Professional Mermen?

[Oriel]

From what I've seen so far it seems that mermen have a much harder time getting work within the range of mermaid jobs. As a merman myself I do find that pretty discouraging, but I'm interested in what other peoples experiences have been (men and maids alike) regarding the topic. Have you seen something in alignment to this theory? And when mermen are hired, is what they can expect different?

Ultimately I'm asking because I would love to do gigs and things of that nature but am not sure what sorts of challenges I'd be facing and what I should expect going into it.

[Mermaid Kane]

Well, if you think about it, mermen may not as likely to be hired in this already competitive job for a couple reasons.

1) Men are often seen as more dangerous, intimidating, scary, sexual... etc then a woman... lol.
2) They aren't as traditional, and to many are (for some reason) less appealing.

Those are my assumptions anyways, and they are just guesses.

I have no idea what it would be like or how you present in the market as a enby-mer like myself. Sigh.

[Slim]

Kane pretty much accurately got this right. Gigs are so much harder to get as we are trying to break pass a stereotype. From a parent perspective, they are more likely to hire a mermaid for a birthday party not even considering a merman as an option. Unless you give yourself a strong local presence, that what you are going up a against. Don't let it discourage you however. Taking a page from one of my haters, take the "promoter" approach and promote yourself up. Make sure you are using local area hashtags when you post pictures/videos online. Swim in public pool with friends. You will get your best chance of being hired for gigs once people know you are just like any other mer out there. What works for me is I'll share one of my fabric tail with a friend and teach them a couple things and then put the tail on myself to demonstrates. It's gets me picture to make a social media presence and my friends word of mouth of how much enjoyment they have works in my favor. Plus the general public see it. The quickest way to get gigs faster is to team up with a local mermaid if there is one. It saves them from having to hire a mertender when it's a mermaid only event but it still keeps the door open for you because there will be that one person you will answer "Yes" that you do that too. I also try to do monthly gathering to the spring for any mers that want to join. Making that good community around you is a good way for another mermaid in a different town to recommend you when they need a 2nd person.


Well, if you think about it, mermen may not as likely to be hired in this already competitive job for a couple reasons.

1) Men are often seen as more dangerous, intimidating, scary, sexual... etc then a woman... lol.
2) They aren't as traditional, and to many are (for some reason) less appealing.

Those are my assumptions anyways, and they are just guesses.

I have no idea what it would be like or how you present in the market as a enby-mer like myself. Sigh.

[Ransom]

Thanks for the advice, Slim! A stereotype is difficult to break, and for many events (corporate and parties alike) a mermaid is far more likely to be seen as an attractive yet friendly presence. Perhaps it's how the sexes are perceived, for better or worse.

"MerMAN!" isn't even in many vocabularies. I was once at a dive show when a merman (the only one on the program) was about to perform after a bunch of mermaids. Just before he went on, the fellow next to me muttered to his friend, "Ah, the male mermaid." -_-

[Mermaid Kane]

"MerMAN!" isn't even in many vocabularies. I was once at a dive show when a merman (the only one on the program) was about to perform after a bunch of mermaids. Just before he went on, the fellow next to me muttered to his friend, "Ah, the male mermaid." -_-

"Ahhhhhhh, the mALE mermaid.... such bootiful. Much grace."

[Slim]

"Ahhhhhhh, the mALE mermaid.... such bootiful. Much grace."

This is how I feel about the LEGO Mermaid Batman figure that seriously being released when LEGO Batman 2 is in theaters. He wearing shells too...


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[Mermaid Kane]

This is how I feel about the LEGO Mermaid Batman figure that seriously being released when LEGO Batman 2 is in theaters. He wearing shells too...


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Just looked it up.... Now I'll never be able see Batman the same way again.... Thanks for that one, Slim.

[Slim]

Just looked it up.... Now I'll never be able see Batman the same way again.... Thanks for that one, Slim.

Not a problem. Just remember there also a LEGO Pink Fairy Batman and Robin that was released earlier this year. [emoji23]


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[Ransom]

Haha to get back on track, maybe see how mermen market themselves and get work. Slim's already shared quite a lot, but I'd search Facebook and see the positioning that pro mermen take. I notice that they're often partners with mermaids in a larger organisation, and aren't quite so focused on kids' parties.

How competitive the field is depends on the number of mers in the area and the size of your market; as it's still a niche hobby (think blue ocean strategy *grin*) I think there're still many ways you can position yourself without competing too much. Many places don't even have one mer performer yet.

