Where can I be a model for life drawing classes?

Question

I live in the Medway towns, Kent, England, and would like to pose as a model. Apart from being very much above average down below, I am pretty average looking, so figure there are not many modeling oppertunities open to me. Could this be one? Where could I try? Does it pay? I'm not particularly nervous, but are the groups typically small or large? Could I be rejected because of my size?

I just want to see how different people transfer what they see on to their sketch pads, as I don't think of myself as good looking If I can earn some money at the same time then so much the better. I am curious though, as to why as soon as I say I'm endowed, I'm accused of being under-sized and a pervert. It is the only remarkable feature about me, so wondered if it would influence my chances of becoming a model - either positively or negatively!

Answer 1

Big, small, ugly or beautiful - it really doesn't matter. A good artists' model is one who not only can stand still for a stretch of 20 minutes but can maintain the freshness of the pose - in other words, no slumping after 10 minutes because if you do it will show in the play of muscle (even in a skinny model). The artists will be quick to tell you if this happens.
Don't think this kind of modelling is a glamourous lifestyle. Very often the studio in which you work will be rather scruffy, the temperature is not always ideal and, as someone has already pointed out, you are an object to be drawn or painted, not a person to be admired.
Having said that, a good artists' model can command quite a good rate of pay and will be respected if they are someone who can take direction and do the job unobtrusively.
Try leaving your name with the Art Dept. of any colleges within your radius for travelling - advertise in established and respected art publications ( and make sure they are genuine if you don't want to find yourself in embarrassing situations).
Don't forget that you will only be employed while the college is in session - there will be weeks without work. You will need to find a stopgap such as finding an art club or individual artist. Again, be careful - some people have strange ideas on what an artists' model's job entails.
Last tip - lose any reference to your personal dimensions. Wouldn't impress a serious employer and is a general turn-off. Also, any reference to this from you whilst in a posing session will get you sacked.

Answer 2

Life Drawing Classes Kent

Answer 3

For life drawing, body types are way down on the list of things that are important. Two things come to mind for the top requirements.

First is that you are reliable. I've been figure/life modeling for nearly 30 yrs now and the number one complaint I've heard is that a model isn't reliable. ie.. making then breaking appointments, showing up late, or not showing up at all.

Second, is that you can come up with interesting poses that you can hold. The complexity of the pose is usually related to the time you will be required to hold it.

In response to something tripwire said about not knowing anyone that wanted to model. I guess I may be the exception to the rule. I enjoy the creative process but I can't draw to save my soul. Modeling allows me to become part of that process. I really like collaborating and hanging out with artists. As far as doing it for the money, on a rare good week, I can make maybe 60 dollars US. ($15 - $20/hour here in the Chicago area.) Lately that fills my gas tank and that's about it. No, it's not about the money.

Bob

Answer 4

It's not hard to find an art school or life drawing class to contact. But, I wonder what your motive is. You seem kinda weird,saying you want to pose. I spent 4 years at art school doing life drawing every week, and I never met a person who wanted to model. It was just something they did to make some money. You seem to want to show yourself off, and believe me when I tell you this: Nobody is going to give a flying f**k how big or small you are!!! You are an object! They will be looking at you as an object, not as Joe Big-dick.
Maybe you should stick to wearing a long overcoat and doing your thing at bus stops, if it's a reaction you're wanting.

Answer 5

Here's my experience with models (as an artist):
--hired by the school (usually work study, but I'm in the states)
--nobody cares what you look like
--the ability to sit perfectly still is your biggest asset, not your stuff
--most drawing classes at my school are no larger than 16 people
--it pays quite well (the going rate here is about $10/hr)

Answer 6

If you wish to learn to pull the right picture all you have to is time and Realistic Pencil Portrait Mastery guide from here https://tr.im/9BPai to stay the right path.
The classes from Realistic Pencil Portrait Mastery guide include 208 pages and a total of 605 illustrations.  The basic approach applied is that you start with a photo, draw a mild outline of the function, and then color it in.
Realistic Pencil Portrait Mastery is the perfect allied to really make the perfect draw.

Answer 7

A college with an art major or a art school. It usually does pay. I remember my first encounter with a nude model. Boy was he um... endowed. So I guess that's not a problem. Gives us something to giggle about behind our sketchpads.


Good LUCK!

Answer 8

Your local college.

Answer 9

life imitates art
so get your gear off in the local shopping center you poseur

Answer 10

try calling local art schools or colleges.