Why be a nude life model?
There are probably many different reasons for being an artist’s model. Some of these might include:
Does being a life drawing model always mean you are naked?
Yes it does, unless agreed with the organiser for specific groups (young artists etc). Traditional life drawing is the study of the nude human form and has been like this for centuries.
Note how the term ‘nude’ is the preferred terminology in art, not ‘naked’.
How long do you pose for?
For individual poses, it varies from 1, 2 or 3 minutes right up to an hour. The longer poses (say 20 minutes and over) will almost certainly be with the model sitting or lying down. This is important in being reasonably comfortable and holding a pose without having to move too much.
Most life drawing groups will run for 2-3 hours and will have a mixture of short and long poses. They normally incorporate a tea/coffee break.
Some college courses may have classes in the morning and afternoon.
I am not very attractive or glamorous, can I still be a model?
Yes! Life drawing is completely different to the glamour or fashion photos we often see as it is more ‘honest’ and natural in many ways.
Organisers often prefer to have a wide range different shapes and sizes in their pool of models. This includes models who are male or female, slim or heavy, old, young, wrinkles, muscles etc. Are all fine and valued by artists.
How much do you get paid?
The accepted rate for modelling is £15/hour. Some organisers maybe willing to pay something towards travelling expenses.
How can I become a model?
You can register at the Register of Artist’s Models (https://www.modelreg.co.uk/index.php) which can be helpful, especially if you live in the London area.
Otherwise find out about life drawing groups in your area and talk to the tutor or organiser. Often you will be told they have plenty of models, especially male models but they may be willing to “try you out”.
If you would like to be a model for me, please email me..........
What are the ‘rules’?
Artists should not be interacting with the model while he or she is posing. Definitely no touching and the organiser should make sure a polite distance is maintained around the model. There maybe times for long poses where the tutor may place some tape to show where hands and feet are positioned so a pose can be resumed after a break.
Artists should never be critical about a model’s appearance.
The organiser should be protective towards the model and ensure his/her well-being. This includes making sure the temperature is comfortable and most will have some fan heaters where necessary.
The organiser will ensure there are suitable private changing facilities for the model as it is not appropriate for the model to undress in front of the artists. Likewise the organiser will be using a suitable venue so there aren’t any people peeping to see what is happening.
The model and organiser will need to agree who supplies any cushions, blankets or props.
The organiser will normally work with the model to come up with some suitable poses, making sure all of the artists are able to get a variety of poses to draw with the model in different positions. It is appreciated when the model can use their initiative to come up with their own poses.
The organiser must take care to avoid expecting poses which are unreasonably long and uncomfortable for the model. This is unprofessional and might appear as unnatural in the art.
If the organiser says a pose will last for 15 minutes, it is important this is timed and not expect the model to hold a pose for longer than advised at the start. It can become very uncomfortable or painful for the model.
What about body hair?
This is down to the individual model and whatever they feel comfortable with.
What about jewellery, tattoos and piercings?
In our current society, many people have tattoos and piercings as they are culturally more acceptable and mainstream.
For models with tattoos, some artists may even incorporate a tattoo in the art, especially if the pose lasts long enough. If you have significant tattoos, please mention this to the organiser out of politeness.
Jewellery such as necklaces, bracelets etc maybe left on. However be prepared for the organiser to ask if they can be taken off, especially if they are distracting.
Earrings, body piercings or genital piercings are normally acceptable but it might be appropriate to mention this to the organiser, especially if the artists are likely to be distracted or of a conservative nature or easily offended.
What happens if I need to sneeze, have an itch or I get cramp?
Everyone will hopefully understand but it is best to avoid sneezing or coughing (use a cold remedy in advance if you can). If you have a cold or are unwell, it is better to give the organiser plenty of notice so a different model can be arranged.
If you get an itch, you must ignore it. As you become more experienced, this will become easier. Cramp can be difficult and painful, just like some poses. If you need to move, politely apologise and resume the pose as soon as you can. Most groups will accommodate this providing it doesn’t happen too often.
What do I need to take with me?
Definitely take a robe, so you can change privately and then just slip the robe off just before you start posing. Slippers or flip flops are also a good idea.
Some organisers will already have a supply of cushions, blankets, boxes and couches, along with suitable lighting and music. You should ask the organiser about these things in case you need to take something along with you.
Most organisers provide fan heaters but you might need to check this, especially when it is cool or cold.
Anything else?
Have a shower or bath before you model and after you get home. You will feel more confident and better for it.
Try to establish a good dialogue with the organiser, it will help you agree poses so they look good for the artists. Having a good line of communication will also help deal with any issues which crop up..
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