Hi everyone!
Happy Saturday! I have to say, I’m liking this day for doing blog posts. I think I’m going to keep this schedule. Sound good? Good!
Last week, I wrote a blog post with five tips for people who are interested in art modeling. After I published it, I realized something. I know I talk a lot about what artists expect from a model, but I’ve never really done a post about what a model would like from an artist when they’re in a session. Come to think of it, it’s pretty rare that I get to hear another model’s opinion about this. So, I thought this would be a good topic for today’s entry.
When you’re in an art class that uses a live model, chances are that the instructor on monitor will take the reins with giving the model direction. However, if you ever get the chance to work with a model one-on-one, to offer your opinion about a pose, or are just wondering how to get the most out the model you happen to be working with, hopefully these tips will help you out. Before I continue, however, I think a quick disclaimer is in order:
DISCLAIMER:
Nothing in the following blog post is intended to belittle or demean the hard work artists do every day. Everyone works differently and at their own pace. These tips are based solely on my own experience as an art model, and are intended to offer a perspective that is hopefully insightful and helpful to anyone that is working with live figure models. While some may disagree with what I have to say, and you’re entitled to your opinion, please keep in mind that this is my list. All I ask is that my thoughts be considered.
With that said, here are my tips, from model to artist:
1. Be clear about what you want from the model
This is especially important at the beginning of a class, because it will help the tone for what’s to come. Tell the model if you want a seated, standing, or reclined pose. If you want the model to do anything specific with their limbs, don’t be afraid to speak up. Even if the model can’t always do what you ask, chances are they’ll at least be willing to try it out. Of course, it’s okay to change your mind if you find you don’t like a pose you’ve set. If this happens, try to explain your adjustments as clearly as you can. Instead of saying something like “move your foot,” a more specific direction like “move your foot down toward me and turn your toes to the left side of the room” will help your model know what you want. Finally, please be respectful of what your model is capable of doing. If they say a pose is hurting them or doesn’t feel good, listen and try to find a comprise that makes you both happy.
2. Be precise, but not picky
If you’re working with a model that’s holding one pose for the entire class, chances are the pose will not stay exactly the same each time they get back on the stand. Body parts will likely shift, angles might be slightly different, the model will settle into their pose more...you get the idea. If the model is positioned in a way that differs significantly from their original pose, you have every right as the artist to request that they adjust accordingly. However, it’s important to remember that when you paint, draw, or sculpt from life, learning to work with these changes is just as important as trying to capture the exact pose from start to finish. Speaking from experience, it’s hard to relax on the stand when an artist gets a little too picky about the details of my pose. Again, it’s all about finding the right balance.
3. Be aware of giving out compliments
This one might seem a little strange, so allow me to explain. Compliments, in general, are great. I love being told that I’m a good model and that people like working with me. I also don’t mind it when I’m called “cute” or “beautiful” by the students, monitor, or instructor. But I think it’s important to mention that specific compliments can be taken the wrong way, especially if they’re about a model’s body. There have been plenty of times I’ve been called “Rubenesque” when I’ve been in a modeling session. For those of you unfamiliar with this term, “Rubenesque” refers to
the figures seen in the paintings of Renaissance artist Peter Paul Reubens, partially the female models. These women often have very full and round figures, especially in the middle and lower sections of their bodies. While these paintings are very beautiful, a “Rubenesque” body is not something I aspire to have When I hear this word used to describe me, it doesn’t make me feel good about how I look, even if it’s intended as a compliment. I know that in this day and age, words like “thick” and “voluptuous” are considered high praise. But remember, everyone has their own opinions about how they’d like to be seen. What may be a compliment to someone may very well be an insult to another. If you do want to compliment a model on their body, keep it neutral. Statements like “You looked beautiful up there” or “You posed beautifully” are safer bets.
4. Be patient, both with us and with yourself
Being an art model is hard work. Being an artist is hard work. Both jobs are incredibly rewarding but also incredibly challenging. Like any job, there will be days that are better than others. There have been times I’ve done modeling sessions after getting only five hours of sleep or right after I’ve had a big emotional breakdown. While I always try to do my best at work, there are some days when my posing is less than stellar. Although I’ve never taken a professional art class, I can only imagine that artists have plenty of days when they work with a model and feel less that satisfied. During these times, I think it’s important for both parties to remember to have patience with each other. If you as the artist are not feeling so hot emotionally, do your best not to take it out on the model (or anyone else for that matter). I know it’s frustrating when a model has to adjust or completely change their pose when you’re getting started on a new piece of art. It gets frustrating for us too. But remember that the more comfortable a model is posing, the better your art will be. It’s always better to have a decent piece of work featuring a comfortable pose than to have an injured model.
