Modeling Questions and Kelly's Answers

Q. Would an instructor, knowing I am a first-time model, discuss or suggest poses ahead of time? Am I less likely to be hired? - J.
A. Generally the artists do not suggest poses. They might, but don't count on it. They might also suggest minor changes to a pose you do come up with. Many will be too shy or too new at drawing to say anything. As for instructors, I do not know since I have not taken regular art classes. However, when I teach, I often know a few things that I need the pose to depict in order to help me teach that day's lesson. So I will suggest a pose in that case.

You need to arrive with poses in mind. Think of Madonna's "Vogue" song -- for example. Dance and freeze. Reach and freeze. Do manual labor and freeze. Bring a prop such as a walking stick, if that helps you. Frozen movement and twists of the torso are good. Arms and legs doing different things from their partners is good. Go to the book store and look at B&W images of nudes -- the erotic art section or photography section is where you will find these. This will give you ideas. Modeling is physical, so you will need to practice.

Q. I was approached with an offer to pose nude for a very successful artist. He has a project in mind that would become a series. He asked ME to give him the hourly rate of pay I expect. I have no idea what this should be. Can you give me an idea? Thank you. --R.
A. If you knew me you would know that I often give two answers -- the short one and the long one (only I usually skip the first one).

Pay depends on your area and also what the art medium is. (Date: Dec 2005) In Austin, Texas, USA, a life model for painters and sculptors receives $12 per hour. I pay $15 for each model per hour if a model poses nude with another model -- seems fair to me. Photography costs more -- I do not know Austin rates, but perhaps around $75 ? and you will be asked to sign a model release that will probably give up all future compensation to you no matter how those prints are used. Make sure you understand what you are signing. Paintings and sculpture do not require a model release because your likeness has more to do with the artist's interpretation than photography usually does. I understand that Dallas pays $15 per hour for a traditional life-model -- but Dallas tends to have more money than Austin.

(Added 30 Jan. 2006: there are times in which models will work for trade - sometimes for a drawing or perhaps a CD of images or actual prints. If this interests you, suggest it before the modeling session. Or you can wait to see what the resulting artwork actually looks like. However, do not be upset if the artist is not willing to relinguish his drawing.)

OK, that said, your comments raise more questions for me that you may need to consider, especially if you do not know this artist well.
1) Take a look at this artist's work and see if it is something you want to be a part of. Mainly, I would be curious if he works with nude models often. The reason I wonder about this is that if he normally hires models, he should be telling you what he pays and not asking you.
2) In my experience, when a professional asks me what my desired salary is instead of telling me what the position pays, that man is assuming that I will quote him a lower price than he is willing to pay me. And in my case, I generally work cheaply, because I am shy or stupid or something. The fact that you mention to me that he is a "successful artist" makes me wonder how much of that is designed to impress you. The idea is to wow you into the honor of working for someone "famous" or whatever successful means to you. That honor is supposed to take the place of cash, I think.
3) Before you agree to any private hiring, make sure you understand what the project is, what your working environment will be, and what exactly will be expected of you. And always listen to your instinct. If something raises a red flag in some part of your brain, either ask about it outright or just say no.

Be safe, have fun, and make a fair trade.
All the best,
Kelly

Q. Does model pay change with the experience?
A. For Open Studios, all models, regardless of any factors, are paid the same per hour. However, the better models get hired more often. On private work, all is negotiable. Do realize that most artists are not making a good living -- if they are full-time artists.

Q. I am handicapped. May I still be a model?
A. Absolutely. In Open Studio sessions, I have seen several different blind models (one who regularly poses with her seeing eye dog), and people with various differences. If you can create interesting poses (and hold them) or wear interesting costumes, then there should be no problem. Bring your creative personality and work hard -- that is what is most important.

