Ketnipz x MGfC
In 2023, I was invited by Millinsky to design a limited-edition merchandise collection for a special collaboration between Ketnipz — the internet-famous bean character by Harry Hambley — and Massachusetts General Hospital for Children (MGfC). The goal was to create apparel that celebrated Ketnipz’s playful, kind-hearted energy while supporting MGfC’s mission to promote pediatric wellness and raise funds for children’s healthcare.
The Concept
The heart of this collaboration was connection: between humor and healing, youth culture and philanthropy. I set out to create designs that would speak to Ketnipz’s loyal fanbase while honoring the resilience and joy found within pediatric care at MGfC.
The concept revolved around themes of emotional support, inner strength, and whimsical positivity — all central to Ketnipz’s voice. I crafted illustrations featuring the character in comforting, silly, and uplifting scenarios, often paired with lighthearted yet encouraging messaging that could resonate with both kids and adults.
Design & Execution
The design system leaned into soft colorways and expressive hand-drawn forms, keeping Ketnipz at the center. Apparel pieces ranged from graphic t-shirts to hoodies, each acting as wearable storytelling moments. Emphasis was placed on creating accessible, comforting visuals — graphics that felt like a hug, with a wink.
Typography was custom-treated to feel approachable and warm, while retaining the clarity needed for message-driven garments. The final collection combined print, embroidery, and woven tags for a tactile, high-quality finish — ensuring these weren’t just novelty pieces, but meaningful merch.
Outcome
The Ketnipz x MGfC drop was a huge success — selling out quickly and generating both awareness and funds for pediatric programs at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children. It not only united two unlikely collaborators — a meme-famous character and a leading children’s hospital — but also demonstrated how design can bridge humor and healing in powerful, wearable ways.
Photography credits: Ketnipz x Millinsky.