A Story Of Passion And The Genesis Of Cats Vs Plants - Behind The Scenes

Hey Friends!

As I edge closer to the grand unveiling of Cats vs Plants, I'm taking a brief pause from the flurry of preparations to share the journey that's brought us here. It's a tale woven with curiosity, creativity, a hint of obsession, and, naturally, our favorite subjects: cats and plants.

My friends and wife often note my eagerness to plunge into new interests, driven by a desire to unravel the complexities around me. This characteristic became particularly pronounced last year as I grappled with finding meaningful ways to express my affection for friends. The traditional avenues for gift-giving felt inadequate, spurring a wave of brainstorming that led to an innovative idea: why not create a personalized "magazine" for their birthday? This magazine would feature interviews with mutual friends and be filled with silly  "articles" and "ads" brimming with inside jokes and stories tailored just for them. And just like that, I had my eureka moment!

Diving into this project meant navigating uncharted waters—my experience with graphic design, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and the fundamentals of visual composition was virtually nonexistent. Not to mention, the intricacies of magazine printing were utterly foreign to me. Yet, I approached this challenge with unbridled enthusiasm, blissfully unaware of the intensive learning, collaboration, and personal growth journey ahead.

This initial endeavor blossomed into four distinct magazine projects, including a comprehensive 72-page edition dedicated to my wife, and extended to various print projects for friends and a nonprofit close to my heart. Along this path, I uncovered a deep-seated passion for graphic design and took pleasure in restoring old photos for both a Reddit community and friends, breathing new life into old memories.

My affinity for houseplants, particularly orchids, has also woven its way into my creative expression. Captivated by their synchronized blooms that fill my home with vibrant colors, I began photographing them, transforming these images into stickers and eventually, custom T-shirts that now dominate my wardrobe.

 

 

Zeus and Apollo, my feline companions, have been constant fixtures through it all—whether snoozing in their bed on my desk or playfully interrupting my work, they've added their own brand of chaos and charm to my creative endeavors.

 

 

By profession, I'm a computer programmer with over two decades of experience. While coding has been a lifelong passion, this project offers an outlet for the pent-up creative energy I've amassed. Cats vs Plants represents not just a business venture, but the culmination of a deeply personal journey through the realms of design, plants, and feline frienships.

So, you see, Cats vs Plants isn't just a store; it's the next chapter in an ongoing adventure, a fusion of all the passions that have captivated my heart and imagination. It's a place where my technical skills and artistic interests intersect, celebrating the beauty of nature and the joy of pet companionship. This store embodies the essence of my journey— every design echoes my passion...

I'm thrilled to embark on this new chapter with you, and hopefully, now this project makes a little more sense... Cats vs Plants is both my creative outlet and a meeting point for our collective enthusiasm for cats, plants, and a little bit of fun.

Welcome to Cats vs Plants, a testament to the joy of discovery and a labor of love in every sense. Thank you for being here!