Blog Post Written By: GoAskAlex
“I need to make new content, but I don’t want to. I’m exhausted, and I’ve already used every toy and costume I own - I’m just recycling the same ideas over and over.”
Does this sound like your inner dialogue? If so, we have that in common.
Being two years deep into a global pandemic (and a lot of years deep in sex work) has led me to a creative fatigue.
During lockdown I read every opinion piece and watched every trending tik tok video on how to manage burnout; I tried everything. Seriously… I tried it all.
Like every other type of worker, sex workers can’t afford perpetual days off. We need to earn a living, and for online sex workers that means making new content. Whether or not we’re in the mood to do it, we need to be creative… but how?
We can only recycle content for so long, and filming the same plots in the same outfits becomes tedious very quickly.
How can someone feel inspired when they’re engaged in the same monotonous process every day for months on end without a break?
A lack of inspiration isn’t always as complicated as we make it out to be. In fact, sometimes it’s pretty simple - we’re just overthinking it.
Brainstorming can feel hopeless even with a closet full of props and costumes. It’s important to recognize that ideas don’t always fall in our laps; sometimes we have to cultivate them ourselves. By flipping this narrative we empower ourselves to harness our creativity.
As a writer, I frequently find myself staring at a blank piece of paper with no idea how to begin. Don’t get me wrong, my imagination is plagued with interesting thoughts all day - but as soon as I open my notebook to write them down my mind turns off. This phenomenon, which I like to refer to as my “creativity paralysis”, is not unique to writers, artists, or musicians. This experience is just as prevalent for us ‘Sex Work CEOs’.
With almost a decade of sex work under my belt, I have no shortage of toys and lingerie - yet when the time comes to film, I feel immobilised with no idea how to start. Due to a constant need for props and costumes my closet is always expanding.
Ironically, rather than providing more creative power for me this has the opposite effect. With so many options to choose from I am overwhelmed by decision paralysis. Many items end up forgotten at the bottom of a drawer.
I’ve found this to be a universal experience among creators, which is why I created this challenge as a how-to guide for everyone in these circumstances - but don’t worry - this process is easy, fun, and most importantly it's effective!
1. Unload your wardrobe
Pull out your sex toys, costumes, your lingerie, your socks - dig in the back of your closet, and don’t stop at undergarments! Pull out a funky hat, a sweater, a summer dress, your favourite everyday outfits, and lay them out in front of you. Warning - your bedroom will look like it was hit by a tornado!
2. Catalogue it
This part feels tedious, but trust the process. Snap a photo of each garment. I found that leaving them on the hanger and photographing them one by one hanging up was the most efficient, but you can also wear each item for a photo if you have the time. Don’t forget the sex toys, too!
3. Mix and match
Pick two very different garments, and try putting them together. Seeing the different colours, patterns, shapes, and materials side by side might give you a whole new perspective. You might also be surprised to see that some of your funkier sex toys complement different accessories.
Bonus points: broaden your ideas on what you can use for work. How many videos do you have that start in jeans and a T-Shirt? Pyjamas? Overalls? Lingerie is sexy, but diversifying what you wear when shooting content can help you break into a new market. After all, there’s a fetish for everything.
3. Write it out Now that you’ve archived your wardrobe, use your phone or a pen and paper to jot down any plots or ideas that come to mind. Record everything that pops into your head, even if it feels silly. It might be helpful when you come back to it later! 4. Categorise it Make a folder of the photos on your phone or laptop. If you'd like to, you can organise them by genre, colour, or any other feature you find useful. I uploaded my photos to GooglePhotos to declutter my phone, but you can also download an app 5. Lights, camera, action
When it’s time to shoot new content, take a look at the trending tags and genres on sites like ManyVids, IWC, C4S. Look through your wardrobe and notes, and build an outfit to match the plot.
6. Tag us
Use the hashtags #SWCEO and #SWCEOWardrobe to join in on the action and see how other creators are organising their wardrobes.
Lastly, you can feel good knowing that by utilising all of the items in your wardrobe, you are avoiding unnecessary consumption. By minimising your participation in fast fashion, you are making a positive impact on the world. Since you have a catalogue of what you own, it's much easier to avoid overspending - and to downsize the items you don’t use. Now that you have breathed new life into your closet, it's time to get out there and get creative!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the blog post above are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SexWorkCEO or MelRose Michaels. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.