Pose nude for an art class

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.

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Feb 03, 03:47PM PST | 4 comments | 4 cheers