The Official "How to Become a Professional Mermaid" Index

[AniaR]

So, I'm taking the liberty of starting an index to put all the relevant threads for this question. It gets asked a lot on mernetwork in one form or another, and I also get it constantly. Some of these links are off site, but are all relevant. This is meant to be the bullet form. If you want in-depth information you NEED to click the links.

Disclaimer: Please remember that this majority of this information is contributed by current professional mermaids, and brainstormed by the current mermaid community. As a whole "we" do not endorse swimming alone, or trying anything at home that may cause you injury. Always have a swim buddy present and USE YOUR OWN DISCRETION. We are not responsible for any harm you may experience when following these suggestions.


How to Become a Professional Mermaid

1. Choose or Make a Tail + Costume
Can't be a mermaid professionally if you don't have a tail. First you need to decide if you're going to buy one or make one. If you want to buy one first you should head over to the Tail Maker Reviews (http://mernetwork.com/index/forumdisplay.php?74-Tailmaker-Reviews) and discussions, (http://mernetwork.com/index/forumdisplay.php?18-Tailmaker-Discussions) you may also want to check out the classifieds (http://mernetwork.com/index/forumdisplay.php?17-Classifieds)

If you want to make one you SHOULD FIRST READ THIS REFERENCE GUIDE (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?2633-%E2%98%86%E2%9A%A0TAILMAKING-REFERENCE-INDEX%E2%9A%A0%E2%98%86-Look-here-BEFORE-you-post-any-questions!) you may also find it helpful to look at the monofin guide (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?2909-MONOFINS-THE-OFFICIAL-THREAD) before asking questions.
You can make your own accessories and see examples here (http://mernetwork.com/index/forumdisplay.php?29-Accessories), or buy them from here (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?2558-The-Official-Merfolk-Accessories-Store-List)

If you need to fundraise for a tail please read THIS (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?5156-Some-points-about-fundraising-for-mermaid-tails&p=72571#post72571)for some help

2. Practice your swimming
Before you set out professionally, hone your craft. Check out the thread about underwater tricks (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?297-The-Official-Underwater-Tricks-Thread!)here are some tips on breath holding, (http://rainamermaid.tumblr.com/post/27621612371/someone-asked-me-about-breath-holds)and be sure to checkout the section of the forum on swimming. (http://mernetwork.com/index/forumdisplay.php?34-Tail-Swimming)

3. Do these very important things!
On page 20 of Tail Flip Issue #2 (http://issuu.com/t_obrecht/docs/tail_flip_issue_2) we compiled the most important things you can do to start and help your mermaid career into an article as submitted by the community of professional mermaids. It touches on a variety of important topics like business cards, insurance performance, professional attitude and more.

4. Decide what types of gigs you want to do
Here's an index of types of gigs you can do (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?2756-Professional-Mermaid-Gigs-%28index-amp-ideas-from-Raina%29) as a mermaid (some) with photo examples and Q&A

5. Get Online!
Use this handy dandy index of social networking sites (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?3296-Social-Networking-and-Other-Websites-for-your-Mer-persona&p=42159#post42159) to promote your mermaid persona!

6. Learn about your photo rights
Are you going to be posing for photos? Are you going to be taking photos? Learn your rights! (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?3086-Photography-amp-Professional-Mermaiding)

7. Make Sure you're Prepared
Make sure you're prepared for your professional gigs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyDglSOLd90). Here's a video example of me getting prepared with tips for you.


Other Pieces of Important Information



If you're a "guest" reading this on mernetwork, or reading this on another site, consider joining mernetwork (http://www.mernetwork.com)so you can talk to other mers and ask questions and get ideas!
Here's a few questions people have asked me (http://rainamermaid.tumblr.com/post/25905744072/how-did-you-end-up-as-a-mermaid-id-like-no-love) on tumblr
Don't forget these other helpful mer-related websites such as: The Merfolk Co-Op (http://themerfolkco-op.com/) or The Mernetwork on FB (https://www.facebook.com/pages/MerNetwork/178252078914614)or the DeviantART group (http://deviantartmermaids.deviantart.com/)
Read published articles (http://mernetwork.com/index/forumdisplay.php?78-Mers-in-the-News) about your fellow mermaids for ideas!
Still have a question...? Still not sure? Post in this forum (http://mernetwork.com/index/forumdisplay.php?37-Professional-Mermaiding)or ask me (http://rainamermaid.tumblr.com/ask) specifically on tumblr and I'll answer!
You might enjoy my book: "Fishy" Business: How to be a Mermaid (http://rai925.wix.com/howtobeamermaid)
Don't forget to check out the threads in the Professional Mermaiding Index (http://mernetwork.com/index/forumdisplay.php?37-Professional-Mermaiding)


I hope this will be helpful to you. I will continue to update it with links from around the web.




