Hyena

Spotted Hyena | Japanese Watercolour [Dark]

Spotted Hyena (Illustration) [Dark] Premium Unisex T-shirt

£24

There are moments for hunting, moments for defending your place in the clan, and apparently, moments for sitting on your bottom and contemplating the heavens. Our Spotted Hyena Illustration captures the latter: a wonderfully unconventional portrait of one of Africa's most fascinating predators caught in what appears to be a rare moment of quiet reflection. With its head turned towards the sky and the usual business of the savannah seemingly put on hold, the pose reveals a more endearing side to an animal whose intelligence, complex social life and individual character are too often overshadowed by its fearsome reputation. The darker treatment gives this unusual little scene a richer, more atmospheric quality. Stronger contrast brings definition to the hyena's spotted coat, distinctive silhouette and thoughtful upward gaze, while the surrounding darkness allows the finer illustrative details to emerge with greater intensity. There's still an unmistakable humour to the pose, but against the deeper backdrop it takes on an almost philosophical quality too, as though our hyena has wandered away from the clan for a few minutes to consider something considerably more important. Exactly what that might be, we'll leave to the wearer. We've kept the garment itself rather less complicated. Made from high-quality 100% cotton, the t-shirt offers a naturally soft and breathable feel designed for the sort of comfortable, repeat wear that makes a good tee an old favourite. Its durable construction means it can handle considerably more activity than its seated subject currently appears interested in, while the darker variants provide a versatile foundation that pairs easily with the rest of your wardrobe. Animal Kingdom Apparel takes a similarly thoughtful approach to production, although we try not to spend quite as long staring at the sky before getting started. Each garment is made to order, entering production only once somebody has chosen the design, colour and size they actually want. It allows us to keep unnecessary stock and potential waste to a minimum while continuing to make room for wildlife artwork with a little personality of its own. Some designs celebrate speed, strength or majesty; this one celebrates the importance of occasionally sitting down and having a think.