August 11, 2025

ShouXin: The Line Between Cats and Everything Else

A conversation with artist ShouXin, and the art of less

You’ve probably seen ShouXin’s drawings - even if you didn’t know it was him. A few lines. A flick of black. And suddenly: a cat - stretching, blinking, hissing, about to walk off the page.

Earlier this year, his minimalist sketches started circulating on Twitter, shared by dozens of people, and often without credit. Just simple lines. Empty space. And somehow, they said everything. We had to find out who was behind them. We did - and ShouXin was kind enough to talk to us about style, space, his cat Tiaotiao, and the quiet power of less.

A little bit about me

I’ve loved drawing since I was a child. I used to attend art classes on and off in elementary school, and my teachers often praised my work. I truly believe that passion is the foundation of everything, and I hope those who love drawing can always hold onto that feeling and never lose it.

My first cat sketch

I drew my very first cat sketch in the fall of 2022, during my university years. I was in my dorm room and sketched my first cat - my own cat, Tiaotiao.

Before that, I actually rarely drew animals. As a fine arts student in China, we usually focused on figure drawing, still life, and landscapes while preparing for entrance exams. Animals weren’t part of the training, so I didn’t feel very connected to them artistically.

But during a summer break, I adopted a cat and named her Tiaotiao. Spending time with her opened something in me. Her presence brought warmth and companionship that I’d never experienced before. That’s when I truly began exploring animal sketching.

Interestingly, my current sketching style began with those early drawings. Since the fall of 2022, nearly three years have passed, and the style has continued to evolve. The lines have become cleaner and more minimal over time, with fewer unnecessary details.

My drawing style

I’ve always believed that the eyes are the windows to the soul. So I focus a lot on capturing expressions, especially around the face. I refine the features carefully, using delicate and intentional lines to express emotion.

To draw attention to those details, I simplify the rest of the body with just a few bold strokes to convey movement and posture. It creates a balance - what seems simple is actually layered with intention.

Drawing Tiaotiao

I have a cat, her name is Tiaotiao, and she’s really beautiful. She’s the very beginning and inspiration behind my animal sketching journey. Between cats and dogs, I have to say I prefer drawing cats. Probably because I live with one! But maybe I’ll adopt a dog someday too.

One of the pieces that means the most

It’s hard to choose just one, since I’ve created so many pieces, but I’d say the Black Cat series is the one closest to my heart. You’ve probably seen it before - it features bold, dark lines and large areas of black. It’s one of my most expressive series, and creating it always fills me with energy and passion. I feel completely immersed in the process. That’s why I’m so deeply connected to it.

A typical day in my life

Besides drawing, I enjoy working out! I exercise regularly every week. Breaking a sweat feels great - it keeps me energized and helps me stay focused.

Plans for the rest of 2025

I'm excited about art-related or just life in general! I hope to keep pushing myself creatively, exploring new ideas, and trying out different animals and styles. I’m excited to see where it leads.

The black cat energy

If someone has never seen my art, I would definitely want them to see something from the Black Cat series.

” There’s a sense of power in those lines, every single stroke stands strong, each one feels like its own protagonist. I hope the piece gives people warmth and strength. And maybe, just maybe, one of them will speak directly to your heart.

We thank Shouxin for sharing his story with us. You can follow him on Instagram and Twitter/X, and visit his website.

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