Edit: some updates!

Just wanted to add, I make two tutorials a while back regarding FB that are important for running your mermaid fan page:

1. How to use your FB fanpage (including how to show who owns the fanpage publicly, or disable that [since you know, apparently I made that up? *rolls eyes* lol], managing admin settings, and retaining copies of communication) http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?5414-Getting-to-know-your-facebook-fan-page-A-GUIDE

2. An article about "buying" "fake" likes: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?5641-Why-Buying-FB-likes-makes-your-company-look-Stupid



Also if you have questions that are not answered here, you can ask me in this thread: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6134-Ask-me-Anything-about-going-Pro!

Here is also a post about mermaid accounting: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6272-Mermaids-DO-YOUR-ACCOUNTING

Edit #2: More updates!

http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?7122-Health-Risks-When-Mermaiding-in-POOLS&highlight=risks is a link about the health risks you can face while swimming in a pool

You may also want to buy my book from www.makemeamermaid.com (http://www.makemeamermaid.com) to see all the info I've collected, plus follow this thread for discount codes: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?4344-Fishy-Business-How-to-be-a-Mermaid

Consider this for how to get new likes on facebook http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?7249-Raina-s-Guide-to-Getting-new-Likes-on-Facebook

Join the linked in group: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?7223-Professional-Mermaids-and-Tailmakers-Group-on-LinkedIn

Edit #3 More updates!

Using your anayltics to help your websites: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?7849-Using-Analytics-to-Help-Your-Web-Business&p=123050#post123050

Consider attending one of my workshops! http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?7645-Online-Workshop-The-Fishy-Business-of-Being-a-Mermaid

What to pack for a mer gig http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?7548-What-to-Pack-for-a-Mer-gig

[Merrow Fair Isle]

This is amazing info. Good to know about attitude and professionalism even if you aren't going pro. Even wearing just about any tail , fabric or silicone, out in public will garner attention and curiosity. Nice to remember that in those times, though not professional by title, you are still a representitive for the community at large. People on a beach or pool, or even on social networks may not understand, or simply embrace the moment to be mean or cruel by teasing or mocking your choice to be a mer...responding with kindness in the face of such adversity nit only speaks highly of you, but of merfolk everywhere.

Thanks for this , Raina!

[SeaGlass Siren]

Thank you :) I need these swimming tips. I don't plan on going professional I plan on doing it for my own self satisfaction lol if that's alright x)

[AniaR]

thanks I'm glad you find it helpful

[Marilla]

I do hope to do children's parties, so this is quite helpful! Thanks for being such a thoughtful mer!

xoxo~ Marilla

[AniaR]

I am also publishing a book next month that expands on all this information :) and then some :D

[AniaR]

I thought I'd add this post I made for Tail Flip, since it shows all the articles people may find helpful in becoming a professional mermaid!

Tail Flip Magazine at a Glance
Follow Tail Flip on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TailFlip
http://media.tumblr.com/abbcc50fd0f687924b263e2fbd53bf02/tumblr_inline_mmn5s5nbdH1qz4rgp.png

What's Been Done Before: https://www.facebook.com/notes/tail-...55341347928727 (https://www.facebook.com/notes/tail-flip-magazine/whats-been-done-before-articles-nominations/255341347928727)

How to Submit Content: https://www.facebook.com/notes/tail-...83739215088941 (https://www.facebook.com/notes/tail-flip-magazine/how-to-submit-content-ads-articles-events-photos/183739215088941)

How to Get Involved: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152658764315425

About Tail Flip:
The brain child of Raina the Halifax Mermaid Tail Flip would not be possible if not for her hard work and inspiration. While being assembled by Mermaid Sirena as are many of the advertisment.

Raina & Sirena founded this idea out of a common want for a magazine centered completely around the mer-community. Tail Flip is for the mer-community, and by the mer-community. It is intended to be a resource for you, an extension of the community, and a product of it. The majority of the articles are written or contributed by community members, & the few that aren’t were written upon request. You’re going to see some unique perspectives & hear more about projects!