[Mermaid Kane]

Not a problem. Just remember there also a LEGO Pink Fairy Batman and Robin that was released earlier this year. [emoji23]


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How could I forget? The image of them flashed into my head every few minutes while I was watching Justice League last night. ;P

[Ransom]

If it exists, Lego will ruin it so utterly completely that no one remembers anything else :( But let's not get off track... anymer has better advice (like case studies and tactics) for us blokes who're interested in going pro?

[Slim]

If it exists, Lego will ruin it so utterly completely that no one remembers anything else :(

Though it does exist, remember the male Splash remake will even things out. The last big merman thing I remember on TV was one on Tosh.O.


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[Sevryn]

This is something I've noticed myself and I think we're going about this wrong. You're right, we're merMEN. And we're not taking it far enough. I'm super starting my merman career this year and I'm planning on using the merman warrior type as my persona. If mermaids are the soft pretty ones, we need to be the killer mermonsters. I almost never see mermen posing with weapons or trying to push that dangerous sea creature image. I think people get uncomfortable because most people probably assume (wrongly) that a merman is homosexual because mermaids and the like are unconventional and seen as "feminine." I'll say it, I'm not scared. And i have never understood why mermen are unconventional. Everyone just conveniently happens to forget King Triton, and he was a bad@$$! I'm going to do as much as I can to help change this issue. I mean honestly I'm not really worried about kids parties, the mermaids can keep those. Lol (have fun :p) I'd much rather swim in an aquarium or do some video work for conservation. Also any Mers out there in the Dallas area wanting to collaborate on videos or photos please email me at rwdennis89@gmail.com

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[Ransom]

This is something I've noticed myself and I think we're going about this wrong. You're right, we're merMEN. And we're not taking it far enough. I'm super starting my merman career this year and I'm planning on using the merman warrior type as my persona. If mermaids are the soft pretty ones, we need to be the killer mermonsters. I almost never see mermen posing with weapons or trying to push that dangerous sea creature image. I think people get uncomfortable because most people probably assume (wrongly) that a merman is homosexual because mermaids and the like are unconventional and seen as "feminine." I'll say it, I'm not scared. And i have never understood why mermen are unconventional. Everyone just conveniently happens to forget King Triton, and he was a bad@$$! I'm going to do as much as I can to help change this issue. I mean honestly I'm not really worried about kids parties, the mermaids can keep those. Lol (have fun :p) I'd much rather swim in an aquarium or do some video work for conservation. Also any Mers out there in the Dallas area wanting to collaborate on videos or photos please email me at rwdennis89@gmail.com

Sent from my [device_name] using MerNetwork mobile appExactly, Sevryn! Couldn't have said it better myself -- I've got a mersona in my head that's precisely that. I've always been interested in tactical training and firearms, though living in Singapore there's almost no chance that'll happen outside the army. When I get a custom tail made it'll be the dark, threatening kind, and I've got a diving knife it'll go perfectly with.

Guess I've never thought of spreading the idea as you have. All the best going pro, and keep me posted!

For now, you've got my (real) blade and (imaginary) underwater rifle. I'll let you know if I ever come by Dallas ;)

[Mermaid Kane]

This is something I've noticed myself and I think we're going about this wrong. You're right, we're merMEN. And we're not taking it far enough. I'm super starting my merman career this year and I'm planning on using the merman warrior type as my persona. If mermaids are the soft pretty ones, we need to be the killer mermonsters. I almost never see mermen posing with weapons or trying to push that dangerous sea creature image. I think people get uncomfortable because most people probably assume (wrongly) that a merman is homosexual because mermaids and the like are unconventional and seen as "feminine." I'll say it, I'm not scared. And i have never understood why mermen are unconventional. Everyone just conveniently happens to forget King Triton, and he was a bad@$$! I'm going to do as much as I can to help change this issue. I mean honestly I'm not really worried about kids parties, the mermaids can keep those. Lol (have fun :p) I'd much rather swim in an aquarium or do some video work for conservation. Also any Mers out there in the Dallas area wanting to collaborate on videos or photos please email me at rwdennis89@gmail.com
The same goes for any mer. Why can't merrow be vicious warriors? WHY does it have to be Disney? I did a research paper on aquatic humanoids, and its safe to say 75% or more were monstrous. I'm hoping to have my next tail/''mersona'' be a more mysterious and deadly kind. Probably angler like. xD

[Ransom]

The same goes for any mer. Why can't merrow be vicious warriors? WHY does it have to be Disney? I did a research paper on aquatic humanoids, and its safe to say 75% or more were monstrous. I'm hoping to have my next tail/''mersona'' be a more mysterious and deadly kind. Probably angler like. xDOf course, Lady Kane. The International Pod of Mer-sassins is ever on the lookout for... able young merrow such as yourself.

