Thinking about going into tickle videos

[oritaku666]

So, I've been thinking about doing some tickle videos in order to make a little extra pocket change.

Being tickled is something I really enjoy, so why not get a little extra out of it. I also own a few cosplay outfits that I would love to do more with other than have them sit around after conventions.

There is something that I'm really nervous about: Being a transgender, I feel that I'm at a HUGE disadvantage as opposed to others who go into this. I would hope that my cosplay would give me some sort of an edge, but I have my doubts on that.

I really wish I knew what my next step should be...:blush

 

[chicag0]

Why don't you poll here and/or TMF to get a better idea of the reception you'll receive. Investing any type of money into cameras, models, computer software will be dumb if no one wants to pay to see you tickled. I'm sure you'll get lots of suggestions as well.

 

[TicklishBlackGuy]

you never know it might not be a totally bad idea, i mean some people might like to see that

 

[dalekfire]

I'd say go for it! I'm fairly sure you wouldn't be in this to "take the bulk of the business," as it would be more for the pride of who you are and setting a precedent. I'd be happy to support you in your endeavors! 🙂 And yeah, I don't think there is much "cosplay" scenes (in the direct sense of the term) to speak of in tickle clip world so far...so you might just be the first! That'd actually be a really cool genre, that I'm actually shocked nobody has yet attempted (save for a few superhero scenes).

What sort of costumes do you have as of now? And do have a 'ler to help you out with said vids?

 

[oritaku666]

So far, I have:

Alice- from Alice: Madness returns

Agnes Oblige- from Bravely default

Miku Hatsune- namely the Love is War version of her

and then I have a few more generic outfits like a maid outfit and a kimono.


I kind of have a ler, but he travels around so I've been trying to find someone who I have easier and more consistent contact with.

 

[TKLVR181]

I'm sure you'd find an audience-dont let fear hold you back from doing something you'd enjoy!

~K

 

[Jondude521]

It does sound like an original and potentially great idea, sure... But you also realize that there's a reason nobody does cosplay characters in their videos, right? As unlikely as it may be, if the copyright holders of the actual characters saw your video and you did nothing/very little to differentiate the character being tickled from the original, they can sue you for all you're worth! You don't want that, so if you do do it? Be sure to change their names and don't wear any character logos or anything like that. Wear enough so that the fans will know what character you're based off of, but not enough to where it'll hurt. That's why superheroes are easier to pull off in tickle vids, because it's less work to make them different from their source. The costumes are recognizable, yet different enough from comics to work, and names are easily changed.

Just a heads up. Although, I haven't the slightest idea who any of your characters are... Anime is not my forte, but I do wish you luck.

 

[oritaku666]

It does sound like an original and potentially great idea, sure... But you also realize that there's a reason nobody does cosplay characters in their videos, right? As unlikely as it may be, if the copyright holders of the actual characters saw your video and you did nothing/very little to differentiate the character being tickled from the original, they can sue you for all you're worth! You don't want that, so if you do do it? Be sure to change their names and don't wear any character logos or anything like that. Wear enough so that the fans will know what character you're based off of, but not enough to where it'll hurt. That's why superheroes are easier to pull off in tickle vids, because it's less work to make them different from their source. The costumes are recognizable, yet different enough from comics to work, and names are easily changed.

Just a heads up. Although, I haven't the slightest idea who any of your characters are... Anime is not my forte, but I do wish you luck.

No worries, I 'm already aware of that danger. The problem is I don't really care for superheroes, I get that their easier to pull off, but I just don't really care to do those types characters.

 

[Jondude521]

Maybe not, but you may find yourself not making as much money being characters that only a minority of the tickling community is familiar with. A big part of any business, especially making content of any kind is marketing: who is your video meant for? And is that audience big enough to make a profit?

In the end, it's your videos and you can do whatever you want, and screw anybody who says otherwise, but be careful in case they don't sell well. In the end, if your audience isn't big enough, it'll probably cost more to make than you'll get back in sales, and that's no fun.

 

[oritaku666]

Chances are it won't be huge, but there is an audience for game and anime characters. Deviantart has shown me that and there is a very large thread dedicated to anime tickling on here. Plus, I figure if I do some generic stuff like maid and schoolgirl, then I might be able to find some financial balance. I wouldn't say that I would never do superheroes, there are couple that I like.


I understand that this is something that isn't as easy as it sounds. Believe me, I'm not one to just wake up one day and decide that I'm going to spontaneously do something. I've had this turning in my head for a few years. I've considered the dangers and problems that can come. Though I do feel that more information is necessary.

 

[Senshi1]

I know you said you were concerned that being a transgender would put you at a disadvantage, but I'm thinking maybe it'll be the opposite. There are people out there I'm sure who favour transgenders and, as far as I'm aware, the amount of tickle videos with transgenders in them is next to zero. Transgender videos might not be as popular as /m or /f, but for those who did like them, you'd pretty much have a monopoly on the market. Maybe I'm being silly, and if I am I'm sure someone will point out any flaws in that plan (which I don't begrudge, by the way - open discussion and all that), but it makes sense to me. Perhaps your uniqueness will be your greatest advantage here.