There are so many interesting people in our world both mer & non-mer alike. There are so many who are concerned with the environment that an e-magazine was a unanimous choice. In addition, the magazine is completely free! This would not be possible without the volunteering of many members. Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed, this is what community is all about!

Past Issues:

Click here to view the original image of 720x720px.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/270820_336768539786007_446035732_n.jpg

Issue #5

Cover photo by:
Free Dive Photo: www.freedivephoto.com (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freedivephoto.com&h=jAQHR2JLa&s=1)
Cover model: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-M...194689?fref=ts (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mermaid-Atlantis/345372802194689?fref=ts)
This is Tail Flip Issue #5 You can read it here: http://issuu.com/t_obrecht/docs/tail_flip_issue_5 (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fissuu.com%2Ft_obrecht%2Fdocs% 2Ftail_flip_issue_5&h=8AQGN_D53&s=1)

Table of Contents for this issue:
Mernetwork Server Issues
Book review
Meet the Cover Model
Buoyancy and Sinking Tips
Mer of the Issue
Mer Model: Eric the Merman
How to Deal with Chlorine's Negative Effects
Mer world Online and Events
Interview with Clay mermaid
The Legend of the Kraken
Poem
Mer model: Ashley Nadine
Featured Tail Maker
The Road Home
DeviantART feature
Mermaid Jokes
Community Spread
Letter to the Readers



Click here to view the original image of 510x720px.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/s720x720/303089_336769209785940_1025021836_n.jpg
Issue #4


Cover photo by:
Greg Amptman's Undersea Discoveries, website: http://underseadiscoveries.com/ (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Funderseadiscoveries.com%2F&h=NAQGlLTtp&s=1)
Cover model: http://www.facebook.com/MermaidIona
This is Tail Flip Issue #4 You can read it here: http://issuu.com/t_obrecht/docs/mermaid_magazine_issue_4 (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fissuu.com%2Ft_obrecht%2Fdocs% 2Fmermaid_magazine_issue_4&h=TAQG2qZi8&s=1)

Table of Contents for This Issue:
Protect our oceans with 10 easy steps
Mer of the Issue
Global Mermaid Faces
Derek Photography
DIY Treasure Chest
Aquarium Mermaids
Social Networking for Mers
Cover Model: Iona
Tail Care Maintenance
Mer Model Interview: Canadian Mermaid Marie
Book review
No Ordinary Treasure Hunt
Poem and Mers in Music
Mer Model Interview: Ide
Advice for booking a gig with Dr Sketchy
Rules for Dating a Mer
Featured Tail Maker
DeviantART feature
Mer World Events
Mer care for mer hair
About




Click here to view the original image of 510x720px.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/394266_336769833119211_1051453494_n.png
Issue #3

Cover photo by: Peppi Portraits http://peppiportraits.com/ (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fpeppiportraits.com%2F&h=jAQHR2JLa&s=1)
featuring Mermaid Emily Drew: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Merma...ref=ts&fref=ts (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mermaid-Emily-Drew/528302233864878?ref=ts&fref=ts)
This is Tail Flip Issue #3 You can read it here: http://issuu.com/t_obrecht/docs/tail_flip_issue_3 (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fissuu.com%2Ft_obrecht%2Fdocs% 2Ftail_flip_issue_3&h=mAQEaYC_k&s=1)

Table of Contents For the Issue:
Types of Swimmable Tails
The Fan list of Movies
Merpalooza 2012
Merworld Online
Upcoming Events
The Celtic Merrow
Cover Model: Emily
Cover Model: Alexandria
Glass Straws
Review: Lost Voices
Review: Seven tears Into the Sea
Artist: David Ayala
DIY: Treasure Purse
Mer of the Issue: Lanai
DeviantART feature
Mer of the Issue: Raven



Click here to view the original image of 509x720px.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/431932_336770213119173_1285305419_n.jpgIssue #2


Cover photo:
Photographer/Editor - Kimmy Stafford
Model/Costume Design - Alexandria Rose
Hair/Makeup - Kimmy Stafford and Alexandria Rose
Assistants - Johnathan Fine, Michael Gregory and Matt Brearley

This is Tail Flip Issue #2 You can read it here: http://issuu.com/t_obrecht/docs/tail_flip_issue_2 (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fissuu.com%2Ft_obrecht%2Fdocs% 2Ftail_flip_issue_2&h=3AQEGepcd&s=1)

