For our Model Citizens post this week, we wanted to shed some light on the perks and struggles in being a solo content creator. So we reached out to the lovely and quirky Gwen Adora who opened up about her fetishes, how joining the industry has changed her life and attitude toward sex, and how important it is to evolve and diversify.
How long have you been in the industry and why did you decide to join?
My adult industry entry date is a bit blurry — I’ve been sex blogging and sex-toy reviewing since 2016 under a different name, and I’ve been doing porn officially since January 2018, though I wasn’t doing it full time until October later that year. I started using Modelhub and Pornhub in February last year after the lovely Jade Jordan urged me to take advantage of the platform at AVN 2019.
I’ve always been a very open and sexual person. I read many sex blogs and kept up with sex-positive media, so starting my own blog came natural to me, and it quickly attracted some readers who asked to pay me for my naked pictures and videos. That support eventually ended up with me starting to make and sell porn, and so here I am!
Has your perception of the industry changed since joining? If so, how?
I’m really glad I joined this industry equipped with a lot of research and testimonials from friends, so I haven’t had any regrets whatsoever. The big thing I didn’t fully understand when entering was how much emotional labor is involved with the job. Talking to my regulars and fans is my favorite part of my day, but it is work and something I need to remind myself to take a break from occasionally.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about the industry you wish you could change?
The work that goes into porn is highly underrated, in my opinion. Even acquaintances of mine who are pro-porn and pro-sex work have big misconceptions on how much work I put into what I do. Yes, I can make money while I sleep, but I’m working almost every waking minute to make that happen. People still think this industry is easy money.
How has joining the industry changed your life?
Joining the industry has changed my life in so many ways! Right now, more than ever, I feel freedom financially, spiritually, and personally. I’m able to travel to all the places I want to and I’ve made amazing connections with other performers and sex workers. I’ve met some of the best people in the world through this career. I feel so incredibly liberated living my life as a queer, fat, sex worker unabashedly.
What are some of the perks and struggles of being a solo content creator?
There are times I get jealous of people who have a partner to film with — I definitely wish I could clone myself so I can operate my camera to get the best angle possible while fucking myself. But, realistically, I know it would be hard for me to not micromanage someone all the time. I’m very grateful that I just have myself to depend on for my final product, and I am very proud I produce a one-women-show.
What have you learned about yourself since joining the industry?
Over the last year, I’ve learned that I can be dominant! I used to see myself as someone who is submissive, but the content I started making involves me seductively controlling my viewers and I love it! I can play all types of roles for my fans now, from mommy goddess to baby girl, though most of my roles are dominant. Opening up my sexuality through porn has benefited my personal life, too. I love getting to be “mommy” with my partners.
What has been one of the funniest moments in your work?
Most of my funny moments come from when fans recognize me and approach me when I’m out and about in my city, which happens far too often. There was one time when people were in line to take pictures with me while I was out with friends. Those experiences always make me laugh because they don’t feel real. So many locals are fans of my fat ass? I love it!
Do you usually have a routine when you prep for a scene?
My filming moods come spontaneously, so I don’t do much in terms of a routine before starting a scene. At a minimum, I do my makeup while I flush out the ideas and pace of the video, then I set up my lights and tripod, put a glass of water beside my bed, get in an outfit, and start filming!
Are there any fetishes on your bucket you’d like to try but haven’t done yet?
I’ve gotten the chance to play with a lot of different fetishes, but right now I’ve been fantasizing about corrupting men into indulging in their bi-curiosities. As a bisexual person myself, I know bisexual sex isn’t a fetish, but I definitely want to make “fetishy” coerced-bi content soon!
Why the name Gwen Adora? How does it represent you?
My non-porn name is a bit old school for the year I was born in, so I wanted my porn name to have the same vibe to it. I found the name Gwen first, then wanted a light and cute last name to compliment it. Adora fit that need and represents my cute personality while sounding phonetically aesthetic.
You mention in your profile that you’re Canadian, so what do you think are Canadian’s perception and attitude, in general, of the adult industry compared to other countries?
I’ve been lucky to have been met with acceptance from the locals of my Canadian city. I tell everyone who asks what I do, and for the most part, people have been very curious (in a good way) about my career. I can’t really compare that to other countries as I haven’t had much experience outing myself while travelling, but, from my perspective, I think Canadians are at a good level of comfortability around the subject of sex work.
How are you and Gwen Adora different and/or similar?
We’re pretty much the same, except non-performer me is much more politically vocal and more likely to call out people on their biases and bullshit. It’s important to use the privilege of having a big audience for causes you support, so I do engage with issues on Twitter and politely engage with discourse under my performer brand, but I’m not down people’s throats as much as I would be in my personal life.
What kind of scenes do you most enjoy shooting?
Impregnation fetish scenes are my favorite to film and my best-selling clips. Not only is it a personal fetish, but I have so much fun crafting new and interesting storylines about why my character would want and need to get pregnant.
Tell us something about yourself your fans would be surprised to learn.
All the dirty talk in my videos is completely improvised! Also, I have an IUD so there’s no way I can get pregnant right now — sorry, boys!
What does a typical day look like for you?
I’m not a “schedule” type of person, so my days are always different. However, if I had to give an outline, it would involve me waking up and showering, then heading to a local cafe for food and an iced mocha while I work on admin work from my laptop. I would then head home to take some pics, rest, have dinner, and film in the evening after my housemates have gone to bed.
When you’re not working, what could we find you doing?
Zoning out watching Netflix, binging podcasts, trying out local restaurants, and partying with my friends.
How do you use social media to promote your work and grow your fan base?
I love using social media to interact with my fans! Twitter is where I first announce all my new videos and connect with my fans and community, and Instagram is where I show the behind-the-scenes of my work and post modelling photos. I’m now also into TikTok, which allows me to have fun, be creative, and grow a new audience! It’s always important to diversify on platforms.
Putting out high-quality content that is relatable to other models and my fans were extremely important to my growth in the beginning! Post stuff you know others will want to share naturally and that showcase your personality.
How do you deal with online criticism?
I wish someone had told me this sooner, but never be afraid to delete hateful comments and block trolls. Replying to them gives them what they want and never makes me feel better.
On the other hand, I do believe there are valid criticisms that can exist on the Internet. If I put something out that happens to be problematic, I am always open to listen to people’s perspectives.
How do you use the features on Pornhub and Modelhub to your advantage?
Adding some of my older videos to Pornhub Premium every couple of months has boosted my profits, even if those videos haven’t sold much on Modelhub.
What kind of advice can you give to new Models?
Branding is one of the most important things you can do when starting off. Get a porn name that’s original (do your research) and reflects who you are. I see so many people on Twitter who have similar usernames that makes them hard to differentiate. Check to make sure the name you choose has available corresponding domain names and usernames across various platforms.
In terms of content, start making videos that interest you, see what sells, and expand from there. If you’re in a dry spot when it comes to creativity, try different fetishes and maybe you’ll find a new favorite niche.
If you could go back in time to when you started, what kind of advice would you give yourself?
Start actually working! I entered this industry so haphazardly, I wish I started hustling from the get-go. You were made for this, baby!
Where do you hope to see your career in the next 5 years?
I’m not much of a planner, but my one goal is to expand to shooting outside my bedroom more (getting another shooting space where I live) and to do on-location shoots with a production team more often. Other than that … get back to me in 5 years!
Follow Gwen Adora on Twitter and Instagram for photos, videos, and updates on her next project.
Twitter @gwenadora
Instagram @gwenadoraxo
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