Help me put a little hope in unexpected places across America.

For years, I’ve been leaving little pieces of art around San Francisco to help people smile, feel a little less alone, and remember to be kinder to themselves.  

Murals, stickers, drawings, and handmade tear-off flyers featuring Ian, a little cat I created based on Ian Thomas (my old family cat -RIP).

I never really know who will find them. But sometimes, people find me afterward. I’ve received messages from strangers who came across my art during grief, depression, illness, loneliness, or simply a really hard day.
Recently, someone told me they saw my piece while coming home from major surgery, and that it meant a lot to them in that moment. And sometimes, someone is having a perfectly good day and a weird little cat just makes it better. That matters too. Those moments are why I want to take this beyond San Francisco.

Why I make art

When I was 13, my dad died by suicide after struggling with depression. I found him and that loss changed my life and shaped the artist I became. I don’t want anyone to go what he went through or what I’ve gone through all my life.
 Ian the Meow started with my love of cats (my childhood cat) and a need to make things. Over time, Ian became a way for me to process grief, connect with people, and say things we sometimes have trouble saying to ourselves or each other. Life is weird. And hard. But also really beautiful. You’re enough. You belong here. Be a little nicer to yourself.

I can’t provide therapy to a stranger walking down the street. But I can leave a reminder that they matter. I can share a simple coping tool that has helped me through difficult moments. And I can make something that helps someone feel a little less alone. Everyone needs a little sign sometimes.

The mission

I want to take this little mission across America, bringing free art, conversations, and simple tools for the hard days to communities along the way.
Think: a giant 8ft cat soft sculpture appearing in unexpected places.
Free art people can actually take home. Handmade flyers with mental health reminders and coping tools like box breathing, grounding exercises, and journaling prompts.
Collaborations with local communities. Conversations with strangers. A little weirdness (a giant toy cat in cool places). And hopefully, a lot of kindness.

I’ll document the journey and share the art and resources online so people can follow along and use them wherever they are.  

This first trip is a starting point for something I hope can keep growing, with the art and resources staying free for the people who find them. *One day I hope to have a really cool, chill cat cafe/art spot where people can feel safe to talk about things and bond over cats.

 Where your donation goes

Your support will help cover:

 *Transportation, gas, and travel costs
 *Printing free posters, flyers, stickers, and coping resources
 * Paint, art materials, and installation supplies
 * Places to stay along the way
 * Basic living expenses, including rent while I’m away 
 * Documenting and sharing the journey and resources online

 I’ve spent years making and sharing this work largely out of my own pocket. I want to keep going and reach more people, but I can’t fund the whole thing alone. So I’m asking for help.

I believe we should learn how to care for our mental health earlier in life. (Nervous system/emotional regulation and healthy coping tools should be taught at a younger age and I want to help this happen) Until then, I’ll keep showing up with art and sharing the things that have helped me along the way.

 If you can donate, thank you. If you can’t, sharing this fundraiser helps this little cat get a little farther too.

Thank you for checking my little mission out and potentially helping me put a little hope in a few more places.
Life is weird. Take some cat love.
-Ian

Follow the journey (and cat memes)-
Instagram: @ian_the_meow