From Sketch to Storefront
Getting to design merch for the shows and movies I grew up loving has been such a full-circle moment. I’ve had the chance to work with Hot Topic, Her Universe, and BoxLunch to create official Studio Ghibli and Nickelodeon merchandise—and honestly, it’s been a dream.
Designing tees inspired by Spirited Away, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and The Legend of Korra was equal parts nostalgia trip and creative joy. These are stories that meant so much to me as a kid, and bringing them to life as wearable art has been incredibly special.
And the best part? Seeing someone out in the wild wearing one of my designs and having that little spark of unspoken fan-to-fan excitement. It’s the kind of connection that reminds me why I do what I do.
Client:
Hot Topic
Her Universe
Box Lunch
Goal:
Creating awesome fan inspired merchandise
Role:
Graphic Designer
Tools Used:
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Falling Deeper
When I designed this shirt, I wanted to capture that dreamlike, mysterious feeling I’ve always had while watching Spirited Away. One scene that stuck with me is when Chihiro and Haku fall through the bathhouse as the soot sprites swirl around them—it’s so magical and full of wonder. I’ve always seen No Face as this quiet, haunting presence, and making him the moon behind the bathhouse felt like the perfect way to show how he lingers throughout the story—enigmatic, yet impossible to ignore.
Leaves from the Vine
Uncle Iroh has always held a special place in the hearts of Avatar: The Last Airbender fans, and I wanted to honor one of his most emotional moments. The scene where he sings for his son’s birthday—on a quiet, sunset-lit hilltop—has always stuck with me. Seeing a character known for his warmth and wisdom break down in tears hit so deeply. It’s even more powerful knowing this was one of the last scenes voiced by his actor before he passed.
I chose to illustrate it in the style of a traditional Japanese ink painting—it just felt right for the tone and memory. Hearing from fans that this shirt made them cry (in the best, most cathartic way) has meant everything. And yes—Link from Good Mythical Morning was even spotted wearing it on the show, which absolutely made my day.
Look for the Light
Ah, another Uncle Iroh gem. The Legend of Korra definitely leaned into a darker tone, which made space for deeper emotional struggles—especially around identity and inner conflict. I’ve always loved the scene where young Korra meets Iroh. It felt like her inner child needed that gentle reminder—that there’s still beauty, wonder, and light in the world, even when things feel heavy.
Change
The show didn’t just explore identity and inner conflict—it also touched on trauma, anxiety, and depression in a way that really resonated with me. Watching it again as an adult, it felt almost cathartic. This moment, where Korra breaks down after finally reconnecting with those who love her, hit especially hard. It’s a reminder that while we’re never truly “done” growing or healing, we’re always changing—and that in itself is something to be proud of.