Working as a cam model isn’t really as simple as plopping on your bed and fooling around on camera for tokens. We may wish it could be that easy, but lo, there is some creativity involved.
There are many factors that may set high profile models apart from lackluster counterparts. The set design — the environment (please tell me you love theatre!) — of your cam room is one of these factors. Even if your “set” is composed of just your bed, you can make small but substantial changes to your staging to make it more inviting.
Here are seven key factors to consider that will help you with staging — and honestly, why pay for decor? Slap these items on your wishlist, and let your patrons and fans gift them to you. You can find most of these items via online retailers, many of which have wishlist features.
Channel your inner art director, and get to staging!
1. Bedding
Cheap bedding not only looks bad, but it doesn’t feel great.
If you had an office job where you sat in a chair for long periods of time, would you want that chair to be uncomfortable and ugly? Of course not! Investing in nice bedding, such as silk or satin sheets and attractive modern bedspreads, can really improve how you feel when you work and how your set looks.
2. Lighting
Ah, lighting. The bane of everyone’s existence, whether you’re a cam model or a selfie-taker trying to get the best angle and amount of light to look great on camera. Of course, you already do look incredible, but good lighting can really make or break how much of those stellar features can be properly seen through a webcam.
You can find webcam ring lights or USB-powered diffusers easily online, and they can drastically improve the lighting of your set when you perform, day or night.
3. Upgraded equipment
All you’ll ever need to start out camming is a laptop with an internet connection and a webcam. Simple as pie. But the more you cam and the longer you do this as a career or side gig, you’ll want to periodically upgrade your equipment. That means modern webcams, lighting fixtures, software upgrades, toys, etc.
4. Easily-accessible baby wipes
This is less of a “decor” item and more of an on-set necessity, especially if you’re a bit of a messy model. Keeping wet wipes on hand, especially wipes that come in an easy-to-pull-out dispenser so you don’t have to bring them into the shot, can help you feel more comfortable as well as keep everything more sanitary.
Pro tip: Find a decorative dispenser. They have to exist, right?
5. A nice headboard
Your headboard will probably be the second focal point of your shot other than, of course, you. Having an empty space there is a bit boring and doesn’t add a lot to the personality of your space. A great headboard can really pull a shot together, as well as add to the overall environmental tone you are trying to cultivate in your room.
If you already have a headboard, try decorating it with flowers, string lights and other decor items — if that goes with the vibe you are seeking.
6. Fairy/String lights
This could technically be included in the “lighting” section, but we mostly included this super cute decor item because it adds dimension and ambiance to a set. Plus, fairy lights are usually pretty cheap. We suggest draping them along your headboard or over the wall behind your shot.
7. Pillows and pillowcases
Pillowcases are part of bedding, sure. But really getting creative with your pillows, and thus their cases, can take things to a whole other level. Also, comfiness is sexy. By filling your space with tons of fluffy pillows in elegant pillowcases, you can give your stage a tinge of intimacy and comfort. Plus, you’ll have a place to lean back comfortably when the need arises.
You may not need each and every thing suggested on this list, but we bet at least a handful of these items could prove useful in improving the set design of your cam room. Happy decorating!
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Em Casalena is a queer sex positive writer and professional protective mom friend. Email them at em@ynotcam.com.