Q. My dream is me being sculptured in the nude by a female girl. how can i get a female to photograph me in the nude at my home at (***address removed***) and i would like very much to be a nude male model.yours sincerly xxxx. is there a female who would photograph me in the nude please give me answer.
A. Dear XXXXX,
It sounds as though you want a dating experience, not an art one.
Try match.com and be honest.
Best wishes,
Kelly

Q. I am trying to become an artist's model and read your webside, but I'm unsure how to go about contacting my local arts organizations and art schools. Do I just call them and ask if they need nude models? I would feel so awkward doing that, especially if they didn't need any. Is there a better way going about it? Is there a web site with specific contact numbers? - Abby
A. No offense, Abby, but if you do not like figurative art in 2-d or 3-d, why bother becoming a model? [Dear Readers, this is a reference to how she filled out my contact form.]
You are right. How awkward to call and ask someone if they could use your services. You should know that shyness gets you nowhere. You should also know that you never stand a chance at getting what you want if you do not let someone know what you want. Your local arts organizations do not know you. You have no idea what they need. If you do not ask, how else are you going to find out? And, conversely, let them know you exist?
I have no clue as to whether or not your local groups have Web sites.
Oh -- you do not need to say "nude models". "Models" is sufficient. Not all models are nude, but as long as you know that most are and are prepared for that, there should be no problem. That way you can avoid any embarrassment saying "nude".
Good luck,
Kelly

Q. I am wondering if my age will affect my job opportunities?? and also is it better to wear makeup or none at all??? Tattoos or piercings a problem?
A. Age, looks, physique, moles, hair, tattoos, piercings, wrinkles, saggy bums, pregnancy, tumors, missing limbs, etc. None should be a problem for general life modeling sessions. The obvious exception is nude modeling for those under 18 years old. However, teaching sessions may be different. For example, a tattoo consists of a darker than skin design on skin. Art is about light. If the tattoo can be confused with how the light falls on the form (i.e., if it looks like a shadow), it may affect how often you are hired by an art teacher. Other artists enjoy drawing all of these details. People are people. They are interesting in how they differ from other people. Celebrate who you are and stop worrying about so many things. If you choose to wear make-up to present yourself to the world, then try it for a model session. Artists will often suggest something else if they want it. Usually this is stuff like "pin up your hair so we can see your back," but it could be other requests. I cannot predict the needs and desires of all artists at all times. Be yourself - at least when starting out.

Q. I was unaware of the demand for models for the arts . . . . Can you please advise where I can offer to my services state and nation wide? I am looking for legitimate and professional venues. - VF
A. I do not know much about what you are seeking. I only recommend that you do an Internet search on the towns you would like to work in and contact the art organizations in those places and try to schedule work before you travel. However, just days after you wrote me, a guy wrote to tell me about his site: artmod.org You may also try onemodelplace.com Perhaps this will help you out.

Update 15 March 2007: A note about finding models (and therefore where to go if a person wants to be an artist's model) . . . we have used www.onemodelplace.com as you suggest and also www.modelmayhem.com and www.craigslist.com to find artist's models.
Cheers,
Douglas Johnson (via the Web)
author of the "Art Models" series
www.livemodelbooks.com

Q. I think I should feel awkward asking this but my desire for an answer is too great to care so, for a female model, do artists care if she has or does not have pubic hair? I'm about to start modeling for my school and I was wondering if no pubic hair would gross everyone out. Thanks.
A. Dear C, Unless an artist is working on a specific project or idea, we do not care. About hair, about tattoos, about blemishes, cellulite, or shape. We do care about imagination and energy in poses, as well as a beautiful line in the body (gesture).

UPDATED Aprile 2008: Some possible resources for models to find work or learn more about their profession:
Model sites
www.modelalisa.com/presentation_gb.html
www.livemodelbooks.com/index1.htm
www.human-anatomy-for-artist.com/
www.female-anatomy-for-artist.com/
www.posespace.com/posetool/
www.posemaniacs.com/blog/
artmodeling.meetup.com/95/