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Over A Decade Making Porn! Why Am I Still Working In The Adult Industry 11 Years Later?
I recently celebrated eleven years as a performer and creator in the adult industry, and I can hardly believe it myself. This blog is not to encourage anyone into joining the adult industry, but to share my personal experiences working in adult content.
As I relaxed in my cute cozy apartment, accompanied by my two large old cats, I reflected on all the time that had past. So much had happened. Some things changed, while others remained the same. All in all, it felt like it had gone by so fast. I began my career in the adult industry as a cam model on myfreecams before pivoting and focusing on independent porn creation. But even back when I started, I knew I had found something special. The variety. The flexibility. Starting out I thought ‘I can never get bored doing this!’ For the most part, young model me was right. I’ve learned a lot through my work and still do every day.
How My Career In Amateur Porn Began
Everything started with the light on a webcam. Starting off felt slow. I was still in college earning my communication degree and living with a bunch of roommates. It made finding the time and privacy to cam incredibly difficult to say the least. Once I got my feet wet, and got the hang of dancing naked on the internet, my whole life started to change. I went from an exhausted college student on food stamps, to an energized creative cam model. I had more freedom, more money and most importantly, more time.
It wasn’t long before I started traveling in search of others in my field. I was able to fly across the country to meet and work with other models and attend huge adult conventions and meet ups. I had found a wild wonderful world in which I fit right in. No longer was I the naked roommate, but a jet setting internet stripper! Dancing and attracting eyes from around the world filled me with excitement. Performing for 100s of people at a time. What a rush!
A few years in I began creating my own porn videos to sell, which I started liking even more than streaming. Making adult videos is the majority of my work now, but I still look back on my early days as a cam model and smile.
The Top 3 Reasons I Still Love Making Adult Content
Even with the threats to the adult industry as a whole, the fierce competition, and the stigma the job holds, why am I still in love with making porn for a living?
One of the first benefits I gained being an adult content creator was the independence. I have the freedom to live my own life exactly how I want to live it. That’s everything to me. I’m able to curate a lifestyle most aligned with my goals and future plans. Of course the money has made the independence possible, but it’s also about the control of scheduling, being able to work from home, as well as the feeling you can only get from working for yourself. I fell in love with all of those things while camming and filming.
Working in the adult industry has also inspired my creative sexual energy. I’ve always been fascinated with both art and sex and my work is where both of those passions can collide beautifully. I completely understand why not everyone could do what I do. It requires a sexual openness and curiosity that not everyone has, and that’s ok.
I think some people would even accuse me of ‘glamorizing’ my job. I’m not saying there aren’t downsides. Like all industries, adult work can chew people up and spit them out. For me though, the adult space I work in gives me room to stretch out and be purely me. Creative sexual energy and all. In a world where we all have to work to survive, I’d much rather have a job that I can connect with and enjoy. If you want to know more about how porn inspires me creatively, check out my blog about the versatility of JOI to see how I explore my favorite porn genre on a deeper level.
This last reason could be a bit controversial. There’s no doubt that porn has a cultural Impact on our society, but I would argue that that’s a good thing. While my work is still work, and I do my job to put food on the table, I still get to make a contribution to the culture around me. That’s not possible in every job.
Through creating porn I get to make content that promotes self care and relaxation, joy and sexual acceptance, and just really great orgasms. Call my crazy, but I think that makes the world a little lovelier to live in. I love what I do. I also value how it impacts our society as a whole, despite what anti-porn advocates may believe.
What Have I Learned From Selling Porn For A Living?
Stay true to your boundaries and beliefs. Don’t be afraid to be alone. Take more pictures to remember it all by.
I also would have treated it like a business earlier on. Chances are, no one taught you how to work for yourself in school. While I got good grades and was considered a smart student, I only made it through school because of fierce self determination. I struggled to understand the material during class and would have to focus on it by myself before learning it properly. Years later I would get diagnosed with ADHD and all the struggling in school suddenly made sense.
However, I think that self teaching way of thinking and doing things set me on a good path when I found myself responsible for my own schedule, content, performances, everything. Don’t get me wrong. It took me a long time to feel comfortable and productive with my work, but it never would have happened if I wasn’t confident I could teach myself anything and everything I needed to keep getting better.
If I Could Go Back, Would I Do It All Again?
If I knew what I knew now? I’d do it all again but better. I’d have way more confidence for one. Not just in my appearance, but in my creativity and ideas. I think too often I would assume that other people knew more then me, or knew better. But most of the time you need to do what’s best for yourself. That includes being confident in your own choices and standing by them.
It be nice to go back in time and tell my younger self ‘Fuck imposter syndrome’ because I think that holds a lot of people back from going all in on their passions. I belong and feel at home in the adult industry. It’s where my artistry and sexual creativity flourish. It’s been eleven years, and I still can’t think of anything else I would rather be doing.
