Making T-shirts, starting with Ellie's sleeping face.

It was just a nap, but I felt like I wanted to capture it.
Ellie at three months old. That sleeping face was the inspiration for this T-shirt.

It all started on that afternoon

It had been about three weeks since we welcomed Ellie home.
She was in her full-on innocent puppy phase, and she had finally gotten used to the scent of the house.
Every day was a new discovery, a time when everything became a toy.

That day, too, she was playing by herself, biting and rolling around on a fluffy cushion.
I finished up some chores in another room, and when I returned a few minutes later—

She was fast asleep, using the cushion she had been tossing around as a pillow.
Her mouth was slightly open, her front paws were stretched out, and her back was sunk into the cushion.
“Oh, she really has settled in with us.”
The moment I thought that, my heart felt warm.

From photo to illustration

It looked so comfortable that I quietly took a picture with my smartphone.

It was just a simple photo, but I found myself looking at it over and over again.
It was a cute, slightly funny, and comforting picture.

“I want to turn this into an illustration to keep.”

That idea was the beginning of making these T-shirts.

The meaning of hand-drawing

All E.Li illustrations are hand-drawn by me.
I use an iPad and Apple Pencil to draw a little bit in my spare time.
I can barely finish one a week, but that slow pace feels just right.

When drawing this illustration, I looked back at the photo,
remembering the sunlight in the room and even the sound of Ellie's breathing as I drew each line.

If I only thought about efficiency, I could create a massive amount of designs in an instant using AI.
But I believe there is a warmth and presence that can only be captured by drawing with my own hands.

Turning everyday life into clothing

Whether you have a dog or not,
I would be happy if you felt a little warmth when you pick up this T-shirt.

For a weekend cafe visit, a walk, or relaxing time at home—
it is a piece that carries a gentle atmosphere, blending into any daily life.

Ellie's sleeping face from that day has taken the form of clothing,
quietly lining up in someone's closet.
Having these “memories of daily life” connect in that way is the greatest joy for me.

Nap First / BUHI T-SHIRT / 9.1oz Big Silhouette / Unisex | E.Li
Nap First / BUHI T-SHIRT / 9.1oz Big Silhouette / Unisex | E.Li
Nap First / BUHI T-SHIRT / 9.1oz Big Silhouette / Unisex | E.Li
100% cotton with a soft feel. Available in sizes M to XL, it can be worn loosely by anyone regardless of gender.
Available in three colors: white, black, and beige.
A portion of the proceeds will be used for rescue dog support activities.