Going pro

[Mermaid Momo]

I've always wondered (and that out of wack thread about tailmaking businesses and how a lot of mers pointed out that they didn't get into going pro for the money but because it makes them happy) What made you decide to go pro? make tails professionally? or make other mer related items professionally? When did you decide to do it? How much thought and planning did you put into it before deciding to leap in?

I'm a hobby mer right now that's tail less (I'm still trying to sell my tail but I'm so un happy with it that I refuse to wear it) but I sort of do want to go pro at one point. and like other mers have said, I don't want to go pro for fame, recognition, or the money, I want to do it to do a lot of volunteer work and to make people happy and put some magic in people's lives in an other wise dreary time. I also want to try and promote literacy in kids. (I guess more of a professional volunteer mer then? because I don't think I can handle parties with my anxiety and introvert tendencies that are longer than 1 hour and can throw me for a loop at any moment.)

But a big part of going pro, is the money and that is a problem since I don't want money to be a large part of if I go pro, I would have not choice because I need money for tails, traveling, and materials for any events I host, money for books to read or donate or both, etc.

If you aren't professional but thought about it, what makes you want to go pro?

[Mermaid Harmony]

They don't mention the money because not a lot of mermaids make a lot of money mermaiding, you have to be pretty busy to make money, and once your busy you have to pay taxes, etc and costs of living can eat up that amount. I also think that whether you volunteer (which most mermaids do, because it's good to do) or perform there will be children that ask you off the wall questions. There is a lot to performing and entertaining than just slipping on a tail and smiling, although hey if it works for you go for it, I'm a jibber jabberer though so I can't stay silent for long. Also, I'd read Raina's book if I were you, she talks about everything. And I think pro is different in different people's heads, or more famous than others etc. Like I'm sure my list of top 20 merfolk is different than someone else's list but it's pry because we have different standards of what we are measuring, are they tank mermaids, do they do birthday parties, do they do photoshoots a lot, do they volunteer everywhere. t's a very subjective point of view I think. Anyone is free to correct me if they think I'm wrong.

[Mermaid Momo]

Oh I wasn't asking about going pro, I have no plans on doing that as of now. I was asking about why pro mers decided to go pro and what factored into that decision or what is keeping some people who want to go pro from doing it

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I'm pro at making fish tails, swimsuit and a fool of myself at the pool.

Does that count?

[Princess Pearl]

I have been a character performer for my whole adult life. I've done summer festivals, Renaissance faires, historical interpretation at schools and museums...This is just what I do. Mermaiding is an extension of that for me.

I DID get a tail with the intention of going pro, because this was a way of expanding a business I already had. Plus, there isn't anyone else doing this professionally in my area, though there are some other mermaids, so I now have something to offer that other performers don't.


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[malinghi]

I'm not pro but speaking as one of the bajillion people who have idly fantasized about how cool it would be to be pro, I can honestly say money never even crossed my mind. The idea of getting to take a hobby to another level, spend more time doing it, share it with other people, and get validation for it would be great, but if I just want to make money there are plenty of ways to get it that are easier than being a professional mer.

Also here's a relevant story: A couple months ago my friend Anita organized a merfolk figure drawing class at a local school. Her, Wes and I posed for the class in tails. I had a great time, both modeling for everyone and drawing the other merfolk when they were on stage. I didn't think it was a paid gig but afterward they told us to fill out some forms so they could put us in the system they use to pay art models. I don't think it was very much money for a single drawing session with three models and I didn't want to fill out paperwork, so I never did. I didn't care. Hell, I had so much fun I probably should have paid them to let me get my portrait drawn while hanging out with Anita and Wes.

[Mermaid Wesley]

I sold fabric tails for a little while (at a too low price that got me burnt out fast) and I did it for a little pocket change as well as to make people happy. I want everyone who wants a tail to be able to have one. Same about performing, really, though it just makes me happy to dress up and play pretend too. Like malinghi said, I didn't ever get paid for that gig either. Being able to support myself doing something I enjoy would be great, but I think getting paid enough for a nice splurge (most likely a mermaid related one) every once in a whole is the reason I'm wanting to go pro.


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[AniaR]

I went pro out of necessity honestly. Bad economy here
I was desperate to use my skills to do work I believed in. To feel fulfilled and to make a difference. Mermaiding makes me feel better about myself and isn't held back by my illnesses. It was a need!

[SeaGlass Siren]

Not a professional but i have thought about it.

I've decided against it. Owning a business isn't for me, so I much prefer to do volunteer.