Hello! If you’re reading this you’re either thinking of joining the ranks of on-camera adult performers, or have already started such a job. Some of you may be doing this as a temporary occupation and some of you may be “Lifers” like me (2014 will mark my 30th anniversary in front of the camera).
You’re going to make mistakes as you figure out how to make this work for you, but there’s no need to make my mistakes. Allow me to offer words of hard-won wisdom that, if I had only known then what I know now, I’d have had a much better and more profitable time (and I’m considered a success story!).
In a nutshell, here’s what you should be thinking about, or have already figured out:
1. Have a plan for after.
You will likely want to leave porn at some point. What will you do? Will you have taken the time and effort to learn other skills? Use porn to finance your schooling to maximize your options when porn is no longer right for you. Be aware that Porn Is Forever, and anything you commit to camera will be in the ether always, no matter what you do later in life.
2. Know why you’re here and own it.
The people who really do well, financially and emotionally, are those whose sexual values and orientations are already kinky/alt/non-traditional. Doing porn to act out childhood issues regarding worth, attractiveness, anger, resentment, abuse, etc. will backfire sooner or later. Do porn ONLY if, like me, sex is your thing. If your values around sex, love and relationships are on the more traditional side, this is likely not a good job choice for you.
3. Figure out your issues with money and deal with them, pronto.
Your greatest earning potential is often within the first three years, when you are still “new.” DO NOT blow this money on cars, partners, partying, clothes, etc. This is adult entertainment, so treat your earnings as an adult would. Have a savings plan and stick to it. One day you’ll want to leave and you should be able to do so with the money YOU earned with YOUR body.
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Words of wisdom from one who knows. But then I might be a bit biased.
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