Dreaming of Mermaids and Sharks

Inspiration, as I’m often reminded here in the islands, doesn't always come from what you see on a dive or a walk through the mangroves. Sometimes, it drifts in from a place far more mysterious. The other night, I had one of those vivid dreams that you can’t shake upon waking, a vision so clear it felt more like a memory.

I dreamt I was floating in the impossibly blue waters of the Caribbean. Below me, a mermaid with a shimmering tail wasn't hiding from the ocean’s apex predator, but was instead friends with it. She swam alongside a large, powerful shark, her hand resting gently on its dorsal fin. In a display of complete trust and serene companionship, she would gracefully pull herself onto its back, and they would glide through the water together, exploring coral gardens and deep blue channels. It was a powerful image of harmony, a complete reversal of the fearsome narrative we so often assign to sharks. The dream was filled with a sense of peace and a profound, unspoken bond between two of the sea’s most iconic figures.

When I woke up, the feeling of that magical friendship lingered. Before the details could fade with the morning light, I grabbed my sketchbook. I had to get the image down on paper—the gentle curve of the shark’s back, the relaxed posture of the mermaid, the feeling of effortless movement. The sketch felt like a story that needed to be told, a small piece of a dream that I wanted to share with the world.

I decided this design was perfect for a t-shirt, a wearable piece of art that could carry this message of harmony. I chose a super soft and lightweight, 100% combed and ring-spun cotton fabric, something that would be comfortable for any adventurer. The shirt is a unisex fit, designed with durable, side-seamed construction, ensuring the story it tells can be a lasting one. It’s a simple, tangible reminder of a beautiful dream, and a nod to the idea that even the most unlikely of friendships are possible.

You can see the final design, born from a dream of the Caribbean, on the shirt here: The Shark and The Mermaid Unisex T-Shirt.