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The Versatility of JOI: Best Kink Combinations for Ultimate Pleasure
Welcome to the exciting realm of JOI (jerk off instruction) videos, where the pleasure is in the palm of your own hands. Innuendo absolutely intended. JOI is an incredibly popular genre in porn, and for good reason. You can combine JOI with practically any fantasy after all. As a seasoned creator in the adult entertainment industry myself, I fell in love with making JOI videos in part because of their versatility and flexibility. And I love telling someone to cum for me
Don’t know much about JOI? Check out my blog about it: “That’s what I like! Jerk off Instruction (JOI)”
The Perfect Match: Top Three Kinks to Pair with Jerk Off Instruction
Fun fact; the first JOI video I ever made was thanks to a long time regular making it a custom request. I joked it would be the only JOI video I ever made. Boy, was I wrong. In this blog post I’m going to be exploring the top 3 kink combinations that pair perfectly with JOI. I will share insights based on my own video sales stats and personal expertise, hopefully offering you a glimpse into why this genre is so popular. If you’re a fellow content creator looking to expand your repertoire or a JOI connoisseur eager to delve a little deeper into your favorite kinks, this article is for you. In no particular order, here are the top three kinks to pair with jerk off instruction.
Remember, the art of JOI videos is an ever-evolving landscape—so embrace your creativity, explore uncharted territories, and bring your audiences to new heights of ecstasy. Get ready to embark on an journey enriched with pleasure and desire.
Roleplay
Lovers of my videos probably guessed this one was coming. I’ve always been an actor and artist at heart, so I have more than a soft spot for roleplay. When it comes to pairing up kinks, JOI and Roleplay are an ultimate combination. Dare I say it. They’re better together than apart. Imagine a fantasy of your neighbor seducing and stripping for you. Wouldn’t it turn even hotter if she started encouraging you to start masturbating? Or what if a co-worker sent you a naughty sext. How much hornier would you get if she demanded you stroke for her hot body? I bet you can throw JOI into every one of your fantasies and it would fit right in.
With roleplay I think a common misconception is that it’s complicated and only for those who are good at acting, but I think it can be for everyone with an open mind. If you want to explore roleplay and JOI together as a creator, don’t be afraid to start simple. It’s not the most complex stories and fantasies that work the best. It’s the ones that feel the most natural.
Humiliation
Once I started exploring and diving into the Femdom world of video creation I discovered I had a knack for loser humiliation. (See “She’s a Natural at Loser Humiliation“) Naturally, my little losers get off to my videos so they love it when I’m also the one encouraging and instructing them on how to touch themselves while watching. Adding JOI can make a video especially humiliating and sexy in that special delicious way. It’s truly a no brainer combination.
I find fetishes like humiliation can sometimes become over-focused on the sadistic side of things and forget to stay playful or even sexual. Incorporating JOI adds a constant erotic reminder to the mix and makes for more opportunities for dirty talk amidst the delicious degradation. As a Dom and an entrepreneur, I revel in tying my viewer’s orgasms to my sadistic smile, bratty giggle, and devious words of encouragement. Not only does it make the video more satisfying for the viewer but it encourages repeat views. I want my humiliation-seeking losers watching over and over. The more they watch, the more they crave.
Worship
I know this one sounds broad and that’s because it is. A worshipping kink can go in several directions, but jerk off instruction can be combined with all of them. Goddess worship, body worship, tits, ass, legs, and feet worship. If it’s a body part on a sexy person, it can be worshipped. For lovers of this kink, pairing it up with JOI comes at no surprise. Usually, (but not always) worshipping is part of a dominant/submissive interaction. The delight of sinking to your knees in front of your Goddess. Begging her to let you worship every inch of her. Becoming enraptured in her intoxicating presence. Then for her to demand you worship with your whole being by jerking off for her. It’s enough to make any submissive melt. Worshipping already puts a sub into a deeper submissive state. Following instructions to masturbate in that state can prove an even more intense experience. Would you try it?
Exploring Endless Possibilities
As you can probably see, these three kinks are just the tip. Whatever category may be your favorite in porn, JOI can be invited to the party. Dirty talk is the perfect way to get the horny parts of our brains going. When you think about it, it’s one of the least physically taxing things you can do sexually. And like most things, dirty talk and jerk off instruction gets better with practice.
Pro Tips for Creators
JOI has proven to be both a lucrative and deeply fulfilling creative genre within the realm of adult entertainment. By incorporating JOI into your videos and other content, you can unlock a world of creative possibilities and take your audience on a journey of pleasure that you create for them. How bad ass is that?
Jerk off instruction on its own can ignite and intensify nearly any fetish or kink. No matter how long the video, amateur, kinky, or vanilla, JOI can join in. Whatever you choose to bring into your videos, make it work for you. Porn runs the gamut when it comes to how straightforward or complex a piece of content can be. Personal preferences, sales, and customer requests can all contribute to what a creator might choose to focus on filming. I’ve found over the years that in order to make more consistent sales, it’s important to narrow your focus to a few categories. Ideally, your favorite genres to work with also make you the most sales. And while focus is important, don’t be afraid to try new things. JOI is my biggest category now, but I might never had tried it because I worried it wasn’t for me. Have fun. Be sexy. You got this gorgeous.
