|
Forums >
Model Colloquy >
Some tips for figure modeling and art classes.
I know several of these threads exist, I know also that a lot of people dislike searching, so some tips for people posing for artists and art classes. Feel free to add your own! Getting the job: -Put up and search ads on craigslist. If you visit a college, hit the art department and look for the head. They'll usually know who needs models and will take your information for a later day. You may want to also check local galleries, some host classes as well. Things you should bring: -A bathrobe for in-between moments -I bring hair ties and a brush in a bag (NOT on your wrists) in case they want your hair pulled back. -A clean, makeup-less face Things you may want to bring or will likely have provided: -A blanket/sheet (In my experience, colleges will provide these, but you may want to ask if they'll have one for you) -A timer ( ditto above--I've always just figured out a schedule with the instructor, usually every thirty minutes or so they offer a break) -Tape (for outlining the pose) Holding poses: -If, when you first take the pose, you feel strain in some area but think you can handle it...relax the pose. My first few classes, I was up on my toes, leaning all my weight on one arm, etc. I was quickly miserable and counting down the minutes until they asked if I wanted to break. -When they offer breaks, take them if you need to. Few things are more annoying than a model who turns down a break and then is wobbling and miserable five minutes later. -Make sure you know the pose or it's taped down before you move about on breaks. I've completely lost the pose in the two minutes between getting up and stretching and getting back down, and finding the pose as a group exercise is somewhat stressful  On money: -Know how your college/ artist is going to pay you and when. My college goes by checks, received a week-ish after the class, and they don't take taxes out. Each check, I put a little aside. I'm in no position to offer tax advice, but it seems like a reasonably sound policy for most. Networking: -I usually ask the instructor what I should do with cards or my information. I booked three more instructors at the college I pose for simply by doing a free-draw session when it was offered--at $20 an hour, it's nothing to turn down if you've got the time and mobility! Mar 17 11 04:54 pm Link Excellent tips. I would add: -Water or juice. Dehydration can come on suddenly and unexpectedly, which can be dangerous if you are on a raised platform. -Flip-flops or slippers for breaks. Floors can be cold, which cramps up my calves. Art studios also may also have sharp objects on the floors, such as staples from canvases, or straight razors (used to sharpen pencils). Mar 17 11 05:19 pm Link Make sure you're well hydrated before hand. Icyhot and ibuprofen is your friend. Complicated poses are cool for 1-5 minute poses, anything longer, unless you're a yoga master, choose something relatively easy. You WILL lose circulation in your hands and feet at times. A 20 minute pose is not enough to make you lose your hand, so don't freak out. Stretch yourself during breaks, walk around, don't just sit there. Keep your blood moving. For sitting still, pick a spot directly in your line of sight and just stare at it. Don't try looking around, your head will move whether you realize it or not. Mar 17 11 05:29 pm Link Adding to Sadie's post above: *Be Aware of Your Environment* Depending on where you are modeling, you may be required to have specific wardrobe concerns for the class you are modeling for, or the building you are in. At a local city Arts Center I figure model for they have classes for all ages. Generally I'm given notice as to whether the class I'm modeling for is nude or non-nude (in the case of introductory courses on occasion, courses with minors, and, for the most part, portraiture classes). Non-nude classes require a leotard, or a tights/leggings & a form-fitting shirt type of outfit (anything that shows your figure without having too many distractions). At the same time as the classes I model nude for there is always a children's ballet class across the hall. Due to this, walking around the building in a robe (to use the restroom, get a drink, etc.) is inappropriate, so I have shifted by "break" attire to either a long shirt-dress or a regular shift-style summer dress (no elastic, super-tight fits, or anything constricting in these, just loose fabric). Other than the Arts Center, a robe has been acceptable on every other occasion and environment - but then again there haven't been smaller children and their parents loitering/milling about in the hallways. Another occasion where you may be asked to pose non-nude as a figure model is when you are hired by an advanced group that can handle a model being partially clothed, or a group that works with people in "costume". In Kansas City I've run into groups that do both, as well as a thing called "Dr. Sketchy's" where the models are either burlesque performers doing shorter gesture poses, or figure models dressed as burlesque performers. *Where To Look While Posing* Where you end up looking with your eyes once settled into a pose is also an important factor. Looking directly at a specific person can make them uncomfortable, so it is better to find a spot to focus on (on the floor/wall/ceiling/model stand/wherever) that is obviously neutral and also easy to pick out again if you are asked to hold the same pose more than once in a session. *Know the Skill Level of the Group You're Working With* In general, the easiest way to deal with this is to speak with the teacher and ask what kinds, and level, of posing is required for the class. Posing for a beginner-level class (especially with a younger class) requires an entirely different set of poses than you would use for an advanced class. Some teachers have a preference when it comes to what they want with more simple poses (for instance, there's a teacher who specifically requests that body parts overlap as minimally as possible - so no crossing your arms in front of your body), and some leave it up to the model. That's all I can think of at the moment that wasn't said in the initial post. Mar 17 11 05:38 pm Link Thanks for posting this thread, Sadie. Since I'm started to do nude modeling, I have never done it for a class but I will definitely look into it now. Mar 17 11 05:45 pm Link 
