About Us

The ocean was here first.

Long before us. Before the noise, before everything had a screen. The sharks, the whales, the turtles — they aren't decoration. They're the locals. We're the guests.

So we draw them the slow way. By hand, by someone who's actually been down there in the cold and the quiet, holding one breath. No AI, no clipart, no shortcuts — because you can't respect something you've only met on a screen.

That's the whole idea. Wear the sea. Respect the locals. Belong to the water instead of the noise.

Deep bow,
Harri

The Story Behind Soul & Salty

I'm Harri — an illustrator for 27+ years with a master's degree in architecture, based in Helsinki, Finland.

The ocean has always been part of my life, not just my art. Most of it has been shaped in and around the water — spearfishing, freediving, windsurfing, and these days playing defender in underwater rugby. So the creatures and the cold water you see in these designs are things I've actually swum with, not stock references.

Harri painting in his studio — the illustrator behind Soul & Salty

And I paint weird animals too.

Time below the surface changes how you see things. It strips away noise. What's left is calm, focus, and respect. That mindset became the foundation of Soul & Salty.

Each piece is hand-drawn — no AI, no clipart. The "Respect the Locals" series started as a way to give the animals I share the water with — whale sharks, orcas, turtles — a bit of quiet respect instead of just decoration.

Based in Finland, I work with trusted production partners in the United States and Europe to deliver quality ocean apparel worldwide.

I want shopping here to feel as easy and unfussy as a good swim. If something's off with your order, email me at support@soulandsalty.com before anything else — I'll make it right.

Deep bow,
Harri

P.S. Every sea creature you see here is drawn by hand.