Meet Charlie Bubbles

Every collection has a story, and every story has a muse.

For my Christmas illustrations — filled with soft winter colors, warm textures, humor and expressive character — that muse is our beloved Maine Coon: Charlie Bubbles.

If you've ever wondered who the fluffy, slightly mischievous cat in my illustrations is, this post is for you. Let me introduce you to the heart behind By C Studio®.

Who Is Charlie Bubbles?

Charlie Bubbles is our 17-year-old Maine Coon, originally from the charming Dutch town Zierikzee. We brought him home when he was only three months old — a tiny ball of fluff with oversized paws and the biggest personality.

He has always been:

• expressive

• affectionate

• 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 became one simply by being himself. His facial expressions alone could fill a sketchbook:

• the “I did nothing wrong” look

• the proud “Look at me!” pose

• the dramatic sigh when he’s “exhausted”

• the cozy, curled-up winter mood

• the wide-eyed curiosity during Christmas décor chaos

Every mood tells a story.

And as an illustrator, stories are where my drawings begin.

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 yearly attempt to “help” with the tree.

🎄 The reindeer antlers card —

Because he once proudly sat with a holiday ribbon on his head, convinced he looked glamorous.

🎄 “Santa, define ‘nice’” —

Charlie’s “I’m innocent and you know it” expression lives rent-free in my sketchbook.

🎄 “Nothing to see here” —

The exact face he makes when he just knocked something over.

🎄 “Checking it twice. Later” —

Charlie’s personality gives life to my illustrations — humor, softness and a little chaos wrapped in one fluffy package.

What Charlie Is Like in Real Life

He is EXACTLY as expressive as he looks in my art.

He is:

• fluffy with a lion-like mane

• gentle

• occasionally dramatic

• extremely food-motivated

• unusually photogenic

• and still playful, even at 17

His favorite winter activities include:

• sitting dangerously close to candles

• inspecting every Christmas ornament

• walking across photoshoot setups

• judging me from a distance while I draw

• sleeping… everywhere

And of course, being the boss of the household.

How He Influences My Creative Process

Charlie inspires more than just poses. He shaped the entire tone of my holiday work — warm, cozy, soft and slightly humorous.

When I draw:

• I think of his gentle eyes

• his expressive eyebrows

• the way he curls up like a fluffy cinnamon roll

• his mischievous “oops” moments

• the calming feeling of having him nearby

Why I Love Including Him in My Work

Because it makes the art feel real. Personal. Warm.

A Small Legacy in Every Card

Charlie is now a senior cat — and I treasure every cozy day with him. Illustrating him in my holiday cards feels like documenting our story, one winter at a time.

By printing a card with his face, you’re not just sharing a drawing —you’re sharing a little piece of a very special cat who has brought so much joy into our home.

Thank You for Loving Charlie Too

Every message I receive saying “I love your cat cards!” means the world. Charlie doesn’t know he’s become a small Christmas icon — but he does enjoy the attention.

And I’m grateful that his personality can bring warmth, smiles and holiday cheer into your home too.

Happy holidays. ✨🐾

See the Charlie Bubbles Christmas Card Collection in my Etsy shop