Being a life model is a lot of work and indeed requires a few essential skills that not everyone possesses.
Let's face it, most of us have become experts in covering ourselves up as we try on clothes in changing rooms at the shopping centre, or as we get undressed and into our clean clothes in the gym locker room.
We are just not accustomed to baring all to strangers (except those who are naturists or nudists, but even they will only go 'au naturel' when in a suitable environment like a naturist beach or holiday camp or the privacy of their own homes).
It's funny to think, however, that we don't bat an eyelid when we see models and celebrities wearing next to nothing in magazines and on our Instagram feeds, so why are we so much more prudish when it comes to our own bodies?
It all comes down to how we perceive beauty or masculinity in the twenty-first century, yet if we could only look at ourselves like artists do - as a work of art - then we'd soon realise that every human form is amazing thanks to its diversity and the astonishing things it does just to keep us alive and breathing.
So, you either need to be confident in your own skin or realise that your body is simply an object to those drawing you - a representation of 'life' itself.
Either way, if you think that you can strip in front of an art class and hold poses for half an hour at a time or gesture repeatedly in your birthday suit then maybe you were born to be a figure drawing model.
If you've ever wondered what it takes to become a life model and contribute to this art form, you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll delve into the realm of life modelling, discussing its significance, how to become a life model, the artistry involved in posing nude, and providing tips for aspiring life models.
How Can You Become a Life Model?
It's easy to get caught up in the sea of information that is out there about what to do as a life model, but there is certainly a lack of advice out there for those who are looking for some practical steps to employ so that they themselves can become a life drawing model.
If you're interested in pursuing a career as a life model, there are a number of tried and tested steps that you can take to begin this artistic journey. The process of applying to become a life drawing model may vary depending on your location and the specific requirements of artists or art institutions. The following steps generally outline the path to becoming a life model:
- Research and Understand the Role
Before immersing yourself in the world of life modelling, it's important to conduct research and gain an understanding of the role. Familiarise yourself with the history of life drawing techniques used by artists and what is expected from life models. This knowledge will enable you to approach the role professionally.
- Build Yourself a Portfolio
Creating a portfolio is a step in demonstrating your suitability as a life model. Include photographs that showcase your ability to hold poses and your comfort with nudity. Collaborate with photographers or artists who specialise in figure studies to capture images that highlight your body's lines and curves.
- Find Life Drawing Classes or Art Institutions
To kickstart your journey as a life model, search for life drawing classes or art institutions available in your area.
These art venues often require individuals to pose as models, during their sessions, which can be an opportunity for you to gain experience and make connections within the art community. Reach out to them. Ask about their requirements and how to apply.
If you're looking for a life drawing class in London, feel free to take a look at our article providing some tips for doing so!
- Get Ready for the Audition
Once you have identified opportunities, start preparing for the audition process. Practice holding poses both and in motion for extended periods of time. Make sure you understand the etiquette and rules of life drawing sessions like not making eye contact with artists and avoiding movements.
- Follow Up
Submit your application to the life drawing classes or art institutions that interest you, following their instructions carefully. Include your portfolio along with a cover letter expressing your enthusiasm for life modelling. After applying, consider sending an email or making a phone call to check on the status of your application and show that you are still interested.
By following these steps you will be on your way to becoming a life model and immersing yourself in the world of art. Once you secure your first gig, it will only get easier as you continue!
Be Confident: Perfect Bodies Aren't Artsy
You might think that to become a life drawing model you need a 6-pack, a perfect butt or big muscles.
Not at all!
On the contrary, drawing classes and their instructors are more likely to look for people who aren't the 'perfect' humans that fashion magazines put on their covers.
Round people, older people or life models with unique physiques and body types; that is what art schools are looking for when it comes to figure drawing.
Artists are looking at unique features, such as lined faces, curved bodies, and even tattoos or scars. Life drawing is about representing the human body and the human figure in all its shapes and forms.
The most important thing is that you are comfortable with your body, your nude body that is. You won't be cat-walking in front of hundreds of people and dozens of photographers, but you will be posing nude in front of at least half a dozen art students.
