Life these days is often benchmarked at rapid digitization and relentless productivity, hence the concept of "well-being" being reduced to a checklist of diet, exercise and sleep. However, true health also extends beyond the physical, encompassing a person’s state of mind and the nourishment of their spirit. In the midst of the noise, the work of illustrator Guyu (known online as @heiguyu) becomes a quiet, colourful rebellion. They create playful animal characters and whimsical scenes, crafting a visual sanctuary designed to soothe the nervous system and reconnect their viewers with the simple joys of existence. This intuitive approach to art therapy directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Good Health and Well-Being.
Guyu’s artistic universe is populated by a charming cast of anthropomorphic animals—most notably seen in their series Lavish Kitties, featuring cat characters that frequently appear in their other series that depict fantasy lands. These kitten characters are not depicted as the docile pets that they might as well be, but rather as human beings enjoying what they call the “demure elements of life": wearing comfortable sweaters, playing the lute, enjoying a quiet coffee, or simply existing in a state of soft, unhurried leisure. Their style utilizes rounded forms, warm pastel palettes and a throwback to childhood aesthetic that evokes an immediate sense of nostalgia and safety. This stylistic choice is no accident, as psychologically, viewing "cute" or kawaii imagery has been shown to increase focus and reduce stress levels, triggering a release of dopamine that acts as a natural counter to anxiety.
The artist, who describes their inspiration as stemming from "cats, nature, and every other demure element in life," positions their work as a tool for emotional regulation. Decorated with their artworks, a digital planner or a bookmark becomes more than just a stationery product but also an invitation to play and add a little bit of whimsy to daily life. Therefore, by encouraging their audience to engage with these "human-like" animals—who face the world with a permanent, gentle optimism—Guyu validates people’s need for rest and softness. Their art then serves as a "pause button" for viewers, disrupting the daily doom-scrolling cycle with moments of genuine delight.
With every sweater swathed cat, bunny and dog, Guyu’s work democratizes access to relief, proving that art does not need to be high-concept or exclusive to be meaningful. By celebrating the small, quiet moments through the eyes of her animal friends, they remind us that taking care of one's mind can be as simple and as vital as a cat finding a patch of sunlight.
Find out more about Guyu’s playful world and her art on her Instagram @heiguyu.