h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I'm heavily considering being an artist's model for a local college art class. I have done art modeling in the past, but not nude.

My problem is, as much as I don't see a problem with modeling, many of the people in life would find a problem with it. To any artists or models reading this, do you think its wrong to live the "secret" life of a figure model. I know I would enjoy the work, I love art and the pay is decent. Why wouldn't I enjoy it.

I also look at it as an opportunity to get more comfortable with my body. I'm a male, 29 years old and very much so want to do this.

Do it!

If friends have a problem with you modelling, that's their problem. The problem with taking the moral high ground is the fact that you can suffer from lack of oxygen - it makes money, it is a respectable profession and it is one that leads to great results.

I appreciate your comments. I'm curious, have you ever posed in the nude for an art class? If so, what experiences can you share with me? Also, how do you feel the loved ones in your life would react? Would you feel obligated to tell them, or just "do it" and if they find out, fine, if not, more power to you?

Not for an art class, but I would rather pose for a class as they are there to learn. My family know that I have posed in the nude an they are fine with it - after all the go to a gallery to see the results, it would seem churlish and prudish to criticise the process which achieved such a painting.

Nudity is only jeered at by those who have something to hide. If you do decide to model, just take all the necesasary precautions and enjoy it.

That's great to hear. And the fact that you have posed before (although not for a class, I assume an artist) I take it you have enjoyed the experience from the sound of it. I will certainly make sure I pose for a place with credentials and not for a stranger in their apartment or private studio without first doing a background check.

I'm looking forward to the opportunity if I build up enough "guts" to do it.

I posed for an artist (one-on-one; not for a class) and loved it. I'm a photographer, and I've had trouble posing people (especially two people in the same frame). Posing for another artist with a trained eye for line and form opened my eyes to the possibilities. I learned quite a lot; more than I ever could have from merely looking at sketches and paintings of other subjects. I don't know that I could pose for a group, however. One-on-one - one artist and one model - provided a more comfortable balance for me. To sit nude before a room full of people staring at me... well, that just seems too unequal. If all the artists were also naked, well maybe then!

But seriously. After I posed the first time, I was all excited and told everyone that I did it, and that everyone SHOULD do it, at least once, because you'll see yourself in an entirely new way. It's neat! Therefore, yes, I say ABSOLUTELY give it a try. For myself, the one-on-one situation was more comfortable, so perhaps you can advertise your services that way. I offered to do it for no money, but rather in exchange for drawings. In fact, I became friends with the artist. Do it!

So, contrary to the article on which all these Researcher comments are based, yes, some people DO pose just for the fun of it. Me!

In fact, I even created a website of some of the works people have done of me... (oh, by the way, I'm male)

This is great to hear. How did you go about advertising? And how did you go about assuring yourself the artist you chose to work with was not a nut case? Since it is just the two of you in closed quarters, you nude, how do you make sure they are credible? I don't mean credible as being the best artist, but moreso serious about art and not just there to see you naked.

I'm considering modeling for a local art group. I'm sure for me, modeling for a single artist would be "easier", but I think the group would be even more fun! I guess I'll model for whomever I can get a job with first.

i am considering being an artists model as i need the cash but don't realy want to pose in front of a class. how do i go about advertising to artists? are there any reccomended sites for this?

Sorry to butt in on your conversation, but if
Researcher "200086"
would go back to there own page and then click on the "EDIT PAGE" button and then write a little something about your self then a ACE can come and welcome you there properly
Sorry for interrupting your conversation

Manda

I believe one thing you could do is talk with you local art clubs, colleges, etc and ask if any artist's are looking for personal models. It's a good place to start.

Hello Ashley,

I'm just curious if you've done any modeling lately?

Newdtothis

I honestly don't remember how - and whether! - I advertised or if I answered an advertisement. But I do remember it was all done on the internet. One of us placed an ad or something, somewhere (this was back in 1997 or 98). Our initial contact was thru e-mail, then a phone call. I remember I (as the model) asked about the artist's interest and involvement in art. 'Turns out, the artist was actually making a living at it, and was additionally employed as a graphic artist for a high-tech company. Basically, I simply went to his apartment, but met him outside, as I recall. I'm kind of a big guy and can handle myself if anything wierd happened, so I wasn't concerned about that. But if you aren't a "big guy," then don't just go to the artist's home or studio; meet outside first, after some initial screening conversation. Trust me, you'll be able to judge quickly, using your common sense, whether someone is into it for art's sake or for something else. Most likely it's just for art and quite on the up n up (I don't think the wierdos have yet caught-on to the "I'm an artist; pose for me" scenario).

Thanks!! Your first experience sounds much along the lines of what I'm trying to do. Find someone to work with, screen them at a coffee shop and go from there. My preference is to work with a female artist however, I would certainly work for male art too. I've been crusing the local art studios looking for model job postings but haven't been successful to this point. I am aware of a model club, however they meet only on Sundays and I'm not available most Sundays. I'm hoping I'll be available for one of the meetings sometime soon. It will give me a first taste of disrobing in front of others and learn some techniques. Any pointers for me?

Hi, i am an artist's model (male) or as it is usually referred to a Life Model. I started off modelling for Adult Education Classes, or Evening Classes and this is one of the best ways to do it. Most artist's cannot afford to hire a model on a one-on-one basis but by attending Adult Education Classes (most are run with a tutor, but there are also workshops, where you can just turn up and draw and paint). Usually the classes consist of 12-15 artists (male and female), so if you are not comfortable posing in front of a group, this is not the place for you. As far as finding work, it is easier for a female to find work, but there is plenty of opportunities for male models, if you are patient and keep trying. Once you have modelled at a College, word of mouth usually turns up more opportunities. You can also try the register of Artist's models (RAM) http://www.1freespace.com/art/modelreg/ , it costs £10 to join, has adverts, plus your contact details are mailed out to artists etc. The site has a lot of other useful information. There is also Delphi forums, the Figure Drawing group has lots of chat and information from Life models http://forums.delphiforums.com/FDG/start Hope this gives you a start, any more information, just ask.

Thanks for the feedback. I've visited the Delphi site many times in the past and have learned quite a bit about modeling just from that site alone. One thing I haven't been successful at is finding anyone chatting on that site. Is there a best time to chat?
Thanks.

Hi, i look on Delphi from time to time, sometimes reply to items on there, but majority of people on their are from US

So you really don't use Delphi for chat as much as replying to postings?

no don't use it for chat as a lot of contributors are West coast US with a 8 hour time difference. So to chat to them when they are on-line in the evening, would mean being up at 4am in the morning!

I see. Are you an artist as well as a model?

Yes, i am an artist too, though still in the learning phase. I started off doing still life class, then did a life drawing class and found it far more interesting and challenging. Always wondered what it would be like to be the model in a life drawing class, so decided to give it a go to see what life was like on the other side of the easel. Since then, I probably do more life modelling than drawing, well you do get paid and it is still a creative process.