[Mermaid Kane]

Of course, Lady Kane. The International Pod of Mer-sassins is ever on the lookout for... able young merrow such as yourself.

Ehhh not a Lady but alright anyways. xD Am I accepted as a new recruit?

[Ransom]

Ehhh not a Lady but alright anyways. xD Am I accepted as a new recruit?

< Strokes chin > Most interesting, Ms Kane. Most interesting. When the time is right, and your mersona springs forth as alluring and deadly as the anglerfish ;)

[Slim]

Where does the Doctor merman trait falls in all of this? I prefer to use a conch shell to rally the troops.


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[Ransom]

Where does the Doctor merman trait falls in all of this? I prefer to use a conch shell to rally the troops.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkSeen "Hacksaw Ridge", Slim? That @_@

[PearlieMae]

"If mermaids are the soft pretty ones, we need to be the killer mermonsters."

Sevryn, have you EVER read anything about the legends of mermaids? You need to stop smoking seaweed and do some research.

[Slim]

:lol: I laughed to hard at this. I'll be looking into that movie that was suggested to see how close it matches my mersona.


"If mermaids are the soft pretty ones, we need to be the killer mermonsters."

Sevryn, have you EVER read anything about the legends of mermaids? You need to stop smoking seaweed and do some research.

[Sevryn]

"If mermaids are the soft pretty ones, we need to be the killer mermonsters."

Sevryn, have you EVER read anything about the legends of mermaids? You need to stop smoking seaweed and do some research.Yea actually I have, no need to be rude. And it kinda proves my point because how many professional mermaids actually go for their scary version? Look around, 9 out of 10 times it's going to be the pretty version. Hannah, Melissa, Kariel, Raina, Kat, Hyli, The Weeki Wachee mermaids, and I can keep going if you'd like, there's way more. I'm speaking from a marketing standpoint, the pretty mermaid niche is pretty much filled by, well, pretty mermaids. Hence my point that we merMEN probably need to switch up our tactics.

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[Ransom]

Yea actually I have, no need to be rude. And it kinda proves my point because how many professional mermaids actually go for their scary version? Look around, 9 out of 10 times it's going to be the pretty version. Hannah, Melissa, Kariel, Raina, Kat, Hyli, The Weeki Wachee mermaids, and I can keep going if you'd like, there's way more. I'm speaking from a marketing standpoint, the pretty mermaid niche is pretty much filled by, well, pretty mermaids. Hence my point that we merMEN probably need to switch up our tactics.

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The best defence is success, Sev ;)

I'm not sure what the opportunities are for scary mers, but I for one am excited to find out.

[Mermaid Kane]

The best defence is success, Sev ;)

I'm not sure what the opportunities are for scary mers, but I for one am excited to find out.

Exactly. Kids aren't going to want ''scary merman monsters'', unfortunately. I don't know where/how/for who you'd work.

[PearlieMae]

Hmmm....yeah, my kid hates clowns now even though the one I hired was was an ordinary clown who did balloon animals. What can I do this year? I know, I'll hire a scary sea monster who's going to give my kid nightmares and guarantee years of future therapy.

BIG market for THAT.

The reason the pretty mers are so successful is because that's what the market wants. You can brand yourself any way you want, and even be great at it, but if no one wants to hire that scary merman, you're gonna starve. If you want to be a scary mer-monster privately, that's your thing. But if you're looking to make money, GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT.

I'm not being rude. I'm being a realist.

[Sevryn]

Kids aren't going to want scary merman monsters? Lol What kids have you been talking to? Kids love scary things! Especially when it comes to animals and creatures. I currently work with The MerFriends based out of Texas and we do a mix of different kinds of events, not just kids stuff. My personal mission is animal conservation so I'm more focused on work involving aquariums and raising awareness. Kid's parties are great, but I'd rather try to save some sharks. I don't feel like this is a career that is money driven, rather it's more passion driven. And I'd happily take a side job to help get by or starve on the street before I'd be a sellout. If you're only out to make money this is the wrong career path.

