Yichi Chou shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Yichi, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I usually start my mornings with a workout. After a shower, I make myself a cup of coffee and sit down to do my daily sketches. It’s my favorite way to warm up creatively and set the tone for the rest of the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the founder of Norira Design, a brand that captures the cozy and playful world of cats through illustrations, animation, and meme drawings. The name Norira actually comes from my cats, Nori and Nora, who are both my daily companions.
My designs are inspired by the little details of cat life. The way they curl up in the sun, sleep in the delivery boxes, or look at you with that mix of mischief and love. I believe those moments deserve to be celebrated because they remind us to slow down and enjoy life more softly.
With Norira Design, I hope to share that joy and whimsy, turning simple cat-inspired moments into art people can carry with them.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Definitely my relationship with my cats! Living with them has changed how I see myself and my work. They’ve taught me that you don’t always have to rush, that resting is productive too, and that joy often comes from the simplest things, such as watching birds on the balcony or mysterious lights on the wall. I think that’s why my art leans into capturing those small, ordinary yet magical moments. They remind me that being present is all that’s needed!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say: don’t try to be perfect; be playful instead. I used to pressure myself to create flawless work, but cats showed me that the best things often happen when you’re curious and open, not when you’re striving for perfection. Keep creating, keep playing, and trust that the path will make sense later!
That’s why I started my Diary Sketch series; it documents my daily color pencil sketch moments. I tried to draw different cats with colorful pencils. Not every drawing shines, and some feel messy or unfinished, but each one matters. They remind me that progress, not perfection, is the true beauty of creating.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to building Norira Design into a creative home where cat lovers can find comfort, joy, and humor. Even if it takes years, I want my art to feel like a safe, cozy corner people can return to again and again, just like curling up with a cat after a long day!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I’m doing what I was born to do. Art has always been my way of expressing myself and connecting with others. For years, I worked as a Motion Designer, using visuals and animation to tell stories. Now, through Norira Design, I create the kind of work I truly love, which is art inspired by my cats and by the joy of everyday moments.
My cats and my family gave me the courage to turn creativity into more than a hobby. They inspired me to build a brand that reflects playfulness, warmth, and love. It doesn’t feel like something I was told to do! It feels like something that’s been inside me all along.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/norira_vibe/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@norira_vibe/shorts
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@norira_vibe