5. Kindness goes a long way
There’s an old saying that goes “you’ll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” Guess what? It’s true! Letting your model that you appreciate their time and efforts always makes their experience better. I for one think it’s amazing what artists can do. I highly doubt that I could ever draw, paint, or sculpt someone with the skill and talent that I see on a daily basis. I love my job, and I love getting to work with so many interesting people. When someone lets me know that they've enjoyed working me as well, it sends me out of the room with an overwhelmingly positive feeling. Not only that, but it makes me want to come back and do my job more often. In conclusion, never underestimate the power of kindness. It goes a long way, and tends to come back to you the more you give of it.
Whew! That turned out to be a lot longer than I expected. I hope that this helped all the artists out there, or provided some fun reading material. Either way, it's time for me to head off. There's a hot shower and a comfy bed calling my name!
See you soon!
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Modeling Tips (or, So You Want To Be an Art Model)
Hi everyone!
A couple of things before I get into today's post. I was looking through my bullet journal from last year the other day, when I came across something interesting. Back in January of 2018, I was hired by my first school to start art modeling. That means I've officially worked this job for over a year now. Happy Anniversary to me!
Also, today is the first day in a long time where I've had almost nothing to do. No work, no auditions, no errands. I intend to make the most of it by doing absolutely nothing. Well, nothing with the exception of finishing this blog entry. But that's on my own terms, and also something fun to do. So I feel good about that.
Over the past few months, people have been reaching out me and asking how they can become an art model. My response is pretty basic; email different schools, see if they respond, and go from there. That's how I started, after all. Today, though, I want to give a more depth answer about how to start working as an art model. That way, anyone who's curious about pursuing this line of work will have a nice, compact list to come back to whenever they need it.
So without further adieu, here are five tips about how to become an art model, and how to get the most out of your work:
1. Email schools and ask questions
If you want to be an art model, this will be your first step towards booking jobs. When I first became interested in art modeling, I did an online search to see what art schools in New York City would hire live models. What I found was a list of art schools throughout the five boroughs, complete with the contact information of people who could potentially hire me. I sent out emails to a few of them, explaining that I was interested in being a model. I also included my job resume and gave a basic rundown of my schedule. I eventually heard back from a few, came in for a few interviews, and soon enough, I was hired for work.
Yes, it was really that simple. All you have to do is reach out to schools in your area and see what happens. If you hear back from any of them, don't be afraid to ask questions. Some that I'd recommend asking would be:
*Would I be posing nude, clothed, or both?
*How many hours a week can I work?
*What's the pay rate per class?
*What types of classes are offered for models to work in? (Painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, etc.)
*Would I be timing my own poses, or would the instructor be timing me?
Chances are all of the information will be specified should you get an interview. However, it's always good to consider these aspects of the job before you start working. It's also important to figure out how you feel about the answers to these questions before you accept any jobs. As with any job, you have a right to be able to work in a way that's most comfortable for you.
2. Get comfortable with your body
So, you've started booking jobs now. That's great! But chances are, you may feel a little apprehensive about posing in an actual class. Trust me, I get it. Whether it's posing nude or clothed, being on the modeling stand can feel more than little nerve wracking. I still get nervous from time to time when I'm posing, and that's totally fine! I've found that one of the best ways to help ease the nerves before a modeling session is to get comfortable with one's body.
There are a lot of ways that this can be achieved. If you're planning on posing nude, you might consider spending a few private, clothes free moments with yourself each day. I know this may sound peculiar, but trust me on this. I'm not saying you have to walk around naked or go to a nude beach. But taking just five minutes a day to be in your skin and nothing else can really boost your confidence before you go in for a session. If you're planning on posing clothed, find outfits that not only have interesting colors and patterns, but also make you feel great when you wear them. Remember, the more comfortable you feel, the better you'll model.
If you're still feeling apprehensive about posing, try to think of a session like giving a live performance. Everyone that's in the room is already on your side. They want to see you do well and make sure that you feel safe and happy. Artists, monitors, and instructors understand how hard your job is, and they want to make sure that you get the most out of your modeling experience.
