Escorting, tattoos, and protecting your identity
I've thought about escorting for a long time and I am getting closer to taking the plunge. One big question I am mulling is how do you deal with tattoos in your ads? This would be a side gig for me, and I plan to blur or veil my face in my images, but I also have a couple of tattoos that would easily out me to anyone who halfway knows me. I feel like I can't completely hide them because I don't want to meet with a potential repeat client only to have him never rebook or leave a less positive review because he prefers a no-tattoo look.
Do I just blur the tattoos like my face? Should I hide them with careful posing/makeup but mention in my ads that I have prominent tattoos? Can I just hide the tattoos in my photos and then rely on my winning personality to get high-quality repeat clients? :dopey: Does it even actually matter?
What are your best recommendations for maintaining a high level of discretion that won't hurt your business or provider reputation?
Re: Escorting, tattoos, and protecting your identity
If it is just a side gig, why don't you use stock photos? Just do them the right way, and get the required permissions or whatever to use them for that purpose, that has the same stats as you, and blur the face. If a guy questions you in your appointment about your tattoos, just say that you covered up your tattoos with professional make-up during the photo shoot because you are concerned about your privacy. Anybody normal would respect that. I do not think it is worth your privacy to show your tattoos in ads. And honestly, I have used stock photos a few times within my time in this industry, and it is rarely a problem. I TOTALLY changed my hair from a short brunette, to long, red hair, and it is still not a problem. Don't take it too seriously
Re: Escorting, tattoos, and protecting your identity
You can just to either blur or have your photographer airbrush out your tattoo. You should mention that you do have tattoos somewhere on your site and if they are prominently displayed somewhere where they are not easily hidden by clothes. Most men I know are okay with tattoos but stop short of loving a chest piece or sleeve. Everyone has their own niche of men they attract in the end its all about how you present yourself a cleaned body girl can act just as trashy as a girl with tattoos all over her body.
Re: Escorting, tattoos, and protecting your identity
Are you working with an agency or going indy? Agencies will typically use stock photos but as an independent you should be more protective of your reputation. I'd use my own photos but blur out the tats and mention them so there're no surprises.
Re: Escorting, tattoos, and protecting your identity
Dermablend comes in all skin tones and is a great tattoo coverup. Sometimes hiding large tattoos makes skin look blotchy.
Re: Escorting, tattoos, and protecting your identity
Just have your photog blur the tats. Do NOT use stock photos or any other trick that smacks of B & S.
Re: Escorting, tattoos, and protecting your identity
This was a HUGE issue for me, as I have a huge chest-piece, and have a half sleeve, plus other tattoos on my arms and one on my calf. When I first started escorting, I used fake pictures(because that's what I was taught to do). That is a very bad idea. Eventually, you will be turned away if you use fake pics, and it is quite embarrassing and very discouraging. And like you, this is only a side gig for me too, because I have a part time job, so I have to worry about being recognized as well. What has really worked great for me is covering all of your tattoos with makeup for pictures, or at least the huge ones, if they cover cleavage, like mine do. I just blur out the small ones so whoever calls will know without me telling them that I have at least one tattoo. I really don't think that it will even matter if you decide to cover them all with makeup for your pictures. Then, when you go on a call, wear clothing to cover your tattoos. Because of my chest piece, I wear a half sleeve jersey material top, that comes up to my neckline, kind of like a t-shirt. I wear some short shorts or a mini skirt to show off my legs, so that usually draws them in at first...hahaha. Of course, we always chat a little bit at first, so they get to know me and feel comfortable. That is how I have to go to every single date, and I have ALWAYS been successful. If you are easy-going, sweet, etc., you will be very successful. I have only had 2 guys who have said that they didn't like my tattoos, and both of them actually called me back more than once. I have always worried about my tattoos, but they have not been an issue. One guy did call on the phone and want to book me for 4 hours, but his last question was if I had any big tattoos. I wasn't about to lie to him, so I didn't get the call. I was pretty bummed to lose out on so much money, but I got over it quick. Other than that, I have never had a problem, and a lot of my guys think that they are sexy. Most guys that call me call again. I hope that this helps!
Re: Escorting, tattoos, and protecting your identity
Thanks everyone! This is really helpful, I'm glad I asked. I will be independent, not through an agency, and think I might feel too apologetic or weird if I used stock photos; I didn't even know that was a thing. I think I will go with dermablend for the biggest one and just blur the other one. I feel a lot more encouraged about this now.