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Thursday, November 26, 2009

So you wanna be a Bear model, all the while dreaming of 'new cars and caviar'...? Last week - I wrote up an article about Bear modelling. I sent the link to Teddy who runs the new BEAR Magazine (website - articles). He wrote me back all the while filling me in about many things about being a model. His email was quite excellent so we decided to post it. To any who are consider being a model, read this as Teddy is a leading voice when it comes to modelling:

"Making Money as a Porn Star and Jack Radcliffe" - by Teddy

"Yeah it's true that getting rich from doing porn is mostly a nice idea. For most guys, think of it as a great way to get tons of attention and some extra cash too. Though, that is all relative to the studio you work for. Some studios pay exactly how you describe it. Others pay a LOT more. It's no wonder why there are so many gay-for-pay models out there—everyone knows that straight porn pays shit for men. Pay is different for each and every studio and everything is considered: experience, looks, dick, performance, popularity... basically, how bankable you are. In that way it mirrors the Hollywood studio pay system.

Beyond that, porn stars will perform events or bars and some will also do escorting. Just like musicians who release an album, they make most of their money from touring and performing. Same concept. There are many porn stars out there who are porn stars 24/7... it is their job. They perform on-camera and on-demand very well and are liked by studios and fans alike. They can make a lot of money by doing many films per year for a lot of studios while performing at events/bars and escorting in-between video productions. For some it is rather lucrative. These are the guys who have the "IT" factor and work "IT" as long and hard as they can. (Note: The "IT" factor is a unique and illusive thing. Many want it, but only a few have it).

The reasons why someone does porn are varied: money, recognition, affirmation, a collected experience, etc. But what happens if you really like it AND you become popular. I always suggest to new models that they keep their porn identity completely separate from themselves, taking it out of the closet (or make-up bag) whenever it's needed. Whatever good or bad happens to your porn alter-ego is happening to "it", not you. Then whenever you want to retire, you simply lock it up and walk away. Easy. However, if you take things personally and start to believe all the hype and all the compliments, you're setting yourself up for possible paranoia, rejection, depression... all the stuff that can come from the rollercoaster ride. That can be a bad place to find yourself in.

As an example, one of our most popular Butch Bear models who successfully did this would only do escorting when he and his partner needed a couch, a flat-screen TV or money for a vacation. I was impressed by how he used his fame as a bank account without getting caught up in the vanity or falling for the hype.

Jack Radcliffe (real name: Frank Martini), the most-recognized porn star of the bear community and Bear Magazine cover model, had the choice to work his porn star status for bigger bucks, but he kept it as a fun hobby while working full-time as a computer analyst and now San Francisco realtor. He decided against performing and escorting. For someone who was in the position of earning much more money as a porn star, he is exactly where he wants to be".

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Thursday, November 19, 2009

So you have a dream of being a Bear porn star...? Thinking of quitting your day job in hopes to become an international Bear model, having 1000s of fans flip through your photos, tears running down their eyes as they cannot believe the beauty that bestows in front of them?

Ok, maybe that's a little over the top, however this is just a little reality check to all those who believe they will become rich by doing Bear porn. Let's take a look at Frank Martini as he's probably the best example when it comes to being a Bear icon, a Bear porn star and an every day name in many a Bear household.

Who is Frank Martini, you ask? Well you most likely know him by his stage name - Jack Radcliffe (articles). He is undisputedly the most famous porn star that Bear culture has ever gazed their eyes upon. When his face first appeared on the cover of BEAR magazine way back circa late 80s ~ early 90s, he became the fantasy to all those who love husky beefy furry men, all the while helping to break down barriers as to what sexy signified.

But what you need to know is that Frank has always maintained a true job all the while 'moonlighting' as a model. Frank was a computer analyst at one time, and today he is a realtor in San Francisco (Wiki). I just need to point this out as I get many requests from men to have their pictures taken, and some of them have hopes on being a star. Of course it's very possible that one will become famous, yet, when it comes to being a Bear model, guys should remember that they should be doing this primarily for the fun and the novelty of having their photograph taken, and of course to have the photos to look back on during their life. Yes it's fun to be a model, however there is really not all that much money in it. Many models don't get paid at all, and often enough they have to pay the photographers. Same goes for videos. So yes, get your picture taken - life is much too short and the body is very beautiful, but don't think of quitting that day job... not just yet.

Lastly, Frank had retired from doing Bear porn yet he came out of retirement last August and accepted to pose for the launching of the new BEAR magazine (website - articles). And for all you Jack Radcliffe fans, you can pick up his Box Set here at the Bear Omnimedia Store. And if you're looking for a home to buy in San Fran, well you can always ask for Mr. Martini to show you around, and if you don't buy a house, you can maybe get him to sign an autograph.

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Wednesday, November 5, 2008

This is a friendly reminder that you have up until November 15th to vote for the 'Best of the Bears' over at the Got Fur? site. Send your nomination to this email. After that, the voting will ensue between November 15th until December 31st. There is also a new category 'Bear of the Year'; one who has done the most for the Bear and GLBT community - (this category requires a bit of background).

Here are the other categories: 'Best Bear Website', Best Bear Blog', 'Best Bear Nonfiction Book', 'Best Bear Fiction Book', 'Best Bear Podcast', 'Best Bear Porn Site', Best Bear Video', 'Best Bear Porn Star', 'Best Bear Business', 'Best Bear Celebrity', 'Best Bear Publication', 'Best Bear Club', 'Best Bear Run', 'Best Bear Movie Group', 'Best Bear Bar', 'Best Bear Fundraiser', 'Best Bear Campsite', 'Best Bear Accommodations', 'Best Bear Play Party', 'Best Bear Resource', 'Best Bear Artist', and, 'Best Bear Performer'.