Model Posts: 1796 Amundsen-Scott - permanent station of the US, Unclaimed Sector, Antarctica I've written a couple of blog posts on life modeling: On arranging gigs and preparation: http://modelkarimarie.blogspot.com/2010 … art-1.html On what to expect while working as a life model: http://modelkarimarie.blogspot.com/2010 … art-2.html And additional detail on gesture poses: http://modelkarimarie.blogspot.com/2010 … sture.html Mar 17 11 08:23 pm Link Travel robes (usually made of a jersey fabric) are way easier to fit into a backpack than a big fluffy robe. They come in pretty handy. Most artists don't want to draw (or paint) you looking stiff. Relax into the pose. In standing poses, use contrapposto -- lean more heavily on one leg, and let your pelvis shift so it tilts down on one side. Mar 18 11 12:38 am Link As an artist, it is very helpful when the model learns to get their limbs away from their core. Wider stance, arms out. Also twist or arch in the torso. Obviously this has to be balanced against what you can hold. Mar 18 11 08:47 am Link I think you have pretty much covered most of them  Good points. I'd like to add that it's not a must that you have to do complicated poses unless you know you can hold it. It's okay to do simple poses that you can hold for 10 minutes or more.Mar 18 11 08:57 am Link Cupric Design wrote: I think that might be more of a personal taste thing. I know if a model I was drawing or painting only did poses with wide stances and their arms out, I'd laugh at them. Mar 18 11 01:54 pm Link
Model Posts: 1796 Amundsen-Scott - permanent station of the US, Unclaimed Sector, Antarctica Cupric Design wrote: Kamarose wrote: I'm inclined to agree with Kama- when I'm drawing I have no issue with limbs crossing in front of the torso. That said, I prefer the models not get TOO pretzel-y in posing. Clean lines are helpful. Mar 18 11 02:35 pm Link This is all really, really good stuff. I'd add: About artists' taste... I like to ask in the beginning of a class or session if there's anything they'd like to focus on, like neoclassical poses, athletic poses, dance-type stuff, etc. It helps me know where to go with my posing. Eat beforehand. Seriously. Or at least bring snacks. Generally people won't care what your tummy looks like, and you'll most likely need the extra calories. Take your breaks even when you aren't positive you need them. As you gain more experience you know when you can turn down a break, but in the beginning it can be tough to interpret your body's signals accurately. There's no honor in not needing a break, and it only damages your joints to keep still longer than you need to. Turn the ringer off on your cell phone, or turn the phone off. That shit is annoying. Bring a travel-container of wet wipes, or a washcloth, if you're posing in a studio that doesn't have a model stand. Sometimes the floors are covered with charcoal and other artistic leavings. Mar 18 11 03:40 pm Link Kamarose wrote: That is not quite what I meant (although it may be what I said). Mar 18 11 03:51 pm Link Thanks for posting this!! Its something I've been curious about for awhile now. Some questions I have (I know NOTHING about art modeling) When you go on a go-see or interview or whatever, do you bring a portfolio? Do they prefer you to be unshaven or do they not care? Do they ever tell you to do poses or do you come up with them all on your own? Is it similar to modeling for a photographer? For some reason I don't think I'd do nude photo shoots but posing nude for an artist doesn't bother me.. Mar 18 11 04:56 pm Link
Model Posts: 1796 Amundsen-Scott - permanent station of the US, Unclaimed Sector, Antarctica AllisonLael wrote: I don't think that I've ever been to a go-see or interview for life modeling. Mar 18 11 05:10 pm Link rhus wrote: +1 on the wipes or even a bottle of sanitary solution. I have seen pillows, drops and cushions appear never to have been washed in the past 10+ years at some studios. Mar 18 11 05:30 pm Link  Mar 19 11 02:05 am Link KariMarie wrote: This is a true statement! Mar 19 11 02:07 am Link AllisonLael wrote: From an artist's point of view on this. Mar 19 11 02:15 am Link AllisonLael wrote: I honestly showed up, left my name and phone number on a piece of paper, and waited for them to call me. Artists draw all sorts of models (a man who frequently works at the same college as me is probably in his seventies), so holding poses well is more important. Mar 19 11 07:05 am Link KariMarie wrote: I read these before I started, and I found them very helpful Mar 19 11 07:07 am Link a mini electric heater is sometimes a good thing to have for the cold class rooms (i leave one in the car), I always bring a yoga matt for any reclining poses gives you a little cushion to do more interesting things, timer, snacks, water, robe (have a back up in the car also), fuzzy blanket, business cards, a walking stick (this helps hold arms up away from the body). also don't forget your schedule, you never know! get