3. Practice your poses
I cannot stress enough how important it is that you feel comfortable on the modeling stand when you take a pose. There are going to be plenty of times where you'll be expected to set your own poses in a booking, and there's nothing worse than trying to hold a pose that is torture on your body. How do you get around this? By practicing, of course!
I've mentioned that my background as a dancer has helped me a lot with my modeling. A lot of my poses are inspired postures I'd do in a dance classes, because they're easy for me to hold and provide a lot of different shapes angles for the artists to draw. Since everyone's body is capable of doing different things, I'd recommend finding something similar that works for you. Sports and athletic activities that use your whole body, such as baseball or yoga can be a great source of inspiration. Looking at other paintings with models can also give you an idea of what kind of poses you might want to try. If you get an idea for pose, take a bit to see how long you can comfortably hold it for. Play around with standing, seated, and reclined postures, and don't be afraid to get creative. Remember, though, that while dynamic poses are great, it's not worth hurting yourself trying to hold one. The more comfortable and relaxed you feel, the better you'll model.
4. Stay healthy
If you take nothing else from this post, remember this: staying healthy is paramount when you're an art model. It's hard enough trying to hold a pose when you're not sick or hurt, but it becomes exponentially harder to work when you're not feeling your best. I don't want to get too much into this because I've already talked about it a lot in my other posts. All I can say is to be smart and listen to your body. Get plenty of rest, eat well, exercise, take mental health breaks, etc. Feeling your best will help you produce your best work. It'll also make others around you feel good and want to work with you more often. Do what makes you feel good from the inside out, and do it often!
5. Have fun
At the end of the day, creating art is supposed to be a fun and rewarding experience. Getting to be a part of that process is one of the best parts about being an art model. Helping inspire others and learning more about art is incredibly rewarding, and enjoying the ride makes it even better. Modeling is a great way to be creative, silly, and dramatic all within a very supportive and welcoming space. Remembering to have fun is important with any job. So relax, laugh a little, and enjoy every moment you get to pose. You'll be well on your way to having a memorable and great time at your job.
And that, as we say, is that! For more advice on the subject, I highly recommend checking out the website "Art Model Tips." Link is included below:
https://www.artmodeltips.com
Thanks again for stopping by, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!
See you soon!
A couple of things before I get into today's post. I was looking through my bullet journal from last year the other day, when I came across something interesting. Back in January of 2018, I was hired by my first school to start art modeling. That means I've officially worked this job for over a year now. Happy Anniversary to me!
Also, today is the first day in a long time where I've had almost nothing to do. No work, no auditions, no errands. I intend to make the most of it by doing absolutely nothing. Well, nothing with the exception of finishing this blog entry. But that's on my own terms, and also something fun to do. So I feel good about that.
Over the past few months, people have been reaching out me and asking how they can become an art model. My response is pretty basic; email different schools, see if they respond, and go from there. That's how I started, after all. Today, though, I want to give a more depth answer about how to start working as an art model. That way, anyone who's curious about pursuing this line of work will have a nice, compact list to come back to whenever they need it.
So without further adieu, here are five tips about how to become an art model, and how to get the most out of your work:
1. Email schools and ask questions
If you want to be an art model, this will be your first step towards booking jobs. When I first became interested in art modeling, I did an online search to see what art schools in New York City would hire live models. What I found was a list of art schools throughout the five boroughs, complete with the contact information of people who could potentially hire me. I sent out emails to a few of them, explaining that I was interested in being a model. I also included my job resume and gave a basic rundown of my schedule. I eventually heard back from a few, came in for a few interviews, and soon enough, I was hired for work.
Yes, it was really that simple. All you have to do is reach out to schools in your area and see what happens. If you hear back from any of them, don't be afraid to ask questions. Some that I'd recommend asking would be:
*Would I be posing nude, clothed, or both?
*How many hours a week can I work?
*What's the pay rate per class?
*What types of classes are offered for models to work in? (Painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, etc.)
*Would I be timing my own poses, or would the instructor be timing me?
Chances are all of the information will be specified should you get an interview. However, it's always good to consider these aspects of the job before you start working. It's also important to figure out how you feel about the answers to these questions before you accept any jobs. As with any job, you have a right to be able to work in a way that's most comfortable for you.
2. Get comfortable with your body
So, you've started booking jobs now. That's great! But chances are, you may feel a little apprehensive about posing in an actual class. Trust me, I get it. Whether it's posing nude or clothed, being on the modeling stand can feel more than little nerve wracking. I still get nervous from time to time when I'm posing, and that's totally fine! I've found that one of the best ways to help ease the nerves before a modeling session is to get comfortable with one's body.
