Capturing a Coffee Shop’s Beautiful Moments with Gentle Strokes: The Creative Journey of Illustrator Rainy

We met at Hausinc 1035 on Shifu Road, Taichung. Illustrator Rainy, also known as Rainy, arrived early and sat quietly, intently sketching the building’s exterior with his pen, capturing its essence with calm focus.

When we first met Rainy a few years ago, he had already embarked on his artistic path. Since college, he has created hundreds of illustrations of coffee shops. His dedication to “documenting” these spaces has led him to many warm encounters. Some readers, inspired by Rainy’s drawings and writings, even discovered their favorite cafés through his work.

A Connection Sparked by a Cup of Pour-Over Coffee

Reflecting on his journey, Rainy recalls an unhappy childhood filled with tangled memories—like a knotted ball of yarn. He transitioned from athletic teams to music programs, eventually studying design in high school and college. It wasn’t until his third year in college that he stumbled upon a coffee shop that changed the course of his life.
“It’s hard to believe that I, who’ve now illustrated so many cafés, didn’t drink coffee at all before—didn’t like it and couldn’t appreciate the taste; it just seemed bitter.”

On a rainy day, he went to a café near campus to do homework. As someone who didn’t drink coffee, he instinctively ordered milk tea. But the barista unexpectedly handed him a cup of pour-over coffee, which sparked a friendship and reshaped his perception of coffee. From then on, Rainy frequently visited the shop—studying, chatting with the staff, even joining them for meals or pop-up markets. Through those shared experiences, he came to understand that true friendship doesn’t always need to be spoken—it’s felt through ease and presence.

Later, as part of a school project, Rainy held his first small art exhibition at that café. “The most popular piece was a watercolor of the café’s exterior. People even asked if postcards were available for purchase.” That show marked the beginning of his project illustrating cafés, encouraging him to engage with new people. But above all, Rainy hopes his art can help viewers find their own favorite coffee shop—or even a sense of belonging or a turning point in life. “If you’re willing to take the first step, you’ll be amazed by the connections you can make.”

“Documenting cafés gradually became a mission for me—I wanted to capture everything good about them and share it with others.

Coffee has become a part of my life—a ritual that kickstarts both my body and mind before work.

The sensory experience of coffee also helps me see my creative work through different lenses.”

Illustration by Rainy: Peacocks Coffee

Illustration by Rainy：Because Life Cafe

Illustration by Rainy：Coffee Stopover

Life Beyond the Sketchpad: A Reservoir of Inspiration

Beyond drawing, Rainy loves being in nature. Wild creek camping and climbing Taiwan’s high mountains are his ways of escaping the city’s hectic pace.
“In the mountains, whether you’re alone or with others, you have to find your own rhythm and breath. When you’re navigating tough terrain, your only goal is to survive. That’s when all worries and burdens fade away. The stunning view at the summit makes all the exhaustion worthwhile.”

As mountain hiking demands more physical strength, Rainy gradually turned to camping, which allowed him to relax and enjoy the experience with friends. “People often say camping is like moving house—you bring all your favorite ‘furnishings’ outdoors. You share your aesthetic tastes with friends.”

Rainy laughs when recalling how he got into brewing coffee—it started as a challenge but quickly became a passion. Guided by friends in the coffee industry, he honed his brewing skills. At his solo exhibition this year, he personally brewed coffee for visitors, using it as a medium to connect his artwork with people.

Color, Portability, and Function—All Essential

Fresh from a joyful camping trip, Rainy shared how his gear choices prioritize aesthetics, color coordination, and lightness. Ever since learning to brew coffee, pour-over tools have become a camping essential.

“Drip bags are convenient, but for me, a hand grinder adds a sense of ritual. I brought the Solright DB-1 this time. Its silver body pairs beautifully with my camping gear. I especially love how it solves the problem of storing the handle—it’s intuitive to use, easy to adjust, and a breeze to clean. The price point is also beginner-friendly.”

Beyond looks and functionality, Rainy praised the DB-1’s grind quality. The resulting brew had a bright, clear flavor—just like the pure feeling that the color white evokes.

If you’re interested in the story, Rainny is currently holding his 12th solo exhibition: “Coffee Walk”. You’re warmly invited to visit!

Rainny’s Art on Instagram

:: Exhibition Period｜June 19 (Thu) – July 19 (Sat), 2025

June 19, 20, 21｜@kefipark
June 26, 27, 28｜@mezamashikohi
Coffee Service Hours｜1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

:: Exhibition Venue｜chairs & cafe – Daqian Branch
Free admission. No food or drinks allowed on the second floor.
All merchandise sales are cash only.

📍No. 34, Daqian Street, West District, Taichung City