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She’s a Natural at Loser Humiliation
If you’re good at something, never do it for free
Heath Ledger as The Joker in the ‘The Dark Knight’I’d been filming videos for years before I tried making fun of losers in front of a camera. I dabbled in fetish and femdom content sure, but the glass slipper didn’t truly fit until I tried out loser humiliation for the first time. Hi, I’m Lux Neon also known as TemptressLux, and I love laughing at losers. Harsh! What a BITCH! People who’ve never heard of this fetish sometimes have a negative knee-jerk reaction to it. Clearly, I must be taking advantage of weak individuals and bullying them into even lower self-esteem. Shouldn’t I be helping them instead of feeding into it? The reason I excel at this genre though is because I understand why it’s hot, why it gets people off, and why I personally fit so well as the brat girl of fantasies. Under the umbrella of humiliation, loser and virgin loser humiliation is a niche all their own.
Why do people get off to Loser Humiliation?
Beats me. No really. I’m not going to sit here and declare that I know exactly where this branch of humiliation fetish comes from and how it forms in each individual. We’re all different for one. I’m also not a psychologist or an expert in fetish origins. With that said, I’m happy to share my thoughts on where this fetish ‘could’ sometimes come from.
It’s not difficult to see how people who consider themselves actual losers would enjoy my videos. There’s plenty of hatred out there for people who can’t reach the rigorous standards and expectations from family, friends, bosses, and society at large. But while I’m sure there are plenty of ‘genuine’ losers consuming this content, I also know there are people who love it regardless of their social status.
Not all Losers
We all have insecurities in life. We face problems every day that we must overcome. The expectations and pressure can get overwhelming at times. Failure is almost more taboo a conversation topic than porn. We often do anything to avoid the vulnerability and shame of failure. Whether it be a career, familial expectations, or personal demons. Even the most successful people who you’d never guess would lack confidence, can have that nagging voice of doubt. What if you fail? What if you keep failing? What if you fail and everyone thinks you’re a loser? Here we have a common fetish origin theory. The idea that we sometimes sexualize what we fear. Sexualizing something that’s uncomfortable for us is one way human beings deal. Someone who is into loser videos isn’t necessarily a ‘loser’ in real life. Instead of telling someone they’re not a loser, I tell them it’s OK if they are. And that in fact, that’s exactly what I want them to be.
It’s not often we’re told it’s alright to lose. It’s ok to fail. Mix that with a hot bratty bossy girl who gets you horny being the one to give you that permission and we have the recipe for a perfect fetish video. Men in particular deal with sexual rejection at a higher rate than women simply because they’re usually the ones to make the first move. Sexualizing that experience and the fear of being a loser can help people release some of the power attached to those things. I challenge that not only do loser humiliation videos not hurt most people, they actually might help more than you’d think.
It’s not that deep
“You’re looking way too much into this. Guys just get off on dominant women!” That’s also a fair assessment. Sometimes it’s not that deep and they’re no big underlying reason we get off on what we do. But I like to understand my work, especially in fetish, from all angles. I think the biggest take away is that there’s no harm in thinking deeper into fetishes. If I made loser humiliation videos with the only idea being ‘be mean, treat him like shit’ I’d still make sellable content, but I don’t think I’d be creating what my fans love me for. Maybe I go overboard but I think that helps me stand out. When I go to film a humiliation video like this I keep in mind where I envision it coming from. I like imagining I’m helping someone get through their day. We all need some extra validation now and then, and not just about our accomplishments.
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HOTTEST Lux Neon Videos of 2021
Can you believe we’ve already made it halfway through 2021? Time can sure fly and it’s important as we forge ahead that we don’t forget to look back on what we’ve accomplished. In the creator world, it’s imperative to track video trends and sales data. I won’t bore you with all the details but it had me thinking, I want to feature my most popular videos of the year so far! These 3 videos have raced to the top of the sales charts. Listed in no particular order, I give you Lux Neon’s most popular videos of 2021 (so far)…
Loser Mantra Programming
“I know you losers have been waiting for this one… You just can’t resist me can you? My dazzling smile and cruel laughter is all you want. Even when you resist you can’t help but be turned on when I point and laugh at how big of a loser you are. It’s natural to resist at first, but I think after some special loser mantras and programming you’ll rest easier into your place. You’ll be much happier once you accept who you are. Say the mantra every day… For the best experience headphones are recommended.” -Loser Mantra Programming video description
Loser humiliation has proven to be a genre I naturally excel in. I’m regularly asked to make more while being complimented on how genuine my laughter is in each clip. After all, I hold a passion for encouraging self acceptance in people. My focus in loser videos is around accepting their fate. I think the people who watch these videos become tittilated by the acceptance especially. I’m not surprised that two videos in this category made it to most popular. Something I’ve found to be particularly appealing to buyers is adding special effects to enhance the journey. I like editing in this way too because it gets my creative juices flowing. Loser Mantra Programming is an experience for the viewer and provides re-watchability as you repeat the loser mantra daily. If you can create a saying or phrase that repeats in the watchers head, you’ll have them hooked long after they’ve stopped watching.
