Random New Yorker: Matthew Sterling, Costume Character

by Andrew Piccone

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.