain creative?

“My fans keep me going. When I see others enjoy my art, it makes me want to keep going. I lost my 9-to-5 job awhile ago, and it’s been hard staying afloat. I make most of my money from mural commissions and art sales. If you want to keep this cat fed, buy some art!”

What is the most important thing in life to you?

“Mental Health and self love.”

How would you describe Ian The Meow now?

“Ian the Meow is a cat street artist and mental health advocate dedicated to spreading kindness through their work.”

How can people find your work?

“People can find my work on Instagram, my website, etsy, and just by walking around San Francisco.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with me!

“No problem! Thanks for the interview!”

If you want to support Ian The Meow, buy some art or commission some of Ian’s work, you won’t be disappointed! To find more Ian, you can click the links in the interview or just find Ian chillin’ at the beach like this:

SUBSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK HERE

FOLLOW MY WRITING ON INSTAGRAM HERE

FOLLOW BAY AREA MEMES ON FACEBOOK HERE

FOLLOW BAY AREA MEMES ON INSTAGRAM HERE

PURCHASE MY BOOK HERE