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[Merman Dan]

The reason the pretty mers are so successful is because that's what the market wants.

Except on Freeform. ;)
http://cdn02.cdn.justjaredjr.com/wp-content/uploads/headlines/2017/10/siren-mermaidday.jpg

[Ransom]

Except on Freeform. ;)
http://cdn02.cdn.justjaredjr.com/wp-content/uploads/headlines/2017/10/siren-mermaidday.jpgWish I could've seen her for myself. That was badass.

[Sevryn]

Except on Freeform. ;)
http://cdn02.cdn.justjaredjr.com/wp-content/uploads/headlines/2017/10/siren-mermaidday.jpg

Omg so much thank you, I was trying to find this myself! [emoji4]

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[BlueCorvidae]

While I don't have any advice for breaking out of the stereotype for men, (I'm a chick in a male-dominated industry, I've never tried the other way around, lol) I do have an idea for setting yourself apart from other mers; learn some magic.

I have a local professional pirate that I've run into a couple of times, named Commodore Mayhem. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/williammayhem/about/) The guy is probably the biggest in our local field. He shows up as a guest at cons, can frequently be found in St. Augustine's pirate museum to give tours and give even more background information on exhibits, and is great with the public. Now central Florida is full of pirates and pirate enthusiasts. (Myself included.) It might take a little bit of time and money to get yourself a costume and learn up on pirate history, but Mayhem stands out from the literal thousands of pirates in the area. Why?

Because he's also a magician. I'm not kidding, he has a few tricks that he carries around with him and puts on some magic shows whenever it strikes his fancy. Kids love it, adults love it too. Honestly, if you start showing up around your area as a merman street-performer doing magic tricks, you'll probably make a bigger name for yourself locally a lot faster than if you were just trying to be a merman. (Mermaids could probably take this advice as well.) You don't have to do any major expensive stunts like Criss Angel, just a handful of tricks you can buy from any magic shop. Get a few that look cool, learn them, start performing them. You'd be surprised how far they take you.

[Sevryn]

While I don't have any advice for breaking out of the stereotype for men, (I'm a chick in a male-dominated industry, I've never tried the other way around, lol) I do have an idea for setting yourself apart from other mers; learn some magic.

I have a local professional pirate that I've run into a couple of times, named Commodore Mayhem. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/williammayhem/about/) The guy is probably the biggest in our local field. He shows up as a guest at cons, can frequently be found in St. Augustine's pirate museum to give tours and give even more background information on exhibits, and is great with the public. Now central Florida is full of pirates and pirate enthusiasts. (Myself included.) It might take a little bit of time and money to get yourself a costume and learn up on pirate history, but Mayhem stands out from the literal thousands of pirates in the area. Why?

Because he's also a magician. I'm not kidding, he has a few tricks that he carries around with him and puts on some magic shows whenever it strikes his fancy. Kids love it, adults love it too. Honestly, if you start showing up around your area as a merman street-performer doing magic tricks, you'll probably make a bigger name for yourself locally a lot faster than if you were just trying to be a merman. (Mermaids could probably take this advice as well.) You don't have to do any major expensive stunts like Criss Angel, just a handful of tricks you can buy from any magic shop. Get a few that look cool, learn them, start performing them. You'd be surprised how far they take you.This is awesome thank you so much! That's definitely a great idea.

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[Mermaid_Victoria]

This is awesome thank you so much! That's definitely a great idea.

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I sent you a private message becuz I had a few questions/ideas for you. :)

[Ransom]

Kids aren't going to want scary merman monsters? Lol What kids have you been talking to? Kids love scary things! Especially when it comes to animals and creatures. I currently work with The MerFriends based out of Texas and we do a mix of different kinds of events, not just kids stuff. My personal mission is animal conservation so I'm more focused on work involving aquariums and raising awareness. Kid's parties are great, but I'd rather try to save some sharks. I don't feel like this is a career that is money driven, rather it's more passion driven. And I'd happily take a side job to help get by or starve on the street before I'd be a sellout. If you're only out to make money this is the wrong career path.

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All the best, Sevryn! Really glad you're doing what you love; it'll be even better if you can turn it into career capital in the future. I can't recommend Cal Newport's book "So Good They Can't Ignore You" enough.

