Random New Yorker: Matthew Sterling, Costume Character
Tell me about your job.
I'm a costume character. I work at birthday parties, corporate events, nightclubs, conventions and more. For example I recently dressed up as a parrot for carnival theme night at a nightclub. For the record, I'm not a furry. There's a difference between costume characters and Furries. Costume characters are for entertainment, fun, Furries are just creepy.
How did you get into it?
I'm in college right now, at Hunter for Business Marketing. I got into this to make a little money on the side while going to school. A friend of mine hooked it up. I've been doing it for four years.
What's the best part about the job?
All jokes aside, when you're working a job, and people really believe that you're the character that you're playing, it's a great feeling. You're making people happy, who doesn't love that? When you make that connection, it's nice to know that people appreciate the job that I'm doing.
Have you dealt with New York's bedbug epidemic firsthand?
I'm bedbug free-thank God, I don't even want to think about it.
What's your opinion on Park51, the proposed community center/"mosque" in Lower Manhattan?
People should pray wherever they choose. But, under the circumstances, it's a touchy thing. They should move to a better location, someplace less controversial. It's a touchy situation.
What's your favorite thing/place/neighborhood/hotspot in New York?
I love Coney Island. Something about the atmosphere there, the beach right in the middle of the city. The people there are great, it just has such a good feel to it. I don't know if it's old timey or what. It's a very cool place.
What's your least favorite thing about your job?
Sweating. Well, not the sweating, but when the sweat gets in your eyes, you can't see! It's dangerous! Also the occasional condescension, people who don't appreciate what you're doing. You get parents sometimes who ruin it for their kids, who tell them to stay away because it's just a guy in a suit. I don't get that. Why would you want to ruin that illusion for your kids? It's like telling your kids that Santa Claus isn't real. I don't know why you'd want to do that. Kids need to have imagination. Otherwise, what's the point?
Previously: Candice Preau, Dating Expert
Andrew Piccone is a photographer in New York City.
(pedophile obvs)
The Rush t-shirt gives that away.
"Costume characters" and Furries are equally creepy; the chief distinction is that the former are getting paid to be creepy and the latter are being creepy for their own pleasure and amusement.
You can't get my kid near a costume character, not even Santa. Looking at this guy, I think she may have the right instincts.
SEEN HERE IN THE "SWEET HESH-BRO" FURRY COSTUME. YUCKO, THIS ONE'S ALL YOURS, GOOD BUDDY.
SILLY PEDOBEAR- CANADIAN TUXEDOS ARE FOR KIDS!
But if the Furries paid top dollar for him to writhe sensuously in costume at their annual telethon he would.
Next installment in this series: Shakes the Clown.
I worked at Chuck E. Cheese's in high school. I have been Chuck E. Cheese a few times when the standard costume-wearer called in sick.
I can't think of a worse job.
The guy that has to clean out the ballpit when a kid whizzes in it?
…when the kid sharts in it.
Just here to appreciate your calling it Chuck E. Cheese's.
Also, the costumes have a tendency to smell like DETH. I know this from doing this so many times.
@mathnet What else would I call it? Showbiz Pizza Place? PLEASE.
Chez Cheeze
SOME people just say "Chuck E. Cheese."
@mathnet: Chuck is possessive about his shitty kidtrap.
DETH!
@mathy: True. And those are not people with whom I wish to associate. I mean, really…you can't even sing the damn jingle unless you add the apostrophe-ess!
He's cute in a Robert Chambers 25 years ago kind of way.
Not angular-jawed/strangly enough.
Sort of like a young "Burn Notice Bruce Campbell".
the yellow void represents aaaaaaalllllll my unanswered questions.
It represents the school bus about to back over him.
yeah that photo composition is effed. on purpose if you ask me.
WHAT'S THIS ABOUT SANTA????
Nothing honey, nothing. Sometimes Mommy has to help Santa, that's all. There are an awful lot fo boys and girls to visit in just one night! Here, have some of Daddy's special eggnog.
This post lacks so much Jugglo Family.
"It's a touchy thing," says children's costume character professional.
5/5
Now laughing friends deride
Tears I can not hide
Oh, so I smile and say
When a lovely flame dies
Sweat gets in your eyes
You've made me cry tears of sweat. In my eyes.
ridiculous
So wait – it's fine for kids to let their imagination free, but when adults join in, it suddenly goes from being fun to creepy?
Furries are just kids who grew up but realized they don't have to leave the fun behind.
didn't you mean to say "they don't have to leave the fur behind"?
Thank you, Furry Larry Parry.
it's fine for kids to let their imagination free, but when adults join in, it suddenly goes from being fun to creepy
Uh, yes. Exactly.
This has now turned into the funniest thing to happen here in awl while.
QED
@Laurence Parry: you ideas fascinate me, how may I subscribe to your literature?
how long does it take to get a degree from hunter for business marketing?
6 years, 3 months and 12 days.
I think there is a big difference between being outside and inside the costume
oops that was suppose to be a reply to Furry Larry Parry
Jesus, people, ease up on the guy. At least he's not a barista like some (all?) of you.
matthew?
@formerly: I'll have a mocha frappucino, please.
@formerly: I've only passed one barista in my entire life. Thank you very much.
@STC: barristers work hard to pass the barista.
@Andrew: all the overpriced burnt coffee you can drink!
I like this feature, but everyone looks so dour in the photos! :`( (that's my sweat tear)
Beg bugs question for the win! haha
Where does this kid get off being so positive about his job!
Inside the costume, I'd assume.
Is that a Getty Lee costume?
The mosque answers these people give bum me out.
Me too!
Ever since Rush stopped touring regularly, the yearning, disparate faithful have become more and more desperate as riffs get shorter, voices get lower, and drummers get less technically proficient. I for one applaud Mr sterling, for giving back to the community while covering up his desperation with a mask of good will/feathers.
oh, i think i've seen this guy before!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3n_pt_FuiE
Damn. Got some playa hatez on this site. I kinda dug the costume kid.
It's one of the few "things" I've read lately (including another reminiscence about the goddamn preppie handbook) that I thought should actually be longer. A person who likes their job in this town is about as rare as a cure for cancer.
You're right.