What do you think????

[Tyler Mason]

Let me pick your brain for a moment. I just wanted to get some advice and maybe some insight... what are some ways for a model to become bigger in the industry (like some good steps to take).... also what are good and bad choices to make or break a models career?

See Iv been a model for 3 years and this will be my 3rd convention and I love going and meeting everyone and getting my name out there. I also have been a cam model for 3 years, and I have 2 movies under my belt but I wanna try and get bigger. So can I have some pointers...


Thank you.


Tyler Mason :kelly:

[chadknowslaw]

I think there are two sure things that will BREAK a models career--the first is drug use and the second is old age. Drug use has been destroying modeling careers [and many other professions] for decades. Joey Stefano is a good example of dying young and leaving a pretty corpse. Although far from being a model, my own career as a lawyer probably would have ended if I hadn't gotten myself into an in-patient treatment center for alcoholism almost 7 years ago, so I can say without reservation that staying clean and sober is an important part of a successful and lasting career. [anyone that wants or needs to chat with me about Alcholics Anonymous is welcome at ANY time. I have been continuously sober since 2-22-1999]

Old age is inevitable, so retirement from modeling has to be part of any long-term career plan. Although the demographics of consumers are changing, modeling careers typically end long before Social Security or private retirement programs kick in. Plan for a transition sometime down the road. There is a lot of work behind the camera after the career in front of the camera ends!

OK< enough of the downer stuff--

From my perspective at the sideline of the adult industry, I think it is important to work with producers that are willing to expose their models, to get the names out, to get the faces out, and have the models help promote their own works. Many producers understand that promoting the models instead of just the labels IS good business, even though it means giving a model publicity who may go off on his own someday. A good producer should engage in long-term planning for their business, which in turn will benefit all those that work for that business. When have you ever seen a mainstream movie released without the actors showing up on talk shows to promote the movie? I know the market is different for mainstream movies but there are still some principals that are the same--if you want to work on a long-term plan, then go with a company that has a long-term plan. If you just need quick cash you dont need to be so selective.

I think the principals that apply to planning a sustained career in the adult industry are similar to any industry--associate yourself with good people, plan for the long term, cultivate relationships instead of fucking people over for a short-term gain, be yourself and enjoy your work.

[KellyTaylor]

Hey Sugar well I told you anytime you need anything you got me to help you.... I think that you should leave your horizons open for many options .. you are cute and sexy and smart.. I personally know you. and like you so far and know there is much more to you than just being caddy and cheeky like most models...
Anytime you need anything lemme know.. I think you are doing well so far.. I would say just look out for you... You have potential and just dont lower your standards for anyone or anything.... ( PROMISE ME!) LOL anyways I love you mister tyler mason..... BE GOOD AT THE CLUB TONITE AND CALL ME...
Be safe and dont do anything I wouldnt do hahaha...

K.Taylor

[KellyTaylor]

If you just need quick cash you dont need to be so selective.

I think the principals that apply to planning a sustained career in the adult industry are similar to any industry--associate yourself with good people, plan for the long term, cultivate relationships instead of fucking people over for a short-term gain, be yourself and enjoy your work.

I COMPLETLY AGREE I TOLD HIM THIS MANY TIMES OVER!!!

That is what I do and is has shown completly successful ! Only thing is.. You cannot change people over nite.. I see fake models trying to be sweet when they really dont want to be real or sweet.. It has to be natural and real and you have to love it!!

If you just need some quick cash that will fuck you over in the long run... FOR ONE BEING A PORN STAR AT FIRST WILL NOT PAY YOUR BILLS ALL YEAR COMFORTABLY!! You need to do other things as well I know my personal job that Gaybucks gives me.. Pays me really well as well as other things I do with them... Dont just do things for quick cash.. Look out for your best interests.. cause anything you do will reflect you .. not matter what it is... make good decisions and make sure there solid and worth wild... dont just take whatever comes you way.. IN THE LONG RUN THIS WILL PAY OFF... IT SURE HAS FOR ME!! REALLY WELL..!!!!

I dont believe in screwing people over EVER!! it is not a good policy as a human being or a porn star in no circumstance is it NOT ok to screw people over EVER!!! ( EVIL NEVER WINS TRUST ME!! ) . in the short and long term you will pay for it... People like me TYLER MASON who have wanted and tried to be your friend and truly help you are people who will always be there for you honestly and truly and wont fuck you over... LISTEN TO YOUR INTUITION... Trust me through my time of 6 years of modeling and 2 1/2 years of porn modeling I have seen it all and I will tell you nothing is what it seems it is.. SWEETHEART... just becareful cause I know you have it in you to do well!!!

[Xstr8guy]

Tyler, sleep with Chad. It did wonders for Kelly's career.

[gaystoryman]

Tyler, sleep with Chad. It did wonders for Kelly's career.

LMAO damn that is a good comeback...

[gaybucks_chip]

*My.* is all I have to say (I'd just say *My*, but apparently I have to have at least 8 characters.

[Xstr8guy]

Oh c'mon! It was a joke!

[chadknowslaw]

I am starting to like the rumors about me on this board. First, Cityboyz says I am hung like a horse. Now, apparently if hot models sleep with me their careers take off.

I LIKE these rumors!!!!
:gossip:

[desslock]

Let me pick your brain for a moment. I just wanted to get some advice and maybe some insight... what are some ways for a model to become bigger in the industry (like some good steps to take).... also what are good and bad choices to make or break a models career?

See Iv been a model for 3 years and this will be my 3rd convention and I love going and meeting everyone and getting my name out there. I also have been a cam model for 3 years, and I have 2 movies under my belt but I wanna try and get bigger.

