Sketching up a Hogfish

The waters around the Florida Keys are a constant source of wonder, a living gallery of shapes and colors that never fails to ignite my artistic curiosity. Every dive feels like a treasure hunt, not for gold, but for moments of connection with the incredible life that calls these reefs home. And for me, few creatures are as full of character and artistic potential as the hogfish.

Scientifically known as Lachnolaimus maximus, the hogfish is one of the most intelligent and unique fish in the Florida Keys. It gets its name from its elongated, pig-like snout, which it uses to root around in the sand for crustaceans and mollusks. But its name only tells a fraction of its story. To see a hogfish in its natural habitat is to witness a master of transformation. Their ability to change color and pattern in the blink of an eye is simply astonishing—shifting from mottled browns and reds to a pearly white with a dark band from snout to tail. They are curious, often following divers with an intelligent gaze, their expressive eyes seeming to take in everything.

As an artist, I’m drawn to subjects with a strong, recognizable silhouette, and the hogfish is a perfect example. The high arch of its back, the distinctive snout, and the three long, trailing spines of its dorsal fin create a profile that is both elegant and powerful. After a recent dive spent observing one of these magnificent wrasses, I came back to the studio filled with inspiration. I immediately started sketching, focusing on capturing that iconic shape with clean, confident lines. I wanted to create a design that was instantly identifiable, a tribute to this beloved local species.

The sketch felt so right, so representative of the Keys lifestyle, that I knew it needed to be more than just a drawing in my journal. It needed to be out in the sun and on the water. This led me to create the Signature White Hogfish Trucker Cap. I wanted a classic, comfortable hat that could handle the Florida sun, and the trucker style with its breathable mesh back felt perfect. The hat is made from a durable blend of cotton, nylon, and polyester with a structured, five-panel, high-profile front that serves as the perfect canvas for the embroidered hogfish design from my sketch. The crisp white color makes the art pop, and the snapback closure ensures a perfect fit for any adventurer.

This hat is more than just apparel; it’s a piece of wearable art born from a genuine appreciation for the marine world. It’s for fellow divers, anglers, and ocean lovers who share that sense of wonder when they see a hogfish gracefully navigating the reef. You can check it out here: Signature White Hogfish Trucker Cap.