There are a lot of ways that this can be achieved. If you're planning on posing nude, you might consider spending a few private, clothes free moments with yourself each day. I know this may sound peculiar, but trust me on this. I'm not saying you have to walk around naked or go to a nude beach. But taking just five minutes a day to be in your skin and nothing else can really boost your confidence before you go in for a session. If you're planning on posing clothed, find outfits that not only have interesting colors and patterns, but also make you feel great when you wear them. Remember, the more comfortable you feel, the better you'll model.
If you're still feeling apprehensive about posing, try to think of a session like giving a live performance. Everyone that's in the room is already on your side. They want to see you do well and make sure that you feel safe and happy. Artists, monitors, and instructors understand how hard your job is, and they want to make sure that you get the most out of your modeling experience.
3. Practice your poses
I cannot stress enough how important it is that you feel comfortable on the modeling stand when you take a pose. There are going to be plenty of times where you'll be expected to set your own poses in a booking, and there's nothing worse than trying to hold a pose that is torture on your body. How do you get around this? By practicing, of course!
I've mentioned that my background as a dancer has helped me a lot with my modeling. A lot of my poses are inspired postures I'd do in a dance classes, because they're easy for me to hold and provide a lot of different shapes angles for the artists to draw. Since everyone's body is capable of doing different things, I'd recommend finding something similar that works for you. Sports and athletic activities that use your whole body, such as baseball or yoga can be a great source of inspiration. Looking at other paintings with models can also give you an idea of what kind of poses you might want to try. If you get an idea for pose, take a bit to see how long you can comfortably hold it for. Play around with standing, seated, and reclined postures, and don't be afraid to get creative. Remember, though, that while dynamic poses are great, it's not worth hurting yourself trying to hold one. The more comfortable and relaxed you feel, the better you'll model.
4. Stay healthy
If you take nothing else from this post, remember this: staying healthy is paramount when you're an art model. It's hard enough trying to hold a pose when you're not sick or hurt, but it becomes exponentially harder to work when you're not feeling your best. I don't want to get too much into this because I've already talked about it a lot in my other posts. All I can say is to be smart and listen to your body. Get plenty of rest, eat well, exercise, take mental health breaks, etc. Feeling your best will help you produce your best work. It'll also make others around you feel good and want to work with you more often. Do what makes you feel good from the inside out, and do it often!
5. Have fun
At the end of the day, creating art is supposed to be a fun and rewarding experience. Getting to be a part of that process is one of the best parts about being an art model. Helping inspire others and learning more about art is incredibly rewarding, and enjoying the ride makes it even better. Modeling is a great way to be creative, silly, and dramatic all within a very supportive and welcoming space. Remembering to have fun is important with any job. So relax, laugh a little, and enjoy every moment you get to pose. You'll be well on your way to having a memorable and great time at your job.
And that, as we say, is that! For more advice on the subject, I highly recommend checking out the website "Art Model Tips." Link is included below:
https://www.artmodeltips.com
Thanks again for stopping by, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!
See you soon!
Friday, January 11, 2019
Back At It Again
Hi everyone!
Happy New Year! I hope you've all been enjoying 2019 so far. It's hard to believe that the first week of the new year has gone by so fast. I've been back in the city for only a few days, but I'm already starting to fall back into the swing of things. I had my first modeling sessions of the new year on Monday, and I have even more bookings all throughout the month of January. I’m going to be one busy little bee, to say the least.
What does it feel like to be back? If I’m being completely honest, it’s a little tiring. After having so much downtime over the holidays, it’s a bit of a shock to the system to dive right back into work. It’s a lot like heading back to the gym after weeks of not working out. It’s not that you’ve lost all of your physical strength or capability, but there’s definitely a difference. I've found that I have to stretch more on my breaks than I typically do, particularly through my shoulders and upper back. Re-adjusting hasn’t been easy, but it does seem to be getting better with each session. Hopefully this will continue throughout the rest of the month.
The start of this week, though, was definitely a challenge. After Monday’s sessions, I was more wiped than I expected to be. Part of that is likely due to working from 1pm-4:30pm, then again from 7pm-10pm and getting home just in time to watch the last hour of the season premiere of “The Bachelor” with my roommates. Did I have to stay up that late? No. Did I have to eat all the cookies and peanut brittle that were laid out? No. But was it worth it? Absolutely!
