Meet Charlotte Yiu of Tempe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlotte Yiu

Hi Charlotte, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Charlotte Yiu, an artist originally from Hong Kong. Strangely enough, I thought I’d end up in business school, right up until the college application deadlines. I was attending Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong on a full scholarship—a unique high school where 250 students from 90 countries live and study together with the goal of building mutual understanding through shared culture and history. That experience opened my eyes to a broader view of the world and sparked a realization: I wanted to pursue a life shaped by passion and creativity.

Despite coming from a humble background, I chose to take a leap of faith in art—a path I’d once thought unrealistic. I poured all my time during winter break into creating my portfolio—day and night blended together, and it paid off when I was awarded a full scholarship to study Illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design, one of the leading schools for Illustration, located in Sarasota, Florida. That’s how my journey in the U.S. began.

After graduating in 2021, I moved to Arizona to start my career as an artist. It’s been a challenging road—filled with a variety of part-time jobs, corporate roles, and freelance gigs. While the uncertainty of where the next paycheck will come from can be daunting, one thing remains constant: my commitment to creating art that brings joy to people.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Graduating during the COVID era was tough. I completed most of my senior thesis remotely, and the online graduation was anticlimactic. With so few art jobs available due to the pandemic, many of us were thrown into the deep end of adulthood, struggling to see a brighter future. But over time, things did improve.

I started out with minimum wage jobs that barely covered rent and bills, yet slowly, I found my community here in Arizona. Selling my art at local markets brought an unexpected outpouring of love and support—it’s incredibly reassuring to see that my work brightens people’s days. That connection and encouragement are what keep me going.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a painter, illustrator, photographer, and sometimes muralist. While I hadn’t planned to become “the artist who makes cat art,” when I look back at my work since moving to Arizona, it’s clear that cats have become my main inspiration.

When I moved into my first apartment in Arizona, I transformed the patio into a “catio” and cared for over 30 stray cats, ensuring they were healthy and spayed or neutered. One cat specifically started knocking on our door for breakfast, and as we were moving out, he would beg to come inside and wouldn’t leave. He essentially adopted us, and we named him Big Chicken (he’s enormous!). He now inspires my art every day. Creating cat art, especially about Big Chicken, feels natural and joyful because I’m surrounded by living inspiration. I’ve found a community of fellow cat lovers who connect with my work, which brings me a lot of joy.

Beyond cat art, my work is also deeply influenced by my upbringing in Hong Kong. I want to share the beauty and unique charm of this incredible place with my audience. To my surprise, people have really enjoyed my photography of Hong Kong, which is a medium I love but never expected to receive recognition for, given my focus on painting and illustration.

I have recently finished my 2025 calendar. I reimagined 12 masterpieces with cats. I spent months painting and designing this calendar. This is the biggest projects I have created since graduating college. I am very proud of it. I am excited for my AZ market-goers to get their copies of it!

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I love eggs. I eat average 18 eggs a week. Growing up, whenever I visit my grandma, she knows how much i love eating eggs and she would have 10 boiled eggs ready for me. It’s really silly but i think that is my favorite childhood memory. My grandma is my favorite person in the world.

Pricing:

• 2025 Masterpieces Reimagined Calendar – $40
• 12 Masterpieces Reimagined Postcard Set – $25

Contact Info:

• Website: https://charlotteyiuart.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlotteyiu.art/
• Other: https://charlotteyiu.com/