Things to consider before getting into tickle (or any type of fetish) modeling

[Soles_Scream]

Things those who are getting into fetish modeling (even if you wish to stay amateur) should know in no particular order. This is a brain dump:

1) The content producer should not try to touch you without your consent. They should not try to touch you when the cameras are off.
2) Do not use any part of your legal name as your stage name
3) Be wary of "producers" who behave like fans (meaning, if they communicate with you using pet names, flirty, or seem to be in fantasy mode when the cameras are off)
4) Be very clear about your boundaries in textual format as well as verbally. If you don't know your boundaries, try to figure it out what your limits are and only take on shoots that are within those limits. Once you get comfortable with the process you may decide to try new activities if you wish.
5) The internet is forever. If the producer believes you are new and does not explain what that means to you that is a GIGANTIC RED FLAG.
6) You can revoke consent at any time. However, I'd suggest being fair with the producer if they were not the cause of the revocation.
7) I'd suggest not shooting with any producer - including me - unless you have one person in your life who you fully trust that can serve as your safety line.
8) If you do not sign documentation and provide your ID, the person who filmed you cannot legally sell your content on platforms.
9) If the producer does not have an active store, you'll need to understand that this individual may just be filming for their own consumption. Price accordingly.
10) If the producer violates your limits at any point, find a way to leave the set ASAP.
11) Many producers are comfortable with a plus one so long as they do not disrupt the shoot. I'd suggest asking every producer if it's okay to bring a plus one, even if you don't have the intention of bringing one. The way the producer responds should be noted. Denying a plus one isn't a red flag on its own, but it is a data point.
12) You will be considered a sex worker even if you or the producer doesn't see it that way. The content's intended customer is going to be jerking off to the content that you are featured in.
13) Ask for references that you can verify. This is relatively easy if the producer has a social media account. If they don't and or they are new, suggest screening them by having them send you a copy of their ID for background checking. In addition, you can meet them in a public place first.
14) You should find a friend who is not tied to from a romantic/sexual/consumer/financial perspective to add to your support/safety plan.
15) Let the producer know of any changes between booking and shoot. The same should happen in reverse too.
16) If you are new, it may be difficult to do this, but you absolutely can request a deposit to confirm a shoot. I would do this with new producers especially. However, if you reach out to established producers or they reach out to you, be prepared for a lot of "nos" on the deposit front and proceed accordingly. Not paying deposits is not a red flag, but it's a data point.
17) Develop a network. Warning, this takes from a standing start (sometimes a year or more), and you get what you put into them.
18) Do not misrepresent your abilities and characteristics to the producer. Example of misrepresentation that will resonate with folks here is telling the producer that you are ticklish when in fact, you are not ticklish.
19) Even if you "do not need a safe word" establish that protocol with the producer anyways. Ideally the producer should be proactive in doing that.

 

[duderino84]

What motivated this post?

 

[Soles_Scream]

What motivated this post?

Anyone whose interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects associated with this business, especially aspiring fetish models. This is basically a copy and paste of what I will send to anyone looking to get into this stuff.

Many of us receive versions of the "how do I get into this . . . " questions often. Same on the production front, so I may type something up for them as well. If even one person learns from any of these posts, it will have been worth my type in writing them.

 

[SoleMates]

Great thread! I have a few of my own to add, in no particular order.

• If you're going to use social media of any kind to solicit bookings, list as much of your location as you're comfortable with. This is especially important in the tickling niche, because with a few exceptions none of us have the budget to do FMTY ("Fly me to you") bookings, especially for a total noob with no references.
• If you're doing domme/findomme/humiliation kink stuff, make it clear in some way when you're "in character". When I'm screening a new potential hire, one of the first things I want to know is "will this person be more trouble than they're worth?" - and if you genuinely believe I'm a worm who only exists to "serve" you I'm going to find someone else.
• You know how I've said in the past that models talk, and shitty producers eventually get exposed? Well, we talk about you, too. There are literal mailing lists and chat groups on various social media networks specifically meant for networking between models and producers and yes, a lot of us do check references - especially if you're not active on said lists.
• Speaking of which, participate in the community and get on those lists! You never know what it'll lead to. I booked a newcomer a few months back who'd never shot with anyone but her husband before purely so she'd have someone to use as a reference for future work.
• Be professional, accommodating, and courteous. That does not mean "let people walk all over you and violate your boundaries", but it does mean communicate with potential bookers promptly, use spelling and punctuation, state your boundaries, rates, and whatever-else clearly and accurately, and recognize that both you and the booker are doing one another a favor, regardless of any money that changes hands; you need them as much as they need you. Also, be mindful of how you communicate on said lists, as well - you never know who's listening and who just said "fuck it, I'm never hiring that person now" because you had a bad day and popped off to someone else within "earshot".
• Speaking of which - again! - you want to be such an amazing hire that said producer would chew their own eyebrows off rather than skip out on the opportunity to book you whenever you come 'round. How you do that is up to you, but we're not going to throw money at you if you're unreliable and obnoxious. I'm not even a big name in this industry and I have enough models vying for a spot on my roster that I will not chase after someone who can't be bothered to answer their E-mails.
• Have fun! If you hate being on set it's going to come across in your work.
• Finally, remember that this is a business. A little investment goes a long way.

Also

9) If the producer does not have an active store, you'll need to understand that this individual may just be filming for their own consumption. Price accordingly.

Ackshully, it could either be this... or they could be just getting started, themselves. Ask. To expand on the "price accordingly" part, what that means is that models typically charge more for personal sessions or non-commercial shoots. Also, make sure that you are 100% clear on this before said producer/client shows up to your shoot with the wrong amount of money (true story!).

 

[porcelaindoll2]

Something I would like to add in regards to misrepresentation. Please, models, take it easy with the photo editing(FaceTune is the worse sometimes). A little editing is fine, but if your pictures look nothing like you in real life it turns producers off. Make sure your pictures are not too old and represent what you have to offer. Also it's never a good idea to make drastic changes to your appearance before a shoot without talking to the producer first(I.E. a new tattoo or changing your hair).

If you're being hired for a tickle shoot I find a mani/pedi is always a great idea. You don't always have to go to a salon if you can do it at home. I also think it is nice to ask the producer you're shooting with if they have any preferences for nail length or nail polish color.

 

[SoleMates]

Something I would like to add in regards to misrepresentation. Please, models, take it easy with the photo editing(FaceTune is the worse sometimes).

oh golly, yes. I've had a model or two turn up to shoots easily a hundred pounds heavier than their photos.