Zhen Yi Lin was born in 2000 in Taiwan and moved to Rochester in 2019 to pursue art. Now she sells her work around the state as a vendor, spreading her joy of creation. Though being able to pursue art here is great, during her college years, she copes with her homesickness by creating human-like cats playing in traditional Taiwanese settings. Her lively cat characters bring folk customs and everyday moments to life, twisting narratives that spread happiness and inspiration to people who are fond of cats or Asian culture.

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          In 2023, Zhen earned an Associate Degree in Science, Commercial Art, and Illustration at Monroe Community College, and later graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from SUNY Brockport. Her work has been featured in group exhibitions at the Mercer Gallery Student Art Exhibition and The Tower of Fine Arts, where she received several awards, and some of her pieces were purchased for campus display in both 2019 and 2023. 

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          Beyond her fine art practice, Zhen is the artist and designer behind Zhen Studio, an independent art business inspired by the Taiwanese culture. She turns cat-themed stories that celebrate Taiwanese festivals, food, and everyday joys into products, such as stickers, art prints, and wearable joys like keychains and totes. Her goal is to share joy—whether it’s through wearing her art, decorating with it, or simply sharing a smile because of it.