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I want to go into the business of being professional mermaid. The only problem is that I'm overweight and my dad keeps telling me that I won't get any clients because I'm fat and that I'm too big to be a mermaid. Is there any other plus-sized mermaid/mermen out there who feel like this? What do you say to people who make fun of your weight when your in your mer-character? How do you feel more comfortable in your tail?
I'm sorry that your father is not more supportive of your goal. I am not defending what he said by any means, but part of me wonders if as a concerned parent he said those things to you because he fears you will be met with criticism (since you may not fit the conventional mold of what society deems a mermaid is "supposed" to look like) and doesn't want to see you get hurt. I think that if human women come in all shapes and sizes.. why not mermaids too?
I had a baby about 3 months ago, and while my body isn't where I'd like it to be, I don't consider myself "fit" just yet. In order to feel more comfortable in my tail I hide the loose skin from my baby bump with a fishnet belt. I am also in the process of ordering a modest top instead of a seashell bra so I don't show as much skin. I think that what it comes down to is how you feel inside. I feel beautiful in my tail and I think it shows when I wear it. If you have the right attitude, you can win people over no matter what.. Even if you don't fit the stereotypical mermaid body-type.
There are several plus sized mermaids, and I think yes- they do have to face some challenges. But I'll be honest with you, all of us get picked on in one way or another as a mermaid simply for the fact we're doing something odd and different. I'm of the mind that, if people are going to judge you anyway, you might as well do what you want. Instead of letting what they find aesthetically pleasing dictate how you live your life. I understand you're opening yourself up to be vulnerable in a way that some other sized mers may not when you decide to do public gigs etc... but I still think screw em if they don't like it ;) Many mers also find swimming in a tail helps them lose weight.
I'm not considered plus size but I'd had people say things to me about my weight too, or a muffin top, or unflattering roll. Never at gigs though. Usually just on the internet. lol. So I try not to care. Right now I am trying to keep my work up despite having this crazy lisp from a dental appliance that makes me almost incomprehendible! (is that even a word or did I make it up) ugh! No one teases though. Kids are just so happy to see a mermaid.<3 they are more interested in our tails then our weight, or a lisp ;)
I sometimes get picked on for something that's not my weight - I have a minor skin condition, which makes me not look so "typical mermaid" - so just know that there will always be people trying to pick on folks just because we're different...
...That being said, I know some larger mers who totally rock it! I am totally in awe of how quickly they can swim, and how comfortable they are in the water, and how gracefully they move... While I have trouble even sinking below the surface :P I personally happen to love the idea of mers with some extra insulation! Anyone can be a mermaid, if they want to be!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSXpWrVmPxM
I actually have a few of what you might call "plus-size mers" in my mermaids playlist on youtube, and they are all beautiful :3 If you need some videos to show your dad to prove that larger mermaids are just as awesome, you can show him some of those!
I'm sorry you're farther isn't as supportive as he should be. :c I'm a plus sized mermaid and I've owned it, in a way. I'm not little and I don't pretend to be. No one had ever said anything negative and I was honestly surprised by that. If you're dealing with kids, they're just so happy and/or in shock that there's a mermaid that they don't care about what you look like. They focus on the tail. :p As for adults, you just have to hope that they have enough common decency to not say anything rude.
As for being comfortable in my tail, I always keep my tummy covered. I've worn swim dresses, takini tops, and a corset. Personally, as long as I feel pretty, I'm good. Nice makeup and a good bra keep my spirits up lol.
I agree with everyone else that you should do what makes you happy :)
However, coming from a professional stand point, I will be honest: the entertainment industry is shallow. No matter how you look at it, that will always be part of it. I know I've been contacted for gigs and photo shoots because people liked my photos, but then was told they were no longer interested when I gave them my size specs. In these cases I was passed up for super skinny mermaids, even though they were a lot pricier in rates and they had to pay to fly said mermaids in. So things like that can happen, you just have to be prepared for it and not let it get to you.
Im a guy, and most Normal people think of mermen as Strong, muscular, hot guys. Im the skinny type, but i don't care.
Do what you wanna do. Don't feel trapped
I also am I "not so little" mermaid and I've been swimming all summer in a VERY amateur tail but you know what I've had plenty of people ask for bookings and things for kids. I don't do this for a business like others mine is strictly fun for now. However if you're looking for insight on being a plus mer I recommend talking the Merlisa AKA Little Orca. She is a plus sized mermaid but VERY popular on the net.
Like they said it's all about attitude, you're going to have haters and obsticals in every profession. Just remember to keep swimming and believe in yourself.
Hello.
Plus-sized mermaid here.
Iona is right, the entertainment industry is shallow. And yet, one could lose all the weight and there would still be something that someone doesn't like about you. Being not-skinny, you have ALL the odds stacked against you. But buggar the haters and don't play the victim of their pathetic games.
My advice would be this: Steer clear of mainstream media. They have no substantial interest in you other then sensationalism.
The good thing about mermaiding is that, the natural shape of a tail is flattering to ANY figure. I'm bigger than most mers in my area and still, I find myself drawing the most flattering attention (not simply haters). It's not just my shape that defines who I am, it's the way I perform; the way I move my hair, my facial expressions, my actions, my costume choices that bring out my best features, my eyes (from a wide-eyed innocence to a soul piercing stare) makeup, etc.
Don't let your body shape set you back - that's nothing in the grand scheme of things. Just start small and don't overwhelm yourself too much.
Oh, and your dad is a pessimistic bastard for telling you you won't get clients. You'll get clients, I promise you.
I'm a chubby performing mermaid, but here in Belgium where I live they call chubby fat. :( Kids don't mind it but it's their parent that react like every mermaid has to be very skinny :(
Historic depictions show mermaids often on the bigger side:
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which fits the "aquatic mammal" theme.
While thin, waiflike mermaids look pretty, they obviously aren't sea mammals.
Many cultures refer to mermaids as waterspirits or waterfairies, so there.
But the bigger mermammal still exists too. :)