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
