Meet Charlie Bubbles
Every collection has a story, and every story has a muse. For my Christmas illustrations, full of soft winter colors, warm textures, humor, and expressive characters, that muse is our beloved Maine Coon: Charlie Bubbles. If you've ever wondered who the fluffy, slightly mischievous cat in my illustrations is, then this post is for you. Let me introduce you to the heart behind By C Studio®.
Who is Charlie Bubbles?
Charlie Bubbles is our 18-year-old Maine Coon, originally from the charming Zeeland town of Zierikzee. We brought him home when he was just three months old, a tiny ball of fluff with oversized paws and an even bigger personality.
He has always been:
- expressive
- loving
- independent
- dramatic (in the funniest way)
- endlessly curious
And yes... he absolutely knows he's the star of the studio.
How Charlie became my artistic inspiration
Charlie never tried to be a muse; he just became one by being himself. His facial expressions alone could fill a sketchbook:
- the "I didn't do anything" look
- the proud "look at me!" pose
- the dramatic sigh when he's "exhausted"
- the cozy, curled-up winter vibe
- the wide eyes full of curiosity during Christmas decoration chaos
Every mood tells a story. And as an illustrator, my drawings start with stories.
Charlie in my Christmas cards
If you look closely at my Christmas card collection, you'll see little pieces of Charlie in each design:
🎄 The tangled Christmas lights card — Inspired by Charlie's annual attempt to "help" with the tree.
🎄 The reindeer antlers card — Because he once sat proudly with a Christmas ribbon on his head, convinced he looked glamorous.
🎄 "Santa, define 'nice'" — Charlie's "I'm innocent and you know it" expression in my sketchbook.
🎄 "Nothing to see here" — The exact face he makes when he's just knocked something over.
🎄 "Checking it twice. Later" — Charlie's personality brings my illustrations to life, humor, tenderness, and a little chaos, wrapped in one fluffy package.
What Charlie is like in real life
He is EXACTLY as expressive as he appears in my designs.
He is:
- fluffy with a lion-like mane
- gentle
- occasionally dramatic
- extremely food-motivated
- unusually photogenic
- and still playful, even at 18
His favorite winter activities include:
- sitting dangerously close to candles
- inspecting every Christmas ornament
- walking across photoshoot setups
- judging me from afar while I draw
- sleeping… everywhere
And of course: being the boss of the house.
How he influences my creative process
Charlie inspires more than just poses. He has shaped the entire tone of my Christmas designs: warm, cozy, soft, and humorous.
When I draw, I think of:
- his gentle eyes
- his expressive eyebrows
- the way he curls up into a fluffy ball
- his mischievous "oops" moments
- the calming feeling of having him nearby
A little legacy in every card
Charlie is now a senior cat, and I cherish every cozy day with him. Illustrating him in my Christmas cards feels like documenting our story, one winter at a time.
By printing a card with his design, you're not just sharing a drawing; you're sharing a little piece of a very special cat who brings so much joy into our home.
Thank you for loving Charlie too
Every message I receive that says "I love your cat cards!" means the world to me. Charlie doesn't know he's become a little Christmas icon, but he certainly enjoys the attention.
And I am grateful that his personality can bring warmth, a smile, and Christmas cheer into your home.
Happy Holidays. ✨🐾
View the Charlie Bubbles Christmas card collection in my Etsy shop