Speaking of Dublin…I’m loving it here! Sorry I’ve been so quiet - getting
acclimated and starting my new gig at Riot has left little time for blogging, aside from
the constant photos I’m snapping on Instagram. A few of my favorites are above!
I’ve already found an apartment and can’t wait to move in on the 13th -
that’s when all my belongings arrive from the States, and I’ll get the
kitties back shortly after that. So excited to reunite with them.
More updates soon - I’m slowly transitioning into life across the pond! :D
04/27/14
Photoshoot: Garth Ennis’ Preacher
This was a fun little project we managed to fit in just before I took off for Dublin.
I’d wanted to shoot some Preacher-themed images for years, and moving across the
world lit the fire under my butt to get them done with friends Randy Foos and Keith Zen. For me this
shoot was much less about costuming (I got almost everything off Amazon in one go) and
more about paying tribute to the mood the comics envoked - Preacher being my all-time
favorite comic series, ever.
Hope you enjoy! Thank you to Françous for the stellar photos, and to Antonio’s Nuthouse for letting us take over the bar!
04/27/14
Cosplay Charity Shop Results: $2535.86 Donated To The Trevor Project
I can’t thank you guys enough for the overwhelming support during my first charity
print drive - both those of you who purchased, and those who spread the word. Because of
your generosity, we raised $2535.86 to aid the wonderful work done by The Trevor
Project. As promised, above is documentation of costs incurred as
well as proof of the final donation.
I’ll open the Charity Print Shop again this holiday season to benefit a new cause -
allowing me to fulfill orders while I’m back home in the US for the holidays.
I’ll have news on that drive a few months down the line.
HUGE THANK YOU to the photographers that allowed me to sell prints of their work - Jay Tablante, Andrew H Photo, LJinto, I Must be
Dead Photography, Elysiam Entertainment, Anna Cosplay
Photography, Adam Patrick Murray, Martin
Wong, Benny Lee Photography, BGZ Studios, Fairshadow
Photography, Aminda
Villa, Downward
Viral, and Janie Marie. Also, thank you to Luc Wen, Charles Holbert,
and Vincent Pizarro for
allowing me to turn their artwork into stickers!
Lastly, thanks to Monika Lee for helping me get this store off the ground and
putting up with my panicked texts and emails as I tried to manage all the stages of
fulfillment. <3
04/01/14
Open for a limited time: Charitable Cosplay Shop
Another bit of exciting news!
I’m frequently asked if I sell prints of
my cosplay work. I don’t. From a personal perspective I’d rather keep my
hobby just that, and not feel bogged down by blurring the lines and running a business.
However, I think I’ve found a happy medium! After coordinating with
the many talented photographers I’ve worked with over the years, I’ve opened a limited
shop with prints to benefit charity - specifically The Trevor
Project. Please read the FAQ for more info on how the donation will be made, but
note that all proceeds will make there way to the selected charity. I will not be making
a profit from this store.
The shop must close on March 10 - I need enough
time to fulfill orders before I leave for Dublin in April. All prints 8x10 and buy 4,
get 1 free. Please indicate in the buyer’s notes if you’d like them
signed or personalized - I don’t want to scribble all over the art unless
it’s what you’re looking for!
I’d much
appreciate help spreading the word so we can make a big donation! As always, thanks for
the support!
02/28/14
Finding Adventure
Today marks a major milestone in my career – something simultaneously exciting and sad,
just as closing a chapter of life always is.
After three incredible years,
my time at Crystal Dynamics is coming to an end. I’ve accepted a new industry job and
will be moving abroad to Dublin, Ireland. I’ll be working as a European Community
Programs Specialist at Riot Games, helping to establish exciting engagement
opportunities for the League of Legends community. Not coincidentally, launching cosplay
initiatives will be one of my areas of focus, affording me the rare opportunity of
uniting my career and my hobby in one place.
I’m sure some of you are
surprised by this news, as I’m regularly vocal about just how influential Tomb Raider has been in my life. That being
said, Lara Croft is one of the many reasons I’ve embraced this new opportunity. Since a
young age, Tomb Raider has inspired me to face my fears, to rise and meet challenges,
and to always seek out new adventures. Moving abroad alone is equal parts terrifying and
thrilling, and I can’t help but imagine it’s what a young Lara would do in my shoes.
To my co-workers: Crystal Dynamics is and will continue to be one of the
most passionate and dedicated groups of people that I’ve ever had the honor to work
with. I swell with pride when thinking of the amazing work that’s been done at the
studio, and I have no doubt that you will continue to establish new industry standards
in the future. I’ll still be one of Tomb Raider’s biggest fans – only now I’ll have a
shot at avoiding spoilers.
To my fellow Tomb Raider fans: I’m
extraordinarily lucky to have met so many of you. Being Crystal Dynamics’ Community
Manager has afforded me unparalleled experiences, and made my life richer because of all
the friendships forged, memories made, and lessons learned. I will never forget our time
examining ancient Egyptian relics together at the Louvre, laughing over impromptu
language lessons in Milan, or attempting indoor archery with you in New York. For these
memories (and many more) I thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of my heart. I was
proud to be part of this community before I started working at Crystal, and I’ll always
be one of you no matter where my career takes me in the years to come.
Looking to the future - It’s no secret that Riot Games is an innovator, a fantastic
employer, and most importantly in my eyes, a company fully and truly committed to its
players. The League of Legends community is wonderfully diverse, talented, and
passionate. I can’t wait to contribute to the community in big ways, and look forward to
seeing many of you online, at conventions (look for me dressed as Iron Solari Leona
soon!), and, of course, on the Fields of Justice. I’m a bit of an ARAM addict - but will
be looking to climb the ranks in classic with friends over the coming months.
While I’m extraordinarily eager to start my life on the other side of the
pond, I’m not rushing out the door at Crystal. Expect lots of updates over the coming
weeks as I organize for my new life overseas – sort through my collectibles, sell my
loyal Ford Focus, and get Donut and Sprinkles ready for an uncomfortably long “car
ride.”
On a personal note, I would like to thank my family and close
friends for their encouragement and support during this process. And to Sebastian –
forever a partner and a friend – words can’t express my gratitude for placing any
personal reservations aside and encouraging me to take this incredible opportunity, even
if it puts an ocean between us. I love you.
Meagan Marie
02/27/14
