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Thread: The Official "How to Become a Professional Mermaid" Index

  1. #1
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    The Official "How to Become a Professional Mermaid" Index

    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 and discussions, you may also want to check out the classifieds

    If you want to make one
    you SHOULD FIRST READ THIS REFERENCE GUIDE you may also find it helpful to look at the monofin guide before asking questions.
    You can make your own accessories and see examples here, or buy them from here

    If you need to fundraise for a tail
    please read THIS for some help

    2. Practice your swimming
    Before you set out professionally, hone your craft. Check out the thread about underwater tricks here are some tips on breath holding, and be sure to checkout the section of the forum on swimming.

    3. Do these very important things!
    On page 20 of 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 as a mermaid (some) with photo examples and Q&A

    5. Get Online!
    Use this handy dandy index of social networking sites 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!

    7. Make Sure you're Prepared

    Make sure you're prepared for your professional gigs. Here's a video example of me getting prepared with tips for you.


    Other Pieces of Important Information




    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/showthre...n-page-A-GUIDE

    2. An article about "buying" "fake" likes: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...ny-look-Stupid



    Also if you have questions that are not answered here, you can ask me in this thread: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...bout-going-Pro!

    Here is also a post about mermaid accounting: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...OUR-ACCOUNTING

    Edit #2: More updates!

    http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...ighlight=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 to see all the info I've collected, plus follow this thread for discount codes: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...o-be-a-Mermaid

    Consider this for how to get new likes on facebook http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...es-on-Facebook

    Join the linked in group: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...up-on-LinkedIn

    Edit #3 More updates!

    Using your anayltics to help your websites: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...050#post123050

    Consider attending one of my workshops! http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...eing-a-Mermaid

    What to pack for a mer gig http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...-for-a-Mer-gig
    Last edited by AniaR; 04-18-2014 at 10:00 PM.

  2. #2
    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!

  3. #3
    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)

  4. #4
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    thanks I'm glad you find it helpful

  5. #5
    Member Pod of The South Marilla's Avatar
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    I do hope to do children's parties, so this is quite helpful! Thanks for being such a thoughtful mer!

    xoxo~ Marilla
    User formerly known as "Errngwir".

    At night I sit and dream of a cozy sandstone cave on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, of all the places in the world that I've been, it is there I wish to be...

    I'm glad I am a woman who once danced naked in the Mediterranean Sea at midnight.
    ~Mercedes McCambridge

  6. #6
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    I am also publishing a book next month that expands on all this information and then some

  7. #7
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    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


    What's Been Done Before: https://www.facebook.com/notes/tail-...55341347928727

    How to Submit Content: https://www.facebook.com/notes/tail-...83739215088941

    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.


    Issue #5

    Cover photo by:
    Free Dive Photo: www.freedivephoto.com
    Cover model: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-M...194689?fref=ts
    This is Tail Flip Issue #5 You can read it here: http://issuu.com/t_obrecht/docs/tail_flip_issue_5

    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.

    Issue #4


    Cover photo by:
    Greg Amptman's Undersea Discoveries, website: http://underseadiscoveries.com/
    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

    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.

    Issue #3

    Cover photo by: Peppi Portraits http://peppiportraits.com/
    featuring Mermaid Emily Drew: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Merma...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

    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.
    Issue #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

    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.
    Issue #1


    Cover photo shot by Susan Knight Studios: http://sk.susanknightstudios.com/gallery-list
    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

    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

  8. #8
    Senior Member Undisclosed Pod
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    original post updated with new links

  9. #9
    Somebody get this spambot out of here.
    "SeaSparkles" "Spindrift" "Enakai" "Cuddlefish" "Confused"
    Professionally performing as Enakai Fairyfish

    Enakai Fairyfish: FB | IG

  10. #10
    Senior Member Mermaid Syrena's Avatar
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    Add Mermaid Syrena on Facebook
    @shihab04: Shoo, fly
    User formerly known as "magickshewrote".

    Syrena, Singapore's First Mermaid.“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.” - Roald Dahl.

    Join me at www.facebook.com/syrenaswims
    I'm Cara Clandestine (magickshewrote@gmail.com) on Facebook.

  11. #11
    Senior Member Pod of Cali Usagi's Avatar
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    Why has there been so much spam recently? Seems like it kinda came outta nowhere.
    Do you want this anemone to sting you?
    ......yes!

  12. #12
    I'd like to do birthday parties and what else I'm not sure

  13. #13
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    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/showthre...n-page-A-GUIDE

    2. An article about "buying" "fake" likes: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...ny-look-Stupid



    Also if you have questions that are not answered here, you can ask me in this thread: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...bout-going-Pro!

    Here is also a post about mermaid accounting: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...OUR-ACCOUNTING

  14. #14
    Senior Member Pod of Oceania Mermaid Romy's Avatar
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    Holy moly this is the most useful thing I've found yet! Thanks so much Raina!

  15. #15
    Interesting and useful, thanks! <3
    (Formerly known as Mermaid Claudia)

  16. #16
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    bumping this thread because I updated the main post.

  17. #17
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    I added a few more links

  18. #18
    Senior Member Pod of the Southwest Vrindavana Starfish's Avatar
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    Tail Flip is brilliant. Thanks so much for putting that together!

  19. #19
    Thank you very much indeed Raina <3
    Follow me at Facebook - YouTube - Instagram - Twitter - Google+ - or ask me anything you like at Ask.fm

    <a href="http://freegifmaker.me/images/2fiQu/"><img src="http://i.freegifmaker.me/1/5/5/8/4/6/15584685451852341.gif?1558468561" alt="gifs website"/></a><br/><a href="http://www.freegifmaker.me/">FreeGifMaker.me<a/>

    ~мєямαι∂ кαѕѕαи∂яα~

  20. #20
    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?

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