As for whether or not you should do it, you should look at the reasons why. You say you're doing it for some extra cash. If that's the case, then you should start out with very basic equipment and low costs, and see if it takes off enough to be worth investing in more. If, however, you're just doing it for fun, or because you like the idea of being in tickle videos (which, let's be honest, I'm sure most of us have - I know I do 😛 ), then how much you spend should depend on your budget and your enthusiasm. You can have fun with a cameraphone, a tripod, and some basic editing equipment if you're willing to put the work in. 🙂

Final point, and I think this is an important one, is criticism. Any time you put yourself into the public eye, you're likely to receive feedback - this is doubly likely if you're charging for a service. Though I'm sure the majority of people are at least constructive and relatively polite in their criticism, there are some out there who just like to hurt people's feelings. When it's something like a story or an image, it's easier to shrug off, but this is you, yourself - it'll feel a lot more personal, and you'll be a lot more vulnerable. If you don't take criticism too well, it might be good to think it over seriously before doing anything (which you seem to be doing anyway, so that's good).

Sorry to leave such a novel for you. It's great that you're taking it slow and thinking about it and asking advice, instead of charging in headlong. At the end of the day, if you're hellbent on doing it, go for it. 😉 Just keep that stuff in mind. Especially the criticism one - that can make you feel really lousy if you have the right constitution for it.

 

[Beckers1]

I'd recommend doing a poor quality video first that's absolutely free to watch or download, so you can determine whether or not your niche is profitable if the video gets enough views

 

[FireFoxSF]

I love how I've never seen "Chigag0" before and now I always see her randomly giving really solid advice.

 

[knicks255]

If you want to, I say go for it. You mentioned being Transgender, and how you were worried people might be biased against you because of it.

Honestly, they probably will be. There are still people out there who consider transgender people freaks or abominations or whatever, and they will probably flame you, because that's what they do. They see something that doesn't mesh with their world view, and they try to eliminate it.

Don't listen to them. Transphobia is a very real problem, but it's not justified or "okay" in any way. If people try to force you away from doing something you want to, just because you don't fit one of their two gender checkboxes, fuck them anyway. Do what you want, enjoy yourself, and if it makes you some money, all the better. So don't be afraid of adversity, just know that they cannot and never will be able to change you unless you let them. Stay proud.

 

[Hyena]

If it really makes you that nervous, just remember that it's ultimately up to you whether you even tell anyone about your being transgender in the first place. I know I don't have a problem with things like that, but not everyone can be as cool as me. Bless them though, they're trying.

I say go for it, make a trial video, have fun with it! See how it's received. We'd be happy to give you feedback here if you're uncomfortable about submitting it to the Greater Internet, though I'll warn you that any feedback from me will be incredibly positive because my blood is made of cocaine and I'm JUST SO VERY POSITIVE! I can try to be critical, though. If you want.

 

[oritaku666]

I know you said you were concerned that being a transgender would put you at a disadvantage, but I'm thinking maybe it'll be the opposite. There are people out there I'm sure who favour transgenders and, as far as I'm aware, the amount of tickle videos with transgenders in them is next to zero. Transgender videos might not be as popular as /m or /f, but for those who did like them, you'd pretty much have a monopoly on the market. Maybe I'm being silly, and if I am I'm sure someone will point out any flaws in that plan (which I don't begrudge, by the way - open discussion and all that), but it makes sense to me. Perhaps your uniqueness will be your greatest advantage here.

As for whether or not you should do it, you should look at the reasons why. You say you're doing it for some extra cash. If that's the case, then you should start out with very basic equipment and low costs, and see if it takes off enough to be worth investing in more. If, however, you're just doing it for fun, or because you like the idea of being in tickle videos (which, let's be honest, I'm sure most of us have - I know I do 😛 ), then how much you spend should depend on your budget and your enthusiasm. You can have fun with a cameraphone, a tripod, and some basic editing equipment if you're willing to put the work in. 🙂

Final point, and I think this is an important one, is criticism. Any time you put yourself into the public eye, you're likely to receive feedback - this is doubly likely if you're charging for a service. Though I'm sure the majority of people are at least constructive and relatively polite in their criticism, there are some out there who just like to hurt people's feelings. When it's something like a story or an image, it's easier to shrug off, but this is you, yourself - it'll feel a lot more personal, and you'll be a lot more vulnerable. If you don't take criticism too well, it might be good to think it over seriously before doing anything (which you seem to be doing anyway, so that's good).

Sorry to leave such a novel for you. It's great that you're taking it slow and thinking about it and asking advice, instead of charging in headlong. At the end of the day, if you're hellbent on doing it, go for it. 😉 Just keep that stuff in mind. Especially the criticism one - that can make you feel really lousy if you have the right constitution for it.

Thank you. This makes me feel a little better even a little more confident.

I guess another thing I'm worried about is my voice. When I hear people talk about tickling, it's usually because they like the sound of a woman's laugh. While I have been trying to make my voice softer, I just know that it's not going to be on par with what would be expected, especially since I've met quite a few people who have had very unrealistic expectations of what a transgender woman should be.

It just makes me so nervous, but I really want to get over that nervousness.

 

[OrangeGooboy]

Where do you plan on doing these? Cuz I'm interested...