How to pose nude for an art class by JSpengs

"Totally fun, not as big a deal as you're making it out to be."

How I did it: I responded to an ad online. I already didn't have a problem with being nude(why, I'm not sure) so I showed up to the open figure session where they had me observe that night's official model, then I 'auditioned' for 10 minutes. That was a year ago, now I model for classes/private artists at least 3 times a month. It's a great way to earn extra cash, and for people with low body image it is a great way to feel good about yourself. You don't have to be a twig, or real buff, it is on the part of the artist to have a good command of any body type and it's proportions. Curves are just as important and angles!! It's great isometric exercise, helps you keep up on personal grooming and the artists are always thankful and appreciative of a great model.

Lessons & tips: Be well groomed. That doesn't mean be totally hairless (in certain areas), but that does mean if you've got really thick hair, trim it down. Pull you're head hair back in a ponytail. Cover any tattoos you may have with makeup and remove any piercings/jewelery. This is optional, but is preferred by the majority of teachers, the idea of figure art is to be natural. Start by assembling a 'bank' of action poses you can hold for 2-5 minutes. Get ideas from pantomime, art, or sports. For longer poses, do whatever is comfortable, and check it out in front of a mirror to make sure it is visually interesting from at least 3 angles. Practice at home to stop fidgeting and build up endurance. Incorporate objects if you'd like, like a cane or small rubber ball. Do not practice 'playboy' poses. If you are looking to pose like a flirty whore you should try the local strip club or get into pornography. If you have to take a break while posing for artists try to do it as few times as possible. Make sure anywhere you are working has proper facilities for you to disrobe and be nude. IF there is any way for a non-artist to walk in/by while you are working, let the teacher or host know you are uncomfortable and ask to remedy it. Make sure the area you are posing in is safe and comfortable in temperature. Always have a robe nearby to use as padding, to cover up if needed, or when you are not on the model's stand. While in a pose, try to focus on something in the distance, like a doorframe corner, a spot on the floor, etc, to help you stay in the position. If you find yourself getting bored or tired, sing songs in your head, have a playlist ready so you aren't fumbling between songs. Always be on time, and keep accurate records of any classes, the contact numbers for any schools, and when you were paid. Some groups pay you cash on the spot (I get anywhere from 15 to 18 buck an hour), but schools often pay you via payroll and accidents in paperwork can happen. When looking for work, call colleges and ask to speak to someone in the art department, then to whomever it is who schedules models. Call back every couple of weeks if they do not have any classes open until you become an established model in their facility. Fall and Winter are the busiest times for modeling.

Resources: figuresession.org



If anyone needs more help, I am willing to give you more info.


8 people found this helpful
 

Feb 03, 2009, 03:47PM PST | 6 comments | 7 cheers


Comments:

bornmidnite

nude modeling

I would like JSpengs to give me some thoughts about posing nude. I am posing nude for the first time at a Art Center. I am 59 years old. I have a mature man’s body, and I am in shape, but do have some body fat. Any suggestions?

Feb 10, 2009, 05:31PM PST | Thread | Respond to this

JSpengs is slowly making progress

re: nude modeling

I wouldn’t worry so much about having body fat (if that is what you were asking). However, I have some temporarily ‘slimming’ tricks I sometimes employ.
I monitor what I eat the night before or the day of. I avoid stuff that will make me bloated, like lots of salt, bread, heavy meals, etc. I’m very slight of frame, and that sort of thing is very noticeable on me, not to mention it can be personally distracting and sometimes uncomfortable. I always try to go to the bathroom before a gig.

It doesn’t so much matter how you look, but it’s simply how well you hold still, and take direction, if it is even given.

Another tip, have a good mix of sitting or standing poses in your ‘bank’. You can also include a reclining pose or two, but whether or not you use that kind of pose is dependent on the class set up. For example, if all the students are standing at easels and you aren’t on an elevated surface, laying down for a pose might be discouraged. Also, always try to make sure that every artist gets one good view of a pose. For example, if your are in a walking pose, those who are looking at you from the side get the better view of the pose. Be aware of at what angles a pose looks good in, and try to turn your body so everyone can get at least one good drawing.

Oh yeah! when you assume a standing pose, try not to lock your knees. Sometimes, for a reason I’m somewhat unsure of, standing with your knees locked for a period of time can cause you to faint. I’ve almost done it myself, so always make sure your legs are a little relaxed.

Feb 10, 2009, 08:24PM PST | Thread | Respond to this

kw5694

Hi I am trainee magazine journalist and would love to do a half page feature on this for my B2B modeling magazine POUT. Would I be able to interview/send some questions to you over email about it?!

thanks,

katexx

Jun 02, 07:34AM PDT | Thread | Respond to this

JSpengs is slowly making progress

Sure, that’s cool. Could you please send me a message here on 43things (go to my profile, by my name and picture should be a ‘send message’ option) with contact information, as I don’t want to post my email publicly.

Jun 02, 09:23AM PDT | Respond to this

aprilsparkle

I’ve searched EVERYWHERE but I can’t find any sites that would show me where I could jobs like these! I’ve done this before in the states using craigslist, but here in the UK, I just can’t find a website. Can you help me out?

Thanks
April

Nov 26, 04:19PM PST | Thread | Respond to this

JSpengs is slowly making progress

I’m not so sure about a specific website that could help… I did find this http://www.modelreg.co.uk/ It looks rather bare-bones, but it seems the majority of the info is up to date.

However if you’re still having trouble finding work it might be time to dig a little deeper. I mentioned this above, but it’s such a jumbled mess I’ll try to make it a little clearer.

Make a short list of places and phone numbers that do, or may, have figure drawing classes (colleges/universities, museums, artsy places, etc). Also, prepare a short little introduction for yourself, and write it down to read off of.

For example if you have a number for a school, you would call and ask to speak to someone in the Fine Arts department, or if you have that department’s number already, ask to speak to the one who organizes and schedules models for classes.

“Hello, my name is __, and I am looking for work as an art model. Can you tell me how to apply?”

From there they may ask you to describe yourself, so have a few short descriptive phrases ready. If you have access to costumes, which obviously is not a necessity, be sure to mention that also.

If you don’t get a job right away, wait a couple weeks and call back. If it is the beginning of a semester or term, it is best to call at least 3 times in the first 6 weeks, although I suppose that’s a good rule of thumb for anytime. Always remember to use your name, and try to speak to the same person you talked to before.

I’m not sure if this was the kind of information you’re looking for, but I hope this helps to clarify for you and anyone else looking for work.

Nov 27, 12:06AM PST | Respond to this


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