to know your body and how long you can hold certain things. i know i can only keep my arms above my head for about 20 minutes before I get the tingles. i know that if crossing legs, the leg with pressure will tingle after 30 minutes, i know if i'm resting into one arm with all my weight to bring the arm close to the body, don't put all your weight into your wrist. look at art for inspiring poses, be on time, stay still, be positive and put some feeling into the poses  Mar 19 11 09:04 am Link KariMarie wrote: I've gone to one "interview" which was more me just showing up, verifying the schedule, and so the director could see that I was who I said I was. It's true anyone can be an art model, but curves and interesting lines are preferred. Mar 19 11 10:55 am Link Jess Lynn Photography wrote: Pretty much this girl knows her stuff and hit every point I did think of as well. Mar 19 11 05:55 pm Link This was an excellent thread. I have been modeling regularly for the past year at the art schools and community colleges here, and a recent gig for animators from some of the movie studios and production houses. That was a trip, because it was two hours of nothing but fast 2-minute action/gesture poses; nothing classical or serene there! I am modeling for body painters next month at the Face And Body Art International Convention - http://www.fabaic.com Apr 20 11 12:01 pm Link great thread! I don't have too much more to add, except to say do what you love, and you will be rewarded. I work in a few markets across the US, and one small market I love going to loves me back! I've been having a rough month, but art modeling for me is therapeutic- it's constructive rather than destructive, and I'm part of a process of creating something new. People will recognize when you love doing something, and are enthusiastic about it. Classes in that area pay $12/hr (used to be $10, but it was raised for all art models to $12); but I work 5-6 groups a week when in town, and make myself available for photographic work at my regular rate. Classes and groups are a great way to "break into" a new market, get legitimate local references, and find artists who will privately hire you that aren't online (one guy doesn't even have a phone number that drew me today). When there is a will to create, and you actively put yourself out there, you will either be met with a closed door telling you to knock somewhere else, or a door wide open... Apr 20 11 02:00 pm Link Just to add- I have had and still have many "mentors" and great models I look up to; I also learn a lot from artists and models of all levels and styles. There is always something to be learned. If I find myself getting big-headed, I look through work by other people, or draw at a group and see what I can learn from that model. I also love connecting artists/ photographers and great models. This is the internet era, so we have a lot more opportunity to communicate! Apr 20 11 02:05 pm Link Jess Lynn Photography wrote: Note to anyone interested in Dr.Sketchys- they're available outside Kansas city, if you know where to look. I've run into one in Cornwall, and something similar (or possibly the same thing) in London. They look like heaps of fun for everybody involved. I suggest searching FB for 'Dr Sketchy's' to see if it lists one in your area. Apr 21 11 05:51 pm Link We are currently looking for models. Please get in touch! Aug 21 13 02:29 pm Link An excellent, excellent thread with great tips all around. I only wish there were more models interested in posing for life drawing groups... Aug 22 13 04:28 am Link Sadie Seuss wrote: BTW, where do you post the ad on Craigslist? Under community, jobs, or services? Aug 22 13 04:31 am Link Good thread Sadie. I think rather a lot of us model for Art classes/artists actually. Some photographers will ridicule it but I enjoyed it and it paid reasonably. Here is my thread on the subject: https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=789626 Aug 22 13 07:10 am Link Eliza C new portfolio wrote: Another great thread; thanks! Aug 22 13 08:12 am Link studio229 wrote: Try the casting calls, not threads from two years ago Aug 22 13 11:14 am Link KariMarie wrote: I have had 1 audition interview for a sculpture class (Private sculpture school). The school was open for parent visits that day and the first thing said to me was, "take off your clothes and try a pose". Aug 25 13 02:09 pm Link SaxonWit wrote: Often in New York, sometimes come to Chicago. Aug 25 13 02:11 pm Link Thank you all for being so informative! I am an experienced figure model, but I have done all local work. I have recently been contacted by an artist for a travelling job. They informed me that they expect 10+ hours of work for 3 days, plus 2 days of travel. All expenses are paid for on their end. Do you have any advice on this and what I should charge per day? I typically work 3-6 hours for $20 hourly, but I know this work will be rather grueling, so I am wondering if I should charge more... Sep 24 13 08:44 pm Link Dollface Jessie wrote: For longer projects, negotiate with each individual artist. (Honestly, half of the job is negotiating, and that's just capitalism in general.) Sep 24 13 08:59 pm Link Catscratching wrote: It does help, thank you! I meant to say that I will be working the 10+ hours PER DAY for 3 days, so I will not have the opportunity (or the energy) to work elsewhere in the area. Sep 24 13 10:06 pm Link Eliza C new portfolio wrote: If a few more photographers tried it for themselves and put themselves in the model's shoes and nothing else that day, the world would be a better place, photographers would be a lot more considerate of models perhaps. Sep 25 13 03:12 am Link |