Gooner Loser Acceptance
“It’s obvious how big of a GOONER LOSER you are no matter how you try and deny it. You clearly need a reality check. Don’t worry, I understand. I know exactly what you need. It can be hard accepting what you are but I’m here to help. I know that with my persuasion, you’ll begin to accept your place in this world. You’re going to be a gooning little loser for life!” -Gooner Loser Acceptance video description
Gooner Loser Acceptance as you can tell is also in the loser humiliation category but is still the first ‘gooning’ video I’ve ever made. These two fetishes commonly cross over and I’d been receiving messages for a long time asking to incorporate gooner humiliation. Fans did not disappoint as this video got snatched up quickly, even holding some time under the ‘top-selling content’ section of Iwantclips. Despite its recent release it still managed to land top 3 most popular. A proven contender guaranteeing I’ll film in this category again. Funily enough, at the time of release Iwantclips just came out with the ‘gooning’ tag on their website. It was perfect timing for this video to become a hit.
JOI Striptease Cum Countdown
“So much delicious teasing happens in this jerk off instruction video from your point of view. Erotic and sensual with tons of dirty talk coaxing you to climax. Dressed in satiny black lingerie that displays my amble cleavage I tell you how today’s JOI is going to go. I know how much you love my JOIs and how much you jerk off to me all the time. You can’t get enough and neither can I. We’re going to start slow today as I tease you and strip for you. I urge you to tug and stroke on your hard cock. You’ll have to keep control though because today we’re ending in a cum countdown. Don’t cum before we reach the end, or else you’ll have to start over…” -JOI Striptease Cum Countdown video description
This video made waves! Fun fact, this was originally a custom order. I’m not surprised that a custom video made it to this list. Some of my most popular videos were ideas from members. I love it when someone knows exactly what they want. Creating the fantasy they invision is a challenge I thrive on. Collaborating on a good idea is really where magic can pop up. I think JOI Striptease Cum Countdown took off because it takes on several popular categories at once and ties them together during a delicious striptease. This is the only non-fetish video to make the list. No humiliation or degration in this one. Jerk off instruction is a flexible genre in that sense. I try to make enough humiliation based and ‘vanilla’ based JOIs for everyone because it’s the category I get the most custom requests for by far. I consider JOI one of my specialties and am happy to see it featured here in the top 3.
There are 6 more months left in 2021! Will these videos hold their titles? Or will new faces and categories come to claim the crowns?
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ANNOUNCEMENT: Lux Neon is going All-in on Adult Content Creation
As many of you know, I’ve been live camming on Myfreecams.com since 2013. In that time, I started filming and created a diverse library of adult content. I spread out to video sites and joined the sensation that is Onlyfans. No matter how or where I branched out, I always centered my career around camming. But as everyone in this industry knows, we have to be flexible in more ways than one. Change can be risky but it’s also necessary to grow. I’ve decided it’s time for me to take several months away from camming so that I can fully focus on Onlyfans, video creation, and other projects. I’m going to be a full-time content creator.
- Does that mean more video releases? YES!
- When will you return to live streaming? Oct/Nov 2021
- Where can I personally keep in touch with you? I answer all messages on my Onlyfans
- So you hate camming now? Not at all! In fact, this was a tough decision
I love filming and photography in adult. I’ve fantasized about taking this chance and dedicating all of my time to this aspect of my work. What has kept me tied to camming for so long though is the support of seeing my cam crew every week. Some of you for years. I’ll be forever grateful for you my lovely cam fam. Remember, this isn’t goodbye. It’s just see you later. Now let’s get filming!
Onlyfans.com/LuxNeon & Onlyfans.com/LuxNeonfree
Videos: Manyvids, MFCshare ~ Fetish: Iwantclips, Clips4Sale
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Cam Models Age?
Everyone says “you can’t do this forever” when it comes to the adult industry, but is that true?
~ You can find all my links on my About Me ~
While all genders work in the sex industry I will be centering women in this article because that’s the experience I can speak to. Though I think everyone in front of the camera has thought about the effects of that all-important factor we can’t control. Aging.
There are a lot of stereotypes and stigma sexy workers have to face on a daily basis. If they’re open about their work, even with just close friends, chances are the question of ‘aging out’ has come up. Sex work is considered inherently temporary. There aren’t many jobs where you automatically ask what the person is going to do after it as if there were an invisible countdown ticking above my tits. When people ask me about it I usually point out how no one knows if they’ll be doing the same job in ten years.
Civilians don’t think of this as a career. I’ve been in the adult industry since 2013 and have had the same job longer than most of my millennial peers. Still, I’m always asked what I’m going to do after. Some people will even go so far as to point out my beauty will fade. However will make money then?! These same people seem to think there aren’t any porn actresses over 25. The top porn actor in the world right now Angela White, is 35.
The temptation to lie about your Age
The stereotype of there only being young people in porn gets reinforced again and again. The pressure to adhere to these strict imaginary sexual guidelines can move a lot of workers to lie about their age. Someone may stay 22 forever or not list their age at all. Others who don’t start right at 18 sign up and trim a few years off their birthdays in an effort to compete. There’s a not so unspoken demand for ‘teens’ and young 20s in porn. Youth is highly prized in U.S culture.
Going further the pressure to look the part looms overhead of many sexy workers. Plastic surgery, fillers and botox. Diets and gym memberships. Thousands of dollars on skin treatments and beauty products. Encouraging age insecurity is big business to some. For those in the adult industry, it’s yet another strain to deal with.
