Starting your cam career can be fun, but it can also feel expensive. There is a lot of stuff you need, sure, but there’s also a lot of stuff you “need.” One trick to getting started without breaking the bank, or even just outlaying more money than you care to (whatever that amount may be), is knowing the difference.
There are plenty of ways to get started on cam on a small budget, including utilizing items you already have at home. Here are some tips for how to save money while setting up your new cam space, or while simply redecorating or updating your exiting one.
Lighting
One of the most important tools you need is lighting. A full photography lighting kit can run from $50 (basic, basic) to hundreds of dollars. Lighting is a need, fancy lighting from day one online is a “need.”
Instead of throwing down a bunch of money — especially before you are even familiar with the craft of lighting in the first place — start with lamps that you have at home. If you don’t have any, check Facebook free, Craigslist free and other places online that offer a place to post and browse items that are being given away.
Webcam stands
Tripods and other stands are also necessary items that may not be feasible to buy right away. Use the top of a lamp where it normally screws into the lamp shade.
Backdrops and wall coverings
These things can be tricky and expensive! When you are covering a large space, having the exact measurements can be difficult, so you purchase something that *seems like* it would cover the entire wall. Sadly, when it arrives, it literally covers one tenth of the space you want to transform — happens all. the. time.
I have found an easy way to cover a pretty large space on the wall is with colorful shower curtains. They already have the grommets for hanging and come in pretty big sizes for a fraction of the cost. If you are like me, I already have quite a few on hand as I change the theme of my bathroom for holidays and pretty often. Sheer curtains also make for awesome, bright and colorful back drops as well.
Laptop desks, stands
Use a television stand or a small table to set up your laptop. This is a great way to make your cam center more mobile and move around to different areas of a room or even the house without spending a lot of money, or any at all.
Props and wall decor
Dollar Tree, or similar discount stores, is a great place to spend very little and get lots of neat and interesting items for props and decor. There are literally tons of DIYs on YouTube helping you take a few dollars at the dollar store and turn it into amazing projects that will transform a room or space. From storage containers, wall decals, poster board for signs, DIY prize wheels, you name it.
Old computer monitors
You can often find an old computer monitor laying around. Try a thrift store or online where people are giving them away.
But, how do you use an old computer monitor? Possibilities: you can connect it to your laptop to give you a bigger screen to look at while camming, or you can have it behind you connected to a device that can have a slideshow running during your show. Whether you have graphics advertising your contests, displaying your top tippers or website URL (for sites that allow you to promote your website), a repurposed monitor can be a great way to attract attention to your room.
Another idea: You can play your content with the sound on and a pixelated box covering the video. This teasing preview helps to get viewers interested in purchasing your videos. I have found this to be quite effective!
Repurpose old clothes as cam outfits, costumes
It’s strange, but when I wear lingerie and get all sexy, I seem to not get the same attention as when I take an old t-shirt, cut it up and wear it with some panties or booty shorts.
Creating the perfect outfit for cams seems like a necessary thing to do. Oftentimes though, just changing the look of older clothes that have been stained or damaged can be as effective — or more so.
An old Pac-Man shirt that I ripped and was ready to throw away was another huge success for me. I cut it up and gave it a new identity and wore it on cam to find a lot of guys complimenting the shirt!
Fancy bed
It’s easy to get caught up in the cam model actualization/projection cycle of wanting fancy things to make it seem like you are making a lot of money, thus should be paid a lot of money. For instance, wanting fancy expensive bedroom furniture and other items that *seem* like they will make you more money.
The truth is, what you already have can be covered with a blanket or sheet and changed the look of items you already have in your home. Chais lounge, day bed or even bunk beds can be used to make for an exciting piece of furniture for cams. An old set of bunk beds can give a room a dorm look, while a daybed has a more fancy sofa look.
Toys, dildos and other sex items
Sex toys can get expensive, and DIY items can be outright dangerous. Recommending using anything other than an actual sex toy can be dangerous and unsanitary.
You don’t have to have an expensive fuck machine or life-size sex doll to make a great cam show. Opt for inexpensive, safe items when you are first starting out. Be creative, but also safe!
Creative cam shows
You can be very creative with your shows, at minimal cost. for instance, baby oil is a very popular show and can be done with minimal investment. The cost of the baby oil plus a dollar store shower curtain, and you have yourself a quick, easy and inexpensive show. Add some glitter from your craft stash and do a glitter show for extra sparkle.
Another idea: get colored lights to change the atmosphere of your cam space. Even a colored lightbulb you can take in and out of your lamp when you are not using it can do wonders. These items can be found during the holidays at any local dollar store, sometimes even year round.
Camming doesn’t have to be expensive if you use your imagination. With these tips, you can save money and step your game up all at the same time!
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— ?QueenofBBW.com?? #QUEENOFBBW #PLATINUMPUZZY (@PlatinumPuzzy1) September 21, 2019
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Kari “Platinum Puzzy” Anthony is an events trailblazer in the adult industry community. She created and organized BBWFANFEST, the first BBW niche trade and awards show recognizing plus size performers, and BBWCAMHOUSE — the first live 24-hour voyeur house filled with curvy adult stars, cam performers, dancers and more. Email her at platinumpuzzy@ynotcam.com.
Background header image by Luis Quintero via Pexels.