Most of the people who pose for the first time in front of an art class, get nervous, but who wouldn't? So it is normal to sweat a bit when you are a beginner in this line of work but remember that all life drawing classes follow a strict etiquette.
The instructors and often the students themselves will make sure that the nude models they will be drawing feel comfortable and there are a few universal rules when it comes to these classes:
- No one touches the life model, EVER: This rule is capital and should never be broken even if you are life modelling for a private session with a single artist.
- Only artists (and instructor or teacher) should be in the room: It is a standard rule that the art class be closed while a session is in progress as no one would want some random student having a peek and disturbing the art class.
- No comments: all artists present during a life drawing workshop will refrain from making any comment on the model's body.
- The model should be comfortable: That includes having a comfy chair or seat to be able to pose for a long time but also simple manners like being introduced to the class by your first name, simply to create a friendly and relaxed work and study environment.
- With naked art modelling, the model should get changed privately: This means that a bathroom or changing room should be provided for the artist to undress and put on a robe before making his or her entrance into the studio.
Usually, those sessions have a designated facilitator, most of the time the teacher, who will make sure that all these rules are respected but who will also be the one talking to the model if necessary.
A pose might need to be corrected, or if it is time for a break, the session guide will be the one looking after you.
All these rules are there to guarantee that when you are posing naked, you do so in a professional manner and everyone can enjoy their time in the art class.
For those more interested in drawing than modelling, check out our guide to online life drawing classes.
The Application Process For Modelling In Life Drawing Classes
How To Find Life Modelling Jobs
You can begin your search by visiting all of the usual job sites: Job Search, Indeed, etc... Gumtree also features the odd advert for models and similar positions. However, if you feel more comfortable going via reputable websites and academies only, then you may wish to consult the websites of art colleges or look at recommended employers on an official modelling membership site.
Most life models will make around €15 per hour.
What To Expect From Life Drawing Interviews
Applicants who are beginners normally have to pose at a life drawing workshop by way of an audition. Note that most employers won't take you on without meeting you first and trying you out.
You may be asked to do a combination of short (5 or 10-minute) poses and one or two longer ones, up to 45 minutes so that they can check your ability to keep still for long periods as well as assess your initiative (you may be asked to choose the poses).
It is perfectly normal for those starting out to be asked back a couple of times to build up their confidence before being hired as a regular model. However, some people are just natural in front of a crowd and, due to the lack of volunteers, many are accepted eventually.
When auditioning for a role as a life model, you may not be paid. You should check the terms of the agreement in advance.
Experienced life models, meanwhile, will usually be asked to come in and sometimes audition for a place on the team of models, yet references from other employers may be enough to secure the job.
You see, while you don't need qualifications to be a life model, you still need to go about the interview process with professionalism and impress your prospective employee to be successful!
Learn How To Promote Yourself As A Life Model
Make A Website
If you are truly serious about becoming a life model, even if only as an interim job, then the best thing you can do is to set up a website attracting potential employers and jobs.
With many free web host platforms such as Wix and WordPress, you can easily set up a website that will help market you, but it's only worth it if you can really sell yourself through it. Of course, you do not want to post a series of pictures of you with no clothes on, so you must instead have good references and display an understanding of the business.
Even a simple page introducing yourself, your experience and why you wish to become a life model can be enough to act as your resume when applying for jobs.
Use Social Media To Your Advantage
Use the power of social media to your advantage, advertising your services and ambition. Agencies and clients are constantly on the lookout for top-quality models on social media platforms, and it may be the case that some art schools also scout the web for their clients too.
Use this as a platform for you to show off your personality, not just to show professional-style images of yourself with no 'oomph'. Be vibrant and socially friendly with your captions and use appropriate and popular hashtags.
Make Relevant Connections
If you are able to socialise and interact with clients then you will see more opportunities coming your way. So, why not sign up for a life drawing class or course?
You should aim to impress but also take note of the model and what seems to work for them. If nothing else, you can take away a valuable lesson in what to do or what not to do as a life model!