The idea of aging out of sexuality is puritan and prude
I think especially in the U.S we’re raised to believe that you become old at thirty years old. You’re supposed to have everything figured out by then. You’re supposed to disappear from public life to start a home. Perfect heterosexual monogamous relationship with 2.5 kids and a million-dollar mortgage right? Live the dream or suffer the ridicule and judgment around and above you. This spreads to the idea of how long we’re allowed to remain sexual beings in the public eye. Keep the emphasis on the YOUNG, dumb, and full of cum trope. Certain authorities don’t want to imagine someone owning and displaying their sexuality past a certain age. They won’t want to grasp the idea of being paid for it on top of that.
If you engage with the adult entertainment world even on a casual level you can see that this stereotype isn’t reflected in the real world. Look around and you can see sex workers have proven they can continue to work in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Not surprisingly, the workers with more years under their heel are usually making more money than when they were younger. After all, we get better at our jobs over time. It also goes to show you don’t have to start right at 18 to be a success. In actuality, life experience and outside skills can crossover into making someone even more popular. There’s no right or wrong way to go about it.
My personal journey with aging
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t use to be scared of aging. Though I tried pretending I’d be young forever and magically not wrinkle. It’s hard to ignore everyone telling you you won’t be beautiful once you reach a certain age. As if being lucky enough to live long only rewarded you with sexless bingo nights and no one finding you attractive ever again. I don’t know what it is about being a millennial but it’s like no one thought life went past thirty. So I did what any other functioning adult would do. I tried not to think about it. I felt unstoppable in my twenties. Feeling like I’d be young forever despite the birthdays piling up.
I started looking in the mirror and seeing smile lines. People didn’t automatically assume I was 18 anymore. I’d go to cam model events and be surrounded by women just getting out of high school or college. I started questioning whether there really was a limit? I needed only to look ahead, at beautiful successful peers who had a few or a lot of years on me. Thriving. There were already plenty of women showing me it was possible to go for as long as I wanted.
The thing is is that age wasn’t something I was insecure about naturally. But people berated me and reminded me constantly how much it was tied to my worth as a woman and as a sexual being. I think the rejection of ‘aging out’ that sex workers stand with contributes to the rage of those who wish we’d simply disappear. Sex workers have already been pushed to the outskirts of society again and again. Since when do they follow the status quo? Women aren’t sexy past a certain age? I don’t think so. Aging out is the real myth.
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My experience shooting to be June 2020’s Camstar
~ You can find all my links on my About Me ~
You can see my 2020 AVN June Camstar digital magazine here
As soon as the Camstar magazine came into being I knew I wanted to be one of the people to make it on a cover. Every month a different cam model from myfreecams is featured with an in-depth interview, as well as a behind the scenes video from the shoot. I dreamed of reaching those heights. I kept an eye on it for years and hounded any friends who were in it for their experience. I still feel so lucky that eventually, I got my chance.
I don’t think a lot of models know what to expect when showing up to shoot for Camstar. Some of us have never shot with professionals and most camgirls are used to the comfort of their own rooms and doing nearly everything solo. I hope that by sharing about my time there models who are interested can be less intimidated by the process. It might even satisfy some general curiosity.
Spoiler alert: I had an amazing time
Let’s skip past the part where I was asked to do Camstar, and scheduled the shooting month. As the shoot got closer I had a few phone calls with the creative director. When it comes to Camstar they want your personality to shine through. I came up with some ideas for some shoots and we discussed the potential sets. After we finalized some ideas the creative director sent me fleshed-out visual examples of what we talked about as well as some of their own ideas so I had plenty to choose from. At the same time, I was in contact with another person for travel and accommodation arrangements. All taken care of by Xbiz/Camstar. Separately, I had to fill out about twenty questions for the interview and was able to add any others I could think of.
My initial impression was that everyone working on this was serious and professional about their job while also being welcoming and down to earth. Since I usually work alone the energy of a project like this didn’t really hit me until I arrived on set. We went through several photo sets that day and filmed a video interview. I was a little surprised by how many people worked in the building. This burst my bubble in the best way. At home, my world feels pretty small. Here, I felt surrounded by people who were passionate creative, and fun.
I arrived on set early for what would be a 12hr+ day. They provided lunch and had tons of snacks, drinks, and coffee. I filled out paperwork and then got in the makeup chair. Hair, makeup, and even wardrobe are all provided. Though I did bring some of my own things to add. The creative director had already pulled over a dozen looks from their massive dream closet to choose from. I felt like a celebrity. After meeting everyone I was working with that day, including the photographer and videographer, we were ready to begin.
You can only be so prepared
Fueled by imposter syndrome I did my best to prepare for my Camstar shoot. I was working out, going through every beauty routine, and researching modeling poses on youtube. I wanted to feel like I belonged on set and that I knew what I was doing.
We started with some simple shots and I went through my tried and true poses and positions. I remember going over the little tricks in my head. Keep your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth for a snatched jawline. Engage your core. One foot in front of the other. Soft hands, fingers closed, toes pointed. Look ever so slightly toward the top of the camera lens to make your eyes bigger. With all these things going through my head no wonder, I froze up.
