How I did it: I had been thinking about it for many years, ever since art school. I am in my 50's now. I seriously have been tossing it around for a few years. One of the models at a drawing group that I attend was giving a class in modeling and I thought of taking it, but it was canceled. I started searching Craigslist and the internet for art groups and art schools and send a few emails around, but never heard a response. I auditioned at the School of Visual Arts after hearing of their auditions. I was the oldest one there and we auditoned 3 at a time in front of 3 different groups of model coordinators from different schools. I didn't get the gig but felt good about the experience. Then one day I got a call from a group that needed a last minute replacement and I said yes. I was so nervous, but didn't have time to think about it much, because they needed me like within a few hours. It was a group of four women. I thought I would have a case of the nerves, but once I got in front of them the seriousness of their drawing setteld me down. I wasn't in great shape at the time, but the experience of being naked in front of a class of women has spurred me to lose weight and start working out. I do so evry day now and have gotten a ton of jobs at various places and a steady gig at a community college 1 to 4 times a week. I take shots of all the drawings I can and post them on my Imageevent site for further jobs.

Lessons & tips: Practice yoga and get in shape. Lift weights and study art, especially the masters both old and new. Google nude drawings and photos for ideas, but most of all, take a life drawing class so you know how it works. Don't worry about erections, if you are a guy. They just don't happen.

Resources: There are groups of artist models that will gladly help. i even had a model meet me to discuss how to model after i read an ad of his in Craigslist and he graciously responded to my email.

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Oct 25, 2008, 07:07PM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers