Pearlie Mae's Custom Tailmaking Days are Done

[PearlieMae]

So, I've decided to change my tailmaking business model. This does NOT impact the commissions I have in the works, this will be for tails that may follow, if I decide to keep making tails.

The process of making beautiful tails is a lot harder than just making a tail...expectations are high on both sides, client and tailmaker, and everyone wants their dream tail to be perfect. It takes a LOT of work, and if the time was factored in, you'd see how a very expensive tail ends up costing the tailmaker. You have to do it for the love of making, because THERE IS NO PROFIT other than making someone's vision an artistic reality.

Can't pay the rent with that.

So...for the foreseeable future, ONCE MY CURRENT COMMISSIONS ARE COMPLETED, I won't be taking orders for tails. I am going to create the occasional tail, and then put it up for auction.

Since the Pearlie Method doesn't preclude my having to commit to the tail's actual size until the very end, once the winning bid is decided, the winner will need to mail me their tape dummy/mannequin, and they will have their custom fitted tail within a month (approximately) of my receiving the winner's mannequin.

I won't necessarily be using Ebay to auction. I might even consider a blind auction with a minimum bid amount in place.

So yeah...

I'll be moving from Bespoke Tailmaker to Mermaid Tail Artisan.

The custom tailmaking biz is super hard and incredibly stressful. My house is a disaster, I can't take any time for myself, and the constant pressure is taking its toll on me. I work a full time job, and then put in 6-7 hours a night, and ALL weekend, EVERY weekend, on tailmaking.

:mermaid kiss:

[Mermaid Freyja]

Good for you, Pearlie!
At the end of the day, you need to do what's best for you; sanity, health, free time and all.;) We love and support you <3
As someone who sews, I used to do custom bridal and stage costumes. 8 years ago I said 'never again!' Now I just make them for me and the occasional trade for a friend.
I totally empathize!
The level of work you do is astounding and so beautiful. I can only imagine the amazing tails you will reveal to us when you are just following your artistic vision, at your own pace.
XOXOX

[PearlieMae]

Thank you, Freyja! It was both an easy and a hard decision to make, but if I can't mermaid because I am too busy making tails, what's the fun in that?

[Ilyena]

As gorgeous as they are I know the importance of putting one's self first (don't always do that :P ) and burning one's self out. As Freyja said you need to do what's best for you <3

[Calizaire]

Noooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://i.imgur.com/mRCtTR1.gif

Ok, but seriously, good for you! Stop being a slave to the tails and customers and go enjoy yourself. You deserve it!

[KaylinSilvermerr]

Hi Pearlie!

You have to look after you first, and turn the tail-making back into a hobby, rather than a job. *Nods* I might want to pick your brain about your methods, if you're willing to share via PM's? If not, that's cool too. :)I can totally respect that.

~Kaylin

[LouLouBelle]

That's such a shame!! I can understand though. When you stop enjoying it, that's when something has to change. Maybe take a break from tail making for a bit and then just take on a new order once in a while?

If you're not getting the time to mermaid, you definitely need to fix that! Why not finish your current tails, have a break, then have fun designing a new tail for yourself? That should put the fun back in all around. [emoji4]


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[PearlieMae]

Thanks gang! I really need to step away once I've fulfilled the orders I have. I haven't been swimming since forever, it seems!

[Keiris]

Pearlie, I understand this all too well. I run into the same thing with my mural commissions. By the time you factor in pure TIME to create something so individual and unique on this level of craftsmanship, rarely is the artist compensated because our perfectionism takes over. There comes a point when you miss out on so much that you stop and ask yourself, " WHY am I putting myself through this???" You've got the right idea kiddo. I think your new approach will be a win/win. Plus, I think we'd all enjoy seeing you swim in your tail more often! ;)

[AniaR]

Noooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://i.imgur.com/mRCtTR1.gif

Ok, but seriously, good for you! Stop being a slave to the tails and customers and go enjoy yourself. You deserve it!


I had to giggle with the appropriate use of that gif haha

most well known tail makers I know feel 100% the same way and want to work toward the same model.

Good on you. I still love yah! <3

[PearlieMae]

That gif makes me want to cry! (What is it from originally?)

Thanks, hun! Luckily, I will be able to customize size with little fuss.

And I will have the MOST amazing collection of personal tails EVER. All prototypes, of course.

[Mermaid Arabella]

That gif makes me want to cry! (What is it from originally?)

Doctor Who, that's Donna's dad at her wedding, after she's forgotten the Doctor. (Uhm...like, 5 year old spoiler alert?)

[PearlieMae]

Ah... I never would have known that! As big as a sci-fi fan as I am, I never managed to hitch my starcruiser to the Dr Who series. I live in a parallel universe where there is no Dr. Who.

[Fifi Tigg]

Good on you PearlieMae xx

[Mermaid Amelia Pond]

As hard as it is to read this post it's understandable. TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE. You have given us so much. The Pearlie Mae Method and Mom Jean level. And I want to swim with you someday.

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[Mermaid Summerlilly]

Aww, I will miss your beautiful tails and the progress reports, but I understand. I'll try and bid on an auction tail when I save up enough! :) In times like this, we all have to....37082
Enjoy being a mermaid Pearlie! :D

[MermaidAine]

Sad for me but good for you! You deserve to have time to enjoy being a mermaid too.


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[mersheep]

That gif makes me want to cry! (What is it from originally?)

That is also the incredible Bernard Cribbins. He played the stationmaster in the "Railway Children." (1970) looks like according to IMDB he is still working.

Also best of luck PearlieMae, your are an inspiration to us all ...

[Mermaid Laurell]

I think I speak for all mers when I say that you have contributed immensely to the tailmaking trade and we are in awe of the hard work you have put in over the years. Thank you so much for taking us on your tailmaking journeys with you! You have always been such an inspiration to me, PearlieMae. Your creativity will change this trade forever. After such an incredible contribution, you certainly deserve a break!! (:
http://replygif.net/i/1337.gif

[PearlieMae]

Awww! Thanks, gang!

Once I finish these commissions, I'll be able to breathe a little.

I went for my first swim in over six months yesterday (fin, no tail), and it was incredible. My body was telling me "YES! You are still a mermaid!"

It felt so good...I missed it so.

[LouLouBelle]

Six months?! So, the last time you swam was around the time I became a mermaid. That's way too long! It's not worth making tails for other people if you're having to sacrifice being a mermaid yourself. Hopefully you'll get to do that a lot more often. ❤️


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[Mermaid Russet]

I'm happy that you're taking some time for yourself, mermaiding is definitely not supposed to be a source of stress!! We'll miss your creations though <3