I took a breath and re-centered myself. Sensing my hesitation, the photographer kindly helped me into some more poses and got me moving again. I reminded myself that I’d been in this industry for years. I belonged there and I knew what I was doing. My confidence rose and I remembered that at the end of the day what I wanted to translate in the photos was my energy and personality. Just have fun with it!
By the end of the day, I was exhausted but inspired. Even though I had an early flight the next day I couldn’t help but stay up for hours that night reliving every exciting moment. I thought back when I would gaze envious and awestruck at other Camstar’s. Now, I would be one of them.
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My best advice for filming your own Porn? Just do it!
~ You can find all my links on my About Me ~
This is NOT a ‘starter guide’. This is how I look at content creation and the advice I give when asked about my process
When I first entered the industry I avoided creating videos. I was intimidated by the idea of trying something I felt I didn’t have the resources for. This is a mistake a lot of us make in work and in life. We hold ourselves back from creating in the hopes that one day we’ll have all we need to make it perfect. If you’re a perfectionist you know what I mean and this will be a struggle. I feel you, but this is the time to push past it.
I bet everyone can relate to having a job to do and not having the resources to pull it off. If you’ve checked my ‘About Me‘ you know I didn’t start with an ideal situation for cam, let alone for filming. Back then it felt like starting a race a mile from the track. But if we sit around waiting for everything to be prepared and perfect before we start, we’ll never begin.
If you’re an artist you may be feeling like your work is never complete or never exactly how you want it. Every project I’ve finished I could see ways to improve it by the end. But that’s what should be happening because it means you’re learning and improving. Challenging yourself to film in difficult environments and situations is not ideal or easy, but it WILL make you a better filmmaker. Years later I now have a collection of over 200 videos I’m proud of, and it’s growing all the time.
The difference between ‘professional’ and ‘amateur’
When most people think about porn, one or two scenarios probably pop into their heads. Images of old leather couch sets, a gonzo style camera angle and an interview involving fresh talent. Or maybe you picture a Cali mansion scene gang bang with your favorite headlining porn stars. Don’t get me wrong, the adult entertainment industry is constantly putting out movies in a variety of contexts and quality and it’s inspiring. It’s just not what I do. Not exactly anyway.
When I’m filming smutty clips I don’t have a team or a camera person or a fellow performer to film with. No matter the number of years under my belt I and most camgirls are considered ‘amateur’ because we do everything ourselves when it comes to performance and creation. In general, an amateur (or indie) porn creator is producing content at a ‘lower’ quality level than big porn companies. There are pros and cons to both but we’ll leave that for another day.
I do want to mention the incredible influx of creators over the years who are pushing the boundaries of what’s considered ‘amateur’ every day. I’ve seen individuals and small teams produce films that could rival any of the big names. Even so, it’s by no means a requirement to look professional to go far in this industry as an independent.
Seek inspiration in your surroundings
When you look around what do you see? Seriously, what are you thinking about when you look around your environment? As much as I’d like it to happen, good ideas for photo sets and clips don’t always pop into my head out of nowhere. Sure, there are plenty of go-to clip ideas in porn but we’re going to take it a step further in this article. This is about exploring your best ideas and not letting your surroundings hold you back.
When looking for inspiration grab onto anything that gets you excited. An outfit, toy, or llama mask. A great way to build this adaptable mindset is by training yourself to see things in a different way. I had an aerial instructor who would say ‘the thing is not the thing’ to encourage us to play. Imagine using common objects in ways they weren’t intended. Unleash the imaginative kid in you. If you get stuck here, try books like “Steal like an artist” by Austin Kleon to get your brain cooking in ways you’re not used to. As creatives, we have no choice but to break open out own imaginations and apply them to the world around us. Fuck what anyone else thinks!
When I’m looking for video ideas I’m in the mindset that there are hot fantasies everywhere waiting to be uncovered. Just because an object or an area isn’t inherently sexy doesn’t mean it can’t be used to enhance a sexual fantasy expressed on camera.
A friend of mine had a filing cabinet so I moved it to a corner, stuck a plant on it and filmed a college office scene. A garage was the perfect backdrop for a sexy spy capture scene. I’ve blocked my front door by setting up boxes and other debris in my hallway so I can make it look like an abandoned building for Harley Quinn. When I get an idea in my head I’ll run around my entire apartment gathering random objects I think can enhance the scene. There’s not a song I can’t dance to and there’s not a 3×3 corner I can’t film porn in. The more you practice the better you’ll get at thinking this way.
Focus on what you have, not what you lack
This is the whole point. This is a way of thinking. A mindset you can adapt to your filming, art, and everyday life. There are ways to build up this skillset and develop this mentality and once you have it, you can’t unsee it. You’ll be surprised by what you can see once you start looking. But you have to begin somewhere.
Whenever other creators ask me for advice on content creation the first thing I say is to start. The first video I ever filmed was with an old camera in my bedroom essentially rolling around naked on the floor. I had no idea what I was doing and that’s just fine. And yes, I still sell that video to this day because I want people to see how far I’ve come over the years.
Just DO IT!
There is no one way to go about amateur filming. You can do just as well ignoring this strategy entirely and filming in front of a white wall for the rest of your career. This became my way of doing things out of necessity and I think a lot of content creators can relate. I hope that by sharing this I can educate, inspire or entertain. That’s always the goal.