Criteria for becoming a Life Model
Becoming a life-drawing model requires a unique set of criteria to ensure that the individual is suitable for the role. While there are no specific requirements that are applicable to all life models, it is important to highlight the qualities and skills that are often sought after.
Starting a career as a life model can bring both excitement and challenges. To help you navigate this journey here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Embrace Confidence and Comfort
Confidence plays a role when posing as a life model. This is essential as they will be required to pose in various positions, sometimes for extended periods of time, while being observed by a group of artists. Embrace your body. Appreciate its beauty. Remember, artists are fascinated by the form. Cultivate comfort with your nudity. Let your confidence shine through your poses.
- Develop Patience and Endurance
Life drawing sessions can be physically demanding, requiring models to hold poses for long periods. Build patience and endurance by increasing the duration of your practice sessions.
Good physical stamina is important as models may need to hold poses that require strength and flexibility. The ability to maintain focus and concentration is crucial, as models need to remain still for long durations without any movement or fidgeting. With time you'll develop the stamina needed to maintain poses for longer durations, making you a sought-after life model.
- Maintain Professionalism and Respect
Professionalism and reliability are highly valued traits in this field as models are expected to arrive on time and conduct themselves in a respectful manner. Approach your role as a life model with professionalism and respect.
Be punctual and prepared, and follow the guidelines set by artists or art institutions. Foster a cooperative attitude towards artists, creating a collaborative atmosphere. This is imperative if you are going to secure future work as a life drawing model.
- Embrace Continuous Learning and Growth
Never stop learning or growing as a life model. Seek feedback from artists, attend workshops or classes and explore mediums to expand your knowledge.
Investing time and effort into broadening your knowledge and honing your skills can have an impact on your growth as a life model. In addition to improving your abilities, it can also pave the way for exploring different avenues of expression.
To learn more about this art form, check our life drawing guide.
Resources for Further Learning and Opportunities
If you have an interest in diving into the realm of life modelling, there are plenty of resources and channels for you to explore. Here are a few suggestions to broaden your knowledge and enrich your journey as a life model:
- Life Drawing Classes: Enrol in classes that offer life drawing sessions to gain hands-on experience and learn from artists. These classes often provide insights and networking opportunities within the art community.
- Artistic Workshops: Attend workshops that focus on figure studies, anatomy or artistic techniques. These workshops can help you refine your skills and discover perspectives.
- Online Communities and Forums: Join communities and forums dedicated to life modelling. Connect with life models and share experiences. Learn from their insights and advice.
- Art Galleries: Explore art galleries to find inspiration and witness the impact of life modelling in action. Engage with artists and art enthusiasts to expand your network and uncover opportunities.
By seeking out these resources and opportunities, you will continue to evolve as a life model while immersing yourself in the world of art.
To pursue a career in life modelling, it is crucial to comprehend the significance of the role, prepare diligently, embrace the art of posing, and cultivate professionalism and personal development.
Keep in mind that becoming a life model demands commitment, self-assurance and a true love for creativity. So take that leap forward, unleash your potential, and become an essential contributor to this timeless form of art.
If, after all this information, you are still looking to find a job as a life drawing model, there are a few websites very useful to get going.
You will find various websites for drawing clubs and lessons across the greater Dublin area. A quick search for drawing in Dublin will lead you to a collaboration between professional artists, tutors and performers, offering life drawing and painting classes in the area.
You can rest assured that among the available options, you will find bespoke classes and corporate workshops in life drawing, creative drawing and creative problem-solving. Check their website for future events and contact them to see if they're looking for new models.
The National Gallery of Ireland is a great website that will provide you with information on the most iconic pieces of Irish art, galleries as well as some events that are happening across the country.
The information and resources published on this website could provide some valuable networking opportunities as well as avenues to learn more about the world of still-life drawing.
"Every time I await a model, even when I am most pressed to time, I am overjoyed when the time comes and I tremble when I hear the key turn in the door." - Eugene Delacroix
If you are looking at getting some skin in the game, just get in touch with local art schools, local studios or art centres. In addition to this, drawing lessons online or drawing lessons for beginners all need models.
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Very useful article full of valuable advice