Table of Contents for the Issue:
Interview: Carolyn Turgeon
Merworld Online
Upcoming Events
DeviantART Spread
Interview: Kae-leah
Allure of Weeki Wachee
Hidden treasures: Florida Springs
Wishing for Longer Hair?
How to Write a Review
Book review: Mermaid Wisdom
DIY: Mermaid Barrette
10 Tips to Becoming a Professional Mermaid
Mermaid Fashion
About


Click here to view the original image of 509x720px.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/941336_336770926452435_100262642_n.jpgIssue #1


Cover photo shot by Susan Knight Studios: http://sk.susanknightstudios.com/gallery-list (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fsk.susanknightstudios.com%2Fg allery-list&h=ZAQHk4mtx&s=1)
Model: Mermaid Cydney FB: https://www.facebook.com/MermaidCydney?fref=ts

This is Tail Flip Issue #1 You can read it here: http://issuu.com/t_obrecht/docs/tail_flip_issue_1 (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fissuu.com%2Ft_obrecht%2Fdocs% 2Ftail_flip_issue_1&h=hAQH-S6sg&s=1)

table of Contents for this Issue:
The Mer Community
Mermen in the Community
Upcoming Events
Author interview
Alex plus and Tail Making
Mermaid Classes and Camps
Pacific Whale Foundation
World Mermaid Awards
Mer of the Issue
Mermaid Jewel
Mermaid Horoscopes
About

[AniaR]

original post updated with new links

[Spindrift]

Somebody get this spambot out of here.

[Mermaid Syrena]

@shihab04: Shoo, fly

[Usagi]

Why has there been so much spam recently? Seems like it kinda came outta nowhere.

[Kumori Kitsune]

I'd like to do birthday parties and what else I'm not sure

[AniaR]

Just wanted to add, I make two tutorials a while back regarding FB that are important for running your mermaid fan page:

1. How to use your FB fanpage (including how to show who owns the fanpage publicly, or disable that [since you know, apparently I made that up? *rolls eyes* lol], managing admin settings, and retaining copies of communication) http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?5414-Getting-to-know-your-facebook-fan-page-A-GUIDE

2. An article about "buying" "fake" likes: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?5641-Why-Buying-FB-likes-makes-your-company-look-Stupid



Also if you have questions that are not answered here, you can ask me in this thread: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6134-Ask-me-Anything-about-going-Pro!

Here is also a post about mermaid accounting: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6272-Mermaids-DO-YOUR-ACCOUNTING

[Mermaid Romy]

Holy moly this is the most useful thing I've found yet! Thanks so much Raina!

[Mermaid Adriel]

Interesting and useful, thanks! <3

[AniaR]

bumping this thread because I updated the main post.

[AniaR]

I added a few more links

[Vrindavana Starfish]

Tail Flip is brilliant. Thanks so much for putting that together!

[Mermaid Kassandra]

Thank you very much indeed Raina <3

[J.Nigma]

Question: what type of paperwork/certifications should you have being a professional mer? I know you need model releases but I vaguely remember something about insurance? Also I remember people saying they are certified Mermaids? How does one get insurance and become certified?

[Rebela Hunter]

Question: what type of paperwork/certifications should you have being a professional mer? I know you need model releases but I vaguely remember something about insurance? Also I remember people saying they are certified Mermaids? How does one get insurance and become certified?

Exactly my question as well! What paperwork and stuff would I have to go through to be able to do things like parties?

[The Harlem Mermaid]

HI Raina i have questions i think as to what constitute you as a professional mermaid. mean i considered myself a professional mermaid entertainer although I dont get paid for gigs, since I volunteer my time for it brings me so much joy, however i do have my website up and posted i am a entertainer for hire, i have appeared in several doc's and movie and currently appearing in another and also certified mermaid, wouldn't that make me a professional mermaid as well? I dont make a living as a professional mermaid like alot of you do, but none the less i feel that I am one. I just dont feel you need to be getting paid to be considered a professional mermaid there are many ways to entertain, just my thoughts appreciate your input as always i value your opion

[Mermaid_Auquita_123]

Thanks Raina! I hope to get your book for Christmas


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AniaR]

I did some vlogs I felt might go well in this thread!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCJpsfQMfUU


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRqvGEm5tW0