If I want creators to remember anything it’s that there is no one else exactly like them. Don’t be intimidated to create because somethings been done before. Put your own spin on it and make it yours. Also remember you’ll get better. You will get learn as you go and those who enjoy your content will love watching your growth. Don’t let fear and insecurity hold you back. Create, create, create!
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A Camgirl reviews… “Camgirl” by Isa Mazzei
~ You can find all my links on my About Me ~
(No Spoilers) A regular from my cam room bought me this book when I was chatting about my sex worker library. A collection of books I’ve gathered over the years written by or about sex workers, sex and sexuality. I’m a fan of the movie thriller ‘Cam’ on Netflix (Also created by Mazzei) so I shot this book to the top of my reading list. I had no idea what to expect. Admittedly, memoirs are not a genre I frequent. I was worried a book like this wouldn’t keep my interest. Which is ridiculous because I devoured it in two days. Two because I forced myself to stretch it out so I could give my brain proper digestion time.
While an easy read, it may have you gasping in public because of its content. I want to point out that I have an obvious bias being IN the camming community while reading this. I remember TheOnlyUna. I was at some of the events she describes in these memoirs. I know some of the people she mentions. I will not be commenting on those specifics or my own memories from that time. Though I’d like to point out that memories can be fickle. Mazzei points this out herself and elaborates on her decision to pull strictly from memory which I respect. I’d just like to say, don’t take all the specifics in the stories to heart.
This memoir is not necessarily about being a camgirl. It’s about Mazzei. This is not to say it won’t help your curiosity for the industry. She was part of the cam scene for two years and has plenty to tell. It fulfills that craving while making you reflect on your own inner demons. It dives raw and unafraid into the bleakest and most vulnerable parts of Mazzei’s journey. Both in life and sex work. Whatever you’re expecting, it’s more.
Be ready to get real
I struggled to find empathy at some points. There were times when I felt defensive. Angry even. I reached a point where I wanted to stop reading. Like every community, cam land is not made of one type of person. I’ve always known there are models who manipulate, lie and don’t care about ethics. That doesn’t mean I was prepared to get into the head of one. Despite these feelings, it was obvious in the text how self-aware Mazzei is about these parts of herself. She also makes a point to say how the experience of camming varies from person to person. If nothing else, I hope you walk away from this book seeing how everyone’s experience is different and they’re all valid. Release the stereotypes that might plague your mind deeper than you know.
This memoir does not sugar coat. If you can’t leave your own shame at the door, be prepared for an emotional ride. I know this might seem obvious once said but some people don’t remember being a camgirl is a job. That is to say, the stories of those who do this job are wide and varied like any other. There are those in the industry with wonderful stories and those full of strife. “Camgirl” shows both sides and everything in between.
So let’s get into it… (Possible Spoilers ahead)
Mazzei had a unique life from the start. It was only natural her life as a camgirl would be just as interesting. I think what was especially refreshing about this read is how open and honest she is no matter the subject that arises. It builds a sense of trust with the reader. It made me trust that there would be a ‘lesson learned’ type of ending and I was not disappointed. From her perspective, she couldn’t have changed for the better without camming. What almost starts as a variety of disconnected stories tie together until they’re perfectly bound by this narrative. People have talked about how sex work can help heal those who seek it out. Was Mazzei trying to show us how sex work can heal the worker as well? Or at least that it has the potential to?
For me, the journey captured in Mazzei’s writing is dark and beautiful in its depth. It’s a story framed with radical vulnerability and openness. The courage required for such deep self analyzation and emotional work is remarkable to see. I put down this book with a flurry of thoughts and emotions. It made me feel empowered to live more fearlessly. It made me think about my own relationship with my work and myself. It made me a little more cautious too.
It takes all kinds
Everyone who becomes a camgirl gets to that point for a variety of reasons. Over the years and as the adult industry has grown and changed these reasons have evolved too. While it’s easy to imagine the industry in a bubble, it’s not impenetrable to the outside. We’d be making a mistake to stick to the one or two stereotypical narratives that continue to circulate and pull focus. We hear from the privileged sex workers who love their job and find endless fulfillment. We hear about those who’ve been victimized by the industry or do the job as a ‘last resort’. These sides are valid. At the same time, it’s refreshing and challenging to follow Mazzei beyond the surface that many of us (camgirls) float at out of fear of judgment.
Is it scary to expose the industry and the people within it this way? From my side it is. The stigma against sex workers continues to endanger the community and people I care for. But it’s also necessary to expand the view of those outside the industry with human-centered narratives like these. We can’t freeze up and hide further to pressure a positive opinion from society. I think in the long run stories like these are what we’ll need the most. I think we need more sex worker perspectives in all of their diverse aspects out for the world to see. If you’re at all curious about the adult industry then this memoir will not disappoint. If you’re in the industry I hope it inspires you to share your story too.
