Need proof that I'm the original artist?
​Go watch the video where I literally cover the entire design process that went into this one-of-a-kind piece of artwork.

Above is my original design, front and back for my "T the Rex" mermaid tail. This tail was made in collaboration with my client who had something every specific in mind and it was an honour to bring this tail to life for them.

I can't tell you what it felt like to find out I was ripped off yet again, but that it wasn't just any tail, it was this tail... I'm beyond devastated.

My custom mermaid tails are made from scratch. We're talking a blank canvas. Each palette is carefully put together, the details carefully constructed. I put an immense amount of time into every aspect of the process because I know how much the fine details mean to my clients.

There is also an expectation that this is a ONE-OF-A-KIND design! That's the whole point! 😡

It's absolutely crushing and it left me wondering why I even bother anymore when this happens as often as it does.

Then I remember all the incredible clients I've had over the many years I've been doing this. The kind words, the love, the support. I can't thank you all enough! 💖

To my client, I know we've already spoken about this, but I am beside myself and so sorry that this happened. The frustration of not being able to protect my artwork outside of what I do by only sharing watermarked, low resolution images, is painful.

Not to mention the fact that AI is now being used to upscale images...

It really does feel a bit hopeless sometimes.

I will say though that this isn't going to stop me! Copycats like this have NOTHING without the original artists who pour their blood, sweat, and tears into their creative process.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and I am wishing you peace and light on your creative journeys, wherever they may take you. 🌈

Happy Swimming!

Courtney Mermaid

Hello my friends and fishes, today we are going to look at my brand new mermaid tail!

This is my official remake of Chester, my iconic mermaid tail that went viral across multiple platforms in multiple countries!

Why did I remake this tail? Excellent question! Let’s get into it!

First off, these two tail ARE NOT made of the same fabric. I mean they kind of are, it’s called the same stuff, but new Chester’s fabric is actually completely different.

This new fabric allows more water to pass through it, making it a MUCH lighter swimming experience. It also dries faster! A LOT FASTER! I timed it. Old Chester takes approximately 3 full days to dry whereas new Chester takes about a day. YEAH. YOU HEARD THAT RIGHT.

The fabric is also sourced IN CANADA! YES! My mermaid tails are now 100% Canadian made! You have no idea how happy this makes me because when I tell you sourcing fabric from the US has been a nightmare, it really and truly has.

It’s at this moment that I would like to give the hugest shoutout to my fellow mermaid tail maker Amy from SparklegirlCostume.com! The generosity and kindness she has shown not only myself but other makers in our community is beyond measure. She does not always get the credit she deserves and without her, I would not be in the position I am now and for that I am truly grateful.

Thank you Amy.

Now let’s talk about what else has changed with this tail, because YES THERE’S MORE!!

So not only is the fabric new, but so is the printing! You can see where the tails differ in terms of colour. Old Chester has colours that were never really intended (like the purple in the fluke) and you can see on new Chester that tail is far more accurate and the colours are more visibly clear.

I have ALSO added a protective gel coating over the “problem areas” including the sides of the monofin, the seam around the monofin pocket, the bum, the knees, and over my stitching at the waistband. This coating once heat-sealed permanent, and is resistant to damage both in and out of the water. I have tested it at the lake, at the pool, and with a nail file both in and out of the water.

It’s literally a merfolk miracle my dudes!!

The next thing that you will notice is that I have added boning to select fins on this tail. Boning is basically a narrow strip of flexible plastic which I carefully sew into specific channels along my fins to give them structure and support.

This makes a big difference for larger fins that have a tendency to collapse in on themselves, especially when you are posing for photos and swimming. I’ll tell you there isn’t anything quite like looking back at photos and finding out that your finds were folded over and look a bit uh… dumb.
The boning helps the fins hold their shape in the water as well which is incredible and really adds to the overall realism and mermaid vibe.

NOW.

For my big news…

Now that I have sourced a new supplier for both my fabric and printing, thanks to SparklegirlCostume.com I am FINALLY going to be able to open slots again for both pre-designed and custom mermaid tails.

BUT.

Yes there’s a but.

I will still not be publicly selling my tails. My tails will be available exclusively, in very limited quantities, to my Patreon Pod.

Why?

Because I have not had a good experience publicly selling my work. Honestly it’s been nightmarish at times and I have no interest in going back down that road. Thanks but no thanks.

Being a part of the Patreon Pod will not guarantee you access to my tails as it will be, like I mentioned, limited quantities. In the past what I’ve done is posted a tail slot and my patrons who were serious would let me know in the post and from there I would do a draw to try to make it more fair.

I may change or adjust that system at my own discretion moving forward but that is for future Courtney to worry about.

What is the Patreon Pod?

Well it’s my private online community made up of merfolk from all over the world. We have a private Discord where I do weekly livestreams, host events, and spent time with the pod! The Patreon Pod’s main page is where I share updates, behind the scenes, and replays of our livestreams.

​Check out the Patreon Pod here.

ALRIGHT! That’s it for me today my fishes!

Happy Swimming!
Courtney Mermaid

Watch me bring this realistic Avatar-inspired mermaid tail to life for a client! This one of a kind design was available to the Patreon Pod which you can check out here: https://www.patreon.com/vancouvermermaid 

Buy my mermaid tail making eBooks here: https://vancouvermermaid.gumroad.com/

​I recreated one of my favourite mermaid tails of all time! This is Jewel, based off of the incredible mermaid tails worn in the film Hook (with Robin Williams).

​One of a kind dragon mermaid tail named Brimstone that I MADE in Adobe Photoshop on my Wacom Cintiq 16 and then sewed using my trusty Singer! 🔥🐲

​ Fabric mermaid tails ARE NOT INDESTRUCTABLE and scuba knit is NOT what you think!