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Fetish modeling is a specialized field that a wide range of people can enjoy. Although it is still an adult business, it does not always require models to be nude or explicit. Fetish models can work in the mainstream, and a number of famous fashion designers have incorporated kinky clothing into their runway shows. Also, there is much less competition, and there are so many subcultures and niche interests to choose from. As a result, you get a potential goldmine of opportunities... if you know what you're doing! This article covers everything you need to know about becoming a fetish model, including what talents you'll need and how to find work.
Okay, this may seem like a silly question, but we're not judging! A fetish model is someone who models clothing, toys, fixtures, or other items or services related to a kink theme. This can include anything from BDSM merchandise to fantasy cosplay, from dungeon furniture to bondage equipment or fetish porn sites. If it's kink-themed and someone wants to sell it, they'll almost certainly need a great model to promote it. This can be done through print or digital media, and can include images, movies and even live performances.
Although not technically pornography, the role of the model is very much in the adult sector and can sometimes be quite explicit. It all depends on the type of business you are in. There are certain types of fetish modeling that do not require nudity and others that do. The appeal of the fetish industry is that there is less emphasis on sex. The less flesh that has to be exposed, the more specialized the fetish is. Clown fetishists, for example, don't want to look at a nude model, while podophiles are exclusively interested in your feet! The point of fetish modeling is that there are hundreds of subcultures to discover, which makes it a great market for potential models, regardless of their limitations.
You must be completely conscious that any job you perform in this industry, like any other type of adult modeling, will have an influence on your future decisions. It's difficult to get free from a background in the adult business, especially with the internet infiltrating every area of our personal life. Even fetish modeling may follow you around. If you are alright with the potential consequences, go ahead; but, if you seek a career in politics or would be criticized by friends and family if the truth was out, you should reconsider your job decision.
Fetish modeling might include standard photoshoots for print magazines or online platforms, catwalk modeling, or even working as a live model at expos and events, just like any other type of modeling. Professional photographers and commercial organizations can pay fetish models, or buyers can commission them directly. In our last lesson, 'Where to Find Employment as a Fetish Model,' we'll go over more about finding work and how to set yourself up as a freelance fetish model. There is no clear answer when it comes to what you might be asked to model in the fetish business, and what you choose to say "Yes" to is entirely up to you. Foot are a popular mainstream kink, and we've looked into how to market feet photos, which is absolutely worth trying because the appeal is enormous. Models enjoy BDSM, but there are thousands of distinct sub-genres of kink, many of which have an eager audience prepared to pay for high-quality photos and videos. You may be asked to analyze anything from androidism (robots) to antholagnia (flowers) to yeasteality (sex with dough) and Zelophilia (arousal from creating jealousy).
Despite the fact that fetish models are ostensibly merely kinky glamour models, those that are routinely booked have an appearance that matches their brand, products, or services. Models with tattoos, piercings, and distinctive hairstyles/colors are frequently in high demand. Basically, anyone with an edgy or 'alternative' appeal will have an easier time breaking into this market. However, a lot of what you see in images and on set might merely be costume; a look you "wear" for work. Don't be discouraged if you don't express your inner goth in your daily attire. Whatever your appearance, if you want to work as a professional fetish model, you'll need the same abilities as those who work as beauty models in swimwear photoshoots, namely:
Many models in the fetish business come to work because they have a personal interest in a kink, and while this is useful, it isn't required. Of course, not all fetish models are employed by professional photographers or studios; many freelance artists create their own kinky video to sell on clip sites.
If you want to work in this field, you'll need the same talents as any other adult content maker, which include:
You'll also need a nice camera, as well as the appropriate backdrops, accessories, and costumes if you're making your own fetish material.
The money you can make as a fetish model depends on how hard you work, what type of brand you can develop, and a lot of luck, just like any other adult job. Making good money can take a long time for most beginners to this chance unless they are giving something completely unique and/or have landed in the right place at the right moment. If you take a more traditional approach to this sector and try to book with known fetish studios, you may be paid up to $1,000 each shot.
Sounds amazing until you realize how difficult these may be to obtain and the fact that you will likely only receive one or two every month. Before taxes and expenditures, the $1k per work became $12k-$24k a year. Furthermore, you will need to establish a reputation before you can command these sums. It's possible that your first few assignments will only pay a few hundred dollars. On the other hand, if you want to become a fetish model so that you may sell your own images and video clips, your earning potential is virtually limitless. For the proper candidates, content production may be a major source of revenue, and the best part about selling fetish material is that there are less people doing it. This implies fewer competition and a niche market where you may charge a higher price for your work.
The restrictions on what you may make selling fetish content are the same as they are for selling any adult, and will be determined by a few major factors:
Other factors that might influence your success include, sadly, your appearance and how well you are matched to the fetish you are modeling. If you are slender, athletic, and have a small chest, it is pointless to try to position yourself as a BBW model.
Whether you want to work as a freelance model for an agency or as an independent content producer, the first step is to come up with a'stage name.' Fetish and adult entertainers, with rare exceptions, all use a false name to conceal their true identity and provide some privacy. The name you select is entirely up to you, and it should reflect the type of fetish job you conduct. If you're just getting started, knowing the fetish business may be beneficial, therefore we always advocate studying your target market as well as the competitors. This is true regardless of whether you wish to work for yourself or contact agencies.
It's not simple to establish yourself as a fetish model for agencies, studios, and photographers, and many prominent names in the field have come to the profession through other avenues. This might be accomplished through cam modeling, pornography, or private fetish work. It also helps if you've done any other form of modeling before, even if it wasn't exclusively in the adult market.
If you want to work as a fetish model, creating and selling your own content gives you the freedom to work when and where you want. However, before you can start making big money, you have to work hard and dedicate yourself to it. Preparing to sell clips and photos is no different than preparing for any other kind of adult content creation job, and you should approach it the same way you would any other. Aside from having a decent camera, lighting is essential to getting quality photos, but don't forget about outfits, props and a suitable backdrop. Most of this will depend on the type of fetish you are modeling for. For example, if you want to promote yourself among mechanophiles, you should shoot in a garage, while models targeting adult babies can use a spare room set up as a nursery. Remember that you may need a second model for some shoots, so start networking with other fetish content providers. In some ways they may be your competition, but for huge shoots you can be mutually beneficial.
As we bid you farewell, we'll give you some tips on becoming a fetish model that can be applied to any vocation in the adult industry. First of all, if you're participating in a shoot for a new company, be sure to let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back. It's even better to bring someone with you to act as a chaperone. Although most studios have an excellent reputation, unfortunately, it is very rare that some small, independent photographers get too carried away. You are performing a professional function, and you have earned respect. If you don't get it (no matter how amazing the opportunity may seem), just walk away.
Second, this is a career, and you must treat your new job with the same level of professionalism as any other. That means working hard, being punctual, and treating your colleagues kindly. This is a tiny industry, so you will need to build a solid reputation. Also, keep proper books and records and list all your income as well as all necessary expenses and costs because, like any other job, you will have to pay taxes! Further, custom orders can be lucrative, but you should only take them if you don't mind the end result being seen by the general public online. Fetish fans are usually a pleasure to deal with, although some can be quite demanding. Stay safe by refusing to meet with fans or provide personal information. Finally, if you like what you do, you will succeed! Best wishes.