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That’s what I like! Jerk off Instruction (JOI)
~ You can find all my links on my About Me ~
Now if you’ve never heard of jerk off instructions as a genre or fetish don’t consider yourself a prude just yet. While it’s included in ‘mainstream’ porn it’s not often at the forefront or necessarily in the top searches. The exception being kinky sites. This niche has been elevating in popularity though. More and more people come to the internet in search of adult content that feels one on one or a bit more personal. As opposed to the audience type feel you may get while watching adult film actors in the latest feature. For the most part, they aren’t focused on the camera. You may be saying to yourself; “Masturbation is a solo activity and one that I’m good at. Why would I want someone else telling me how to touch myself?” Just wait and see my friend. I’m going to tell you why JOI is one of my favorite categories. Or maybe you’re just like the thousands of others who search the internet for quality content of hot babes telling them how to jerk off already. If you’re not into it (yet) let me show you some reasons why this particular niche is for everyone!
Dirty talk = Versatility
It feels weird calling this a niche when it’s one of the most diverse categories out there. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy it so much. Most of what camgirls and indie smut peddlers are making basically falls under these two umbrellas:
Vanilla JOI
This can be any form of straight-up jerk off encouragement. It can also be included in intricate roleplays, cosplays and storylines. Characters here can be a little sassy like a naughty co-worker or bratty cheerleader. But in general, she is encouraging, sexual and positive toward the instructed. Content creators sometimes film these directing their instructions at other actors but most stare straight at the camera in a point of view (POV) style. The latter is what I work with. This helps the watcher feel part of the scene and gives a more natural flow for the performer to focus on. I like feeling like I’m talking directly to a person. I can imagine them and what they’re doing which gets my juices flowing and it helps the scene feel authentic on both sides of the camera.
Femdom/fetish JOI
Anything that gets a little kinky or has a character dominating or humiliating the person watching can find its home in this category. I understand the average person may be confused or even downright appalled at the idea of humiliation porn. For someone who’s been in the business for a long time, it’s just another day. Imagine a man who was picked on and bullied in high school by girls he was attracted to. Or a guy who’s constantly rejected and hasn’t lost his virginity as he’s gotten older. Some people sexualize experiences like these. Others just have a thing for hot brats and bitches. One of my most requested themes is a POV JOI style where I point and laugh at the ‘loser in front of me’.
I can’t stress enough how these categories are by no means exhaustive. I could make a JOI video every day for a year and still not run out of ideas. Maybe you might think I go a little overboard but I can’t help it. I like to look at adult films both artfully and academically. While not forgetting it’s about making people horny, and maybe coaxing out a laugh or two.
OK, I gotta try this…
I know I know, you’re already convinced this is hot and something you’d be interested in trying. How naughty of you! Just in case you’re not convinced though (and because I just love to tease you) I’m going to touch on the benefits of ‘playing’ well with others.
It’s easy to dip your dick/clit into. JOI videos are on the rise with more and more coming out every day. Easy listening more your speed? There are thousands of sultry creative voices on Mp3s to urge you towards climax. Want something specific? Thousands of creators are out there in all shapes, sizes, and colors willing to create your ultimate fantasy for the right price in the form of custom videos and photos. Want real-time contact? Camgirls on Myfreecams, Onlyfans models, Manyvids creators, Iwantclips Dommes and so many others. From live cam, phone and text you can interact with your favorite babe on the internet. (For my links on these websites check out my ‘About Me‘ page)
Alright, so it’s going to up your fap game considerably. Not to mention expand your imagination while supporting sex working entrepreneurs and artists (YOU rock!) What if I told you jerk off instruction can be added to improve and enrich other aspects of your life? Well, keep tugging along cause we’re getting close.
It’s not just for single people. JOI in relationships?! Am I nuts?! NUTS, for this topic… Sorry for that one. There are multiple scenarios using JOI where you can spice up your love life like the magazines say. Masturbating with partners can already be an erotic and satisfying experience. Kick it up a notch (BAM!) by interacting directly with them and what they’re doing. Imagine watching each other while telling the babe in front of you exactly what you want them to do to themselves. Hot! Long-distance relationships don’t have to be so hard when you can call up your sweety and dirty talk each other to nirvana. Just remember to communicate clearly and honestly with your partner. It’s ok to say silly things that don’t make sense or to even burst into laughter while diddling your skittle. You don’t have to be a professional. Besides, laughing is sexy!
How I discovered jerk off instruction and why I specialize in it
Even after I had been in the industry for a few years I didn’t make my first JOI video until I got a custom request for it. That video (Striptease JOI) remains one of my top sellers to this day. I wish I could say that was a lightbulb moment. Instead, I let years pass barely making more videos of its kind. It didn’t seem like a popular fetish and at the time I couldn’t see how much I could do with it. As I dipped into it more, including a few live shows, I finally saw the light.
What jerk off instruction can do is take a specialized or complex fantasy and connect it directly to the viewer. That’s the real magic of the indie creator’s medium. The internet is flooded with content aimed at large, generic and ‘sellable’ audiences. Not to say there’s no good big name content, but I’m obviously biased. I’m not here for what a board room of money men are saying is selling. I’m here to find out what gets people hot. Which is a joy to research. The beauty of this genre is the adaptability it has to any idea that may pop into my head. This category is now my most popular by far and I have a long list of more ideas to come. We all jack off. Let’s do it together!