The rest of the week has been going fine. I’ve been trying my best to get started on my modeling New Year’s Resolutions from my last post. Some of them have been going well. I’ve started to see a chiropractor, which has definitely helped with my posing. I’ve also been going to the gym more and speaking up about my comfort level in my sessions. Creating a more consistent blogging schedule, however, has been harder to achieve. I'm so busy during the week, it's hard to find time to sit down and get any writing done. Even when I do have time, I find I'm too tired or distracted to finish an entry. My plan for right now is to try to get a new post up either on Saturday or Sunday. I’m hoping that’ll stick, but who knows? Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Since today is Friday, I'll be off the clock this weekend. This doesn't always happen, but I'm grateful to have some time off to recover. Tonight, I've been trying to get all the kinks out of my back, but nothing seems to be working. I've used my foam roller, put IcyHot on it, and took some ibuprofen. While all of those things helped, I'm not feeling the relief I want. If any readers out there have any tips or tricks on how to best soothe a tight, sore back, please let me know in the comment section.
Speaking of which, if anyone out there has any good exercises they can recommend for back and shoulder strength, please let me know that too. I devote a lot of time to these areas when I work out, but I always like to try new kinds of exercises. Considering the fact that I'm going to be modeling almost every day in the coming weeks, I'm going to need them. Don't hesitate to offer your input!
That's it for now. My laundry is scheduled to be finished in the dryer any minute, and I don't want to miss it! (Does this make me a real adult now?) Please keep your comments and questions coming, and enjoy your weekends as well!
See you soon!
Happy New Year! I hope you've all been enjoying 2019 so far. It's hard to believe that the first week of the new year has gone by so fast. I've been back in the city for only a few days, but I'm already starting to fall back into the swing of things. I had my first modeling sessions of the new year on Monday, and I have even more bookings all throughout the month of January. I’m going to be one busy little bee, to say the least.
What does it feel like to be back? If I’m being completely honest, it’s a little tiring. After having so much downtime over the holidays, it’s a bit of a shock to the system to dive right back into work. It’s a lot like heading back to the gym after weeks of not working out. It’s not that you’ve lost all of your physical strength or capability, but there’s definitely a difference. I've found that I have to stretch more on my breaks than I typically do, particularly through my shoulders and upper back. Re-adjusting hasn’t been easy, but it does seem to be getting better with each session. Hopefully this will continue throughout the rest of the month.
The start of this week, though, was definitely a challenge. After Monday’s sessions, I was more wiped than I expected to be. Part of that is likely due to working from 1pm-4:30pm, then again from 7pm-10pm and getting home just in time to watch the last hour of the season premiere of “The Bachelor” with my roommates. Did I have to stay up that late? No. Did I have to eat all the cookies and peanut brittle that were laid out? No. But was it worth it? Absolutely!
The rest of the week has been going fine. I’ve been trying my best to get started on my modeling New Year’s Resolutions from my last post. Some of them have been going well. I’ve started to see a chiropractor, which has definitely helped with my posing. I’ve also been going to the gym more and speaking up about my comfort level in my sessions. Creating a more consistent blogging schedule, however, has been harder to achieve. I'm so busy during the week, it's hard to find time to sit down and get any writing done. Even when I do have time, I find I'm too tired or distracted to finish an entry. My plan for right now is to try to get a new post up either on Saturday or Sunday. I’m hoping that’ll stick, but who knows? Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Since today is Friday, I'll be off the clock this weekend. This doesn't always happen, but I'm grateful to have some time off to recover. Tonight, I've been trying to get all the kinks out of my back, but nothing seems to be working. I've used my foam roller, put IcyHot on it, and took some ibuprofen. While all of those things helped, I'm not feeling the relief I want. If any readers out there have any tips or tricks on how to best soothe a tight, sore back, please let me know in the comment section.
Speaking of which, if anyone out there has any good exercises they can recommend for back and shoulder strength, please let me know that too. I devote a lot of time to these areas when I work out, but I always like to try new kinds of exercises. Considering the fact that I'm going to be modeling almost every day in the coming weeks, I'm going to need them. Don't hesitate to offer your input!
That's it for now. My laundry is scheduled to be finished in the dryer any minute, and I don't want to miss it! (Does this make me a real adult now?) Please keep your comments and questions coming, and enjoy your weekends as well!
See you soon!
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