Sunday, March 26, 2023

Anime Milwaukee 2023: Merari Marin of Pengunia’s Presents

Psyduck sleeping between two mushrooms
The following is an interview with Merari Marin, owner of Pengunia’s Presents, a vendor I met at Anime Milwaukee 2023*.

*A press pass was provided for this event.

Where are you from, and how did you get into craftwork as a profession?

I’m based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I got into crafting because ever since I was young, I was always making things. I love art and the different mediums it can take.

How did you get into making the Pokémon terrariums?

I got into it because I love Pokémon. I remember collecting the cards when I was younger and imagining a whole world just from the card artwork. The terrariums express that imaginary world in the real world.

What goes into making them?

The amount of work that goes into making them varies depending on the world I decide to create for the terrarium. For example, the longest process is the lava layouts I make, but they’re also by far my favorite to make.

As for materials, I’m always on the lookout for items that fit inside the terrarium that make the world feel a little more real. For example, I found these mini wheelbarrows and they fit inside the Poké Ball. I imagined someone collecting flowers and putting them inside the wheelbarrow and pop! There's an Eevee in the wheelbarrow amongst the flowers.

A terrarium with Charmander holding a heart surrounded by lava
What were some of your favorites that you've made?

As I mentioned before, the lava layouts I make are my favorite layouts; they especially stand out when they have lights inside. I also very much enjoy making Vaporeon terrariums, as that's my favorite Pokémon. However, any time I have someone reach out to me for a custom terrarium, those are by far my favorite to make. I recently made a Porygon and that one I absolutely adored. Knowing someone has a special place in their heart for each Pokémon, I want to make sure that feeling is conveyed in the efforts I put into making the terrarium.

What's it like being a vendor at an anime convention?

It's so much fun! Meeting new people, seeing familiar faces adds to the experience. Seeing someone's face light up when they find their favorite Pokémon or seeing someone mentally debating which Pokémon to take home, seeing all those emotions sometimes still surprises me; that my creations can stir those positive feelings. I hope when people stop by my booth it adds happiness to their day at the con. Being able to be a part of such a positive experience is really enlightening.

Any other conventions you'll be at in the near future?

I will be at Carthage Con on April 15,2023 in Kenosha, Wi. I will also be at Anime Magic in August 18-20, 2023 in Rosemont, Il. My schedule is usually updated on my Instagram.

Where can folks find you online?

People can follow my work on Instagram and they can also reach out to me at my email.

If you'd like to see more of Merari's work, take a look at this short:

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