I have some suggestions for you, Tyler. Actually your question is very interesting for me to hear. I've met you at several shows, briefly, and I can make one outside observation. Typically I see models mostly just running around with other models.... you with the Beachboi boys, which is fine of course. But if you want to really utilize the opportunity to advance your career, go outside the bubble. I realize that often a model is there for the purposes of promoting their employer, but try spending some specific time going up to other people. I'd think that would be one way to help move your career forward in 2006.

For the most part, the only model who has ever said more than ten words to me collectively at any of those shows is Kelly Taylor....(well Chad Leigh may have said ten or eleven) And I'd say that Kelly is in a pretty good position career-wise by now being on a first name basis with a wide range of people.

I reviewed you in Ashton's Eleven, and actually thought you were a pretty hot performer. I can't imagine some of the many other website producers or movie producers out there not wanting to utilize your talent.

Just think of all the other models in the world who do not have the opportunity to attend this trade show.

Steve

PS: There's a lot of other suggestions too, that I've always thought models could do things to more aggressively promote themselves, that was just the first observation that sprung to mind, and pretty easy since Internext looms....

[chadknowslaw]

Steve has some very good points. You should come back with a big stack of business cards at the end of the trip. Some of them you may not need, many you will see again, and some you will contact in the next year.

I try to write something on the back of the card if I want to remember that person. It is easy to come back with a huge stack of cards and not have any clue about who gave them to you so notes are really helpful.

Also a good idea to follow up to anyone you really found helpful. Thank you notes, even emails, really can make a difference.

[Lee]

Yup im in agreement with Steve also.

Far to often models are only at the shows to prance themselves around in an environment full of meat hungry webmasters, ive never understood this unless, that is their sole reason for attending.

There are definately a lot of business opportunities to be found at the shows, particularly from a solo models standpoint, this gives you a great chance to show others that you actually are, more than just 'meat'.

I know im sick of seeing half-naked guys walking around at the parties and business events i attend, id much rather be able to sit down with a few people, no matter where i am, to talk actual business than just oggle some half-naked guys which, i can see any time i turn on my laptop and, several people mentioned this to me in Vegas this year during our GWB events, they actually looked forward to coming to our suites each night because they knew they could sit down with people and actually talk business instead of talking about which guy was hottest, who had snorted what amount of illegal substances or, who was going to end up fucking who at the end of the night LOL

Set yourself some goals, what do you want to get out of the show? Do you want people to think of you as purely talent or, do you want to show people you have more than just your cock working for you?

Regards,

Lee

[gaybucks_chip]

Here are some thoughts, which include some repetition of suggestions others have made. Some of them will apply to you, but they're written more generally for any model :

1. If you're at the show to do business (advance your career), act like it. Make people notice you by asking intelligent questions, speaking intelligently... most business owners assume models are there only for eye candy because most models *act* like they're only there for eye candy. Introduce yourself to people. Don't get shitfaced, it just reinforces the stereotype that all the models do is get drunk or high and blunder around like a bull in a china shop.

2. Other people may disagree on this point, but I believe that being friendly and a maybe a *little* flirty will earn you much more respect than acting like a ho. AJ and I made a business decision *not* to do business with a company we were otherwise seriously considering, because the owners were continually completely trashed and acting like hoes (attempting to hump us, that sort of thing) at the first two shows where we saw them. I mean, people can and should have fun and let their hair down, but there's a line. There are enough companies out there that know how to act professionally that we don't really need to do business with people that aren't serious about earning our business. As a model, you have a lot more leeway, but you'll definitely earn respect more quicly if you act like you are deserving of respect.

3. Listen, listen, listen. You can learn a *lot* about this industry just by hanging in circles of conversation -- in the hallways, on the convention floor, and particularly at the parites -- and listening to what's being said. Don't jump in too fast unless you really have something meaningful to say; jumping in for the sake of jumping in probably won't help you.

4. Internext Vegas is really a once-a-year opportunity to meet and connect with a lot of people. (arguably Phoenix Forum is as good or better.) Use your time wisely; sure you can have some fun, but try to spend as much time as possible around people... preferably making sure to find lots of time for *new* people rather than just the ones you already know well.

5. Others may disagree on this point also, but I believe that as a model, you'll do best in the long term if you're thoughtful and careful about what companies you choose to work with and how much and how quickly you expose yourself to the market. I've seen a number of models who have worked for practically every company in the business; they quickly get overexposed, and in a very short time no one really wants them any more. Likewise, doing the opposite and putting most of your energy into one small company may not be your best choice either, unless the company is really growing or is very well regarded. Best in my book to cultivate relationships with a small number of companies you really want to work with and (assuming that the models they use are similar to your look) focus on getting opportunities with ones that are obviously visible and growing.

6. Reputation is everything. Both your reputation and the reputation of the studio or website you're working with. If you're known as a team player, drama free, reliable and consistent, that means a *lot.* And, unfortunately, the opposite is true also. To a lesser extent, your association with a given studio or website, if you work a lot with one studio/site or are exclusive to it, will also have an effect. There are a handful of studios/companies that have an almost universally abysmal reputation, and others that, while visible and not actively disliked, are not exactly the ones that others in the industry are jumping to work with. You'll be able to figure out which are which by listening, observing, and asking around.

Hope that helps!

[BritishTwinks]

There's been some great advice on this thread. I agree with most of it, and with Chip (Boyfunk) in particular - wise words there.

My experience of models (we've worked with over 400 on British Twinks) is that the nicer you are to people, the more work you'll get. Producers are pretty much like any other employer, we NEED people who can do the job but we WANT people who are reliable, honest and fun to hang out with. Models who trade on their looks alone rarely do as well as models who can deliver the whole package.

[masterut]

nice topic...thx for it