I fear a lot of beginner performers underestimate what it takes to stay in the adult film industry for the long haul. Today’s industry is flooded with models, but they come and go every few months. It’s hard for me to get attached, because I never know when I’ll see their retirement announcement on social media. I tend to keep close to the veteran performers and pick up on their routines that keep them in the game. There’s an unhealthy amount of how-to guides on how to become a successful porn star online, but if you don’t put in the offline effort, you won’t last. Here are a few practices I learned that helped me have a lasting career, and some to avoid.
One of the first things veterans would tell me is to work on my money management skills. Vets tend to have long-term financial goals that require patience, so they’re not in a rush to spend their check after receiving it. They don’t party often or attend many events that would deter them from their savings goals. When a performer is great at saving, they don’t seem to have a lot to show for it because they’re not spending. These performers aren’t stressed because they build a cushion that enables them to pace themselves for the long run.
When a performer is great at saving, they don’t seem to have a lot to show for it because they’re not spending. These performers aren’t stressed because they build a cushion that enables them to pace themselves for the long run.
I noticed a good chunk of newcomers do not have a bank account set up or a savings plan in mind. My third year in, I received a tax bill that made me change the way I operated. I’ve opened a corporation and it alleviated much of my tax burden. Explaining the importance of being an independent contractor may sound foreign to a new performer, and they don’t consider setting aside money for taxes. A few years later, they’re getting more calls from the IRS than their agent. This leads to many falling out of the game early, because they can’t afford to stay in.
Those with 10-plus years on their resume have this keenness and quickness to understanding the adult business model and the product they’re selling, which is themselves. They take care of their body (which isn’t cheap), but it’s investment for their well-being. They use today’s healthier food options that help keep their energy high. They participate in some form of extracurricular activity to stay in shape. Whether it’s hiking, the gym or sports, their activities helps them stay consistent on set to give strong performances. My gym routine led to a body transformation which resulted in consistent bookings.
Newcomers aren’t aware of toxic practices that affect their performances and health that ultimately cut their career short. If they are heavy drinkers or have a drug habit, their energy levels on camera reflect it. Directors will not give a major role to a starlet with a party reputation because they don’t want to chance them being hung-over on set. I consider these coveted roles vital opportunities to prolonging new performers’ careers, because of high visibility.
Vets are salespeople and understand that sex isn’t the only thing they are selling. They use social media to capitalize off their popularity and utilize their platforms to build their brand. Their brand may offer apparels, membership sites or clips and custom videos. This taught me not to rely solely on scenes and see the bigger picture, which is that there are multiple ways to build streams of income.
Beginners are anxious, waiting for their phone to ring for their next scene, but sometimes that call doesn’t come for weeks. Idle performers are forgotten, because they don’t have much to talk about if they’re not working on anything themselves.
On the contrary, there are some performers who learn from their mistakes early and bring their career around by changing their practices. I’m still learning new ways to help myself, but after performing in over 600 scenes with 400 different female partners, I know the difference between those who are going to have a career and those that are just visiting. If you’re a new performer, understand it’s going to take a lot of effort for you to make it. Your off camera practices are conducive to having a lasting career.
