erika

I don't honestly know at this point. I've found that many people don't recognize me at galleries, and only later realize who I am.

"Do what you want with your own body" ought to be the best advice, but as an artist you rely on other people's opinion of you and your work to make money, and to get art related jobs. I started trying to dress more presentably because I want to start teaching at universities within the next year, but having my tits on the internet isn't as reversible as starting to wear pants without holes and stains.

Art is an easier venue to be open about one's personal life than other possible work arenas, especially if your work is confessional and autobiographic.

It will affect the way some potential clients and employers see you. A private Xtian school probably won't hire you to teach if they google your name, but you probably didn't want to work there anyway. But, in purely financial consideration, it can help. People who wouldn't normally look at your art might be brought to a gallery for more carnal reasons and go away with a piece of art.

The art world is hypocritical about nudity. Nude modeling for figure drawing is totally respectable, nude photography modeling somewhat less so, and erotic modeling (like here on SG) is less than that, with porn and stripping pretty beyond the pale. Nudity for art's sake is respected, but nudity for actual work isn't very respectable. I don't think you should stop doing what you're doing if you enjoy it, but realize that it will probably effect your career in unseen ways.

But if the people in the industry approach you all shy and giggling, at least they're approaching you. Maybe they wouldn't otherwise talk to you.