Can you share a little more on your performance and conservation work? That'll help us find better angles for ourselves too, and find a way to make breaking the mould work for us.

[Dogfish]

woah that spooky mermaid pic is amazing :D I think as performers, mermen/mermaids should be able to make of it whatever they want. There are lots of theatrical companies that I bet would love an underwater performer that was scary. It's a very specific market anyway so no harm in going all out on what you love. There used to be a circus themed horror show in the UK that based their whole performance on elaborate horrifying creatures found in sideshows, it became quite a cult classic.

[Aquos Savar]

I am a mermen, been one for 4 years now. I haven't revealed it to my family, and only a couple of friends know. When i told my friends, they instantly asked if i was gay...which i'm not. THAT question alone makes me not want to tell relatives about my like of mermaids, it's a stereotype that everything a women does that a men do, it's perceived as gay. It really pisses me off (Sorry, those were some big words right there), and that's why i don't tell people of my tail. I swim in secret, and live in secret.

Society has advanced in so many ways, but others, not so much. There's still a big hate on gays, people of color, immigrants, middle easterns, and we consider ourselves better than the past...i don't think so.

[SpiderMerman]

I am a mermen, been one for 4 years now. I haven't revealed it to my family, and only a couple of friends know. When i told my friends, they instantly asked if i was gay...which i'm not. THAT question alone makes me not want to tell relatives about my like of mermaids, it's a stereotype that everything a women does that a men do, it's perceived as gay. It really pisses me off (Sorry, those were some big words right there), and that's why i don't tell people of my tail. I swim in secret, and live in secret.

Society has advanced in so many ways, but others, not so much. There's still a big hate on gays, people of color, immigrants, middle easterns, and we consider ourselves better than the past...i don't think so.I agree with you on all on this because its the same with me but not as long as you only for a year or so but only 2 of my friends know but they understand to be whatever you want to be and don't let anyone stop you from being yourself which I still find hard to do when everything I do I get judged so its hard to trust people including family my family judges me about the things I do of buy or even watch and wear so I don't tell them anything no more so I keep things to myself and scared to tell people things but never let it stop you from being your true self.

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[Skyla]

From what I've seen so far it seems that mermen have a much harder time getting work within the range of mermaid jobs. As a merman myself I do find that pretty discouraging, but I'm interested in what other peoples experiences have been (men and maids alike) regarding the topic. Have you seen something in alignment to this theory? And when mermen are hired, is what they can expect different?

Ultimately I'm asking because I would love to do gigs and things of that nature but am not sure what sorts of challenges I'd be facing and what I should expect going into it.To be honest, I don't really understand people.. under the sea is the same as here! They have all kind of mermaid and also merman... Some humans are really stupid.. don't bother with them and don't be discouraged! I guess the whole mermaid/merman thing is really new for them.. so be a bit patient[emoji178]

[emoji224]Sent from my Shellphone[emoji224]

[Mermaid Momo]

Honestly if trying to make a name for yourself in such a niche market going too far out of what is demanded for that market isn't a smart choice, especially as a newbie. It's simple fact that the bread winning gigs are merpeople are kids events (parties, school events, community events, etc) with the rare adult event eveey now and then (weddings, adult parties, releases, etc) so making sure you are marketable to the majority is the smartest choice and sorry to say no kid wants a scary merman at their party or children's event.

Best bet is to play up the warrior and pirate merman aspect of it vs. The Monster look/ persona. The most successful mermen that book lots of gigs are the ones who bring weapon props like tridents and market themselfs as warriors and gods. (Basically play into stereotypical masculinity the same way mermaid performers play into stereotypical femininity )



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[Mermaid Kane]

Honestly if trying to make a name for yourself in such a niche market going too far out of what is demanded for that market isn't a smart choice, especially as a newbie. It's simple fact that the bread winning gigs are merpeople are kids events (parties, school events, community events, etc) with the rare adult event eveey now and then (weddings, adult parties, releases, etc) so making sure you are marketable to the majority is the smartest choice and sorry to say no kid wants a scary merman at their party or children's event.

Best bet is to play up the warrior and pirate merman aspect of it vs. The Monster look/ persona. The most successful mermen that book lots of gigs are the ones who bring weapon props like tridents and market themselfs as warriors and gods. (Basically play into stereotypical masculinity the same way mermaid performers play into stereotypical femininity )
Sad but true. Good luck to those who try.