Something I thought I'd pass along for everyone.

How To Be A Great Art Model

Tool Kit

Items you should always bring with you.

· Timer (Get a digital timer with a large read-out.)

· Robe or other cover-up

· Blanket or sheet (You may be allergic to the drape available.)

· Masking Tape (This is to help mark your spot to allow you to get back into your pose.)

· Water and something to eat (It depends on how long the class is. But, even for a two hour class water is highly advisable.)

· Calendar (You do want to be booked again.)

Optional:

· Foam or tiny pillows (Available from a Hobby Lobby type store—great for being comfortable in long poses.)

· Heater (In winter. You can ask if the instructor has one available, but in the end it is you who is cold if they do not have one, or it does not work.)

Modeling Etiquette

Reliability

Being reliable is the most important thing you can be as a model. Always show up on time. There is a class waiting for you to pose and if you are not there the class cannot go on. It is a good practice to show up 10 minutes early. This gives you time to change, stretch and get situated. If you cannot make a class—let the instructor know as soon as possible. It can take a day or two to schedule a new model. Instructors are more understanding if you cancel a week ahead of time versus half an hour.

Professionalism

Always cover up when you are not on the model stand (the Dais). You may be a nudist at heart, but this is not the place to practice it. This includes any breaks of 5 minutes or longer.

Touching. It is never acceptable for anyone to touch you, unless they have your specific permission. This might occur if an instructor is trying to show a shadow or a part of anatomy. Also, you always have the option of turning down a pose that makes you uncomfortable. Comfort, both the artist’s and yours, is always important and makes for a fun, productive session.

Hygiene. Always take a bath or shower before you model. And yes, put on a clear deodorant. The human body can, and will, put off smells. It will make it a much more pleasant environment for the artists if you follow this common sense guideline.

Communication. Do not look at the artists when posing. (See comfort above.) Also, never make comment on an artists work. A positive comment can reinforce something an instructor is trying to change. A negative comment is, well, negative. You have to judge from the class atmosphere if you can talk to everyone or not. Sometimes you will simply be referred to as “the model” and to them you are similar to drawing a piece of fruit. Other times you will be introduced and welcomed. Either way, keep chatting down to a minimum when in a pose, as the artist is there to work.

Posing

Hold still. As a model you are paid to take up a pose and hold it. It becomes difficult for an artist to render your likeness if you are constantly changing positions. You need to plan your pose with the idea you are going to hold it. Don’t try to show off and get in over your head on a pose. This will result in you being in agonizing pain 5 minutes into a 25-minute length. Also, if a request is made to do a long pose out of something you did for a gesture—try to get something close (AND COMFORTABLE) but not exactly the same. (See agonizing pain above.) A quick tip—once you assume a pose, find a point about 10 feet from you to look at—it can be on a wall, a chair, etc. Focus on that point during your pose. This will prevent your head from dropping or turning.

There is a 360o area around you. Make sure you use it. Model in circles. Start off at one point, and then turn about a quarter for your next pose. Keep turning for each pose until you get around the circle. Also, make sure any pose you do presents something interesting to all sides. This can mean a twist in the torso, crossing your legs, etc.

There are 3 levels to model to—upper (Standing), middle (Sitting, Kneeling, Bending, Crouching), and lower (Reclining or Lying). Use all three levels in your posing. This brings us to the idea of lengths of poses.

Gesture: These are quick, warm-up poses and usually last from 30 seconds to 1 minute. They should be your most dynamic poses as you can do things like stand on one leg, hold your hands above or in front of you, etc. In photography classes, your posing is all very, very short gestures. This is a great place to be dynamic. Your poses should be alive and moving.

5-10 minute poses: These start to get the artist focused more on detail. Take advantage of the fact you can stand up for 10 minutes.

15 minutes and longer: These are generally considered long poses. About the longest a pose will ever go is 45 minutes and that is only if you are very comfortable, say in a reclining pose.

20 to 30 minutes is average in a long pose. When you first get into a long pose make sure your body is contacting the dais in 3 spots. (e.g. Your rear end and 2 arms or a leg, your torso and an arm.) This will make you much more comfortable as the pose goes on. (Imagine lying on a leg with 1 arm extended for 30 minutes. Ouch!) When you first sit into a pose notice ANY area that gives you discomfort. That area will grow and SCREAM as the pose goes on. If an instructor asks you to retake a pose, make sure you get the pose marked with tape before getting up. Generally only a couple of marks are necessary, we don’t need to do a police outline here. Also, once your timer goes off, take a look at the pose carefully before getting up. Once you resume it ask the artists if it looks good before starting your timer again.

Be interesting. Drawing you just standing there is about as exciting as drawing a stick. Think about the way others move, in sports (skiing, bowling, fishing, darts), in dance, in everyday life (washing windows, vacuuming). Another idea is to grab a prop to use such as a stick, a ball, a box.

There are open and closed poses. Closed would be you crouching in a ball, arms wrapped around your legs. Open would be both hands up, legs wide. Use both.

Asymmetry. This means both sides of your body look different. As humans we have a tendency to be symmetrical. We like to raise both arms, stand on both legs, etc. For a pose it is better to have one arm raised, be leaning, have one arm crossed while the other is down. Be twisting.

When you are in a pose, especially a gesture, be thinking of your next pose. If you are standing you may want to sit. Remember your quarter turn. Remember open and closed. Remember asymmetry. An instructor may want to tweak a pose, but at least you had the general idea ready. After you know your next pose, this leaves your mind free to drift off.

Special concerns

Normal body functions continue to go on, even while modeling. You may sneeze, pass gas, get an erection (though any model can tell you a class is not sexually stimulating). Wipe your nose, excuse yourself, think about something else and continue.

For a woman having a period, it is always acceptable not to accept work during this time. Otherwise, a tampon with the string tucked in is recommended.

Finally, show enthusiasm for what you are doing. Models provide a much needed service to the art community. You are helping people. Your enjoyment and fun attitude come across.

RACHELL