Getting Started in Life Modelling
There's more to life modelling than meets the eye!
First things first: KNOW YOUR WORTH.
Don't accept poor pay and conditions.
Don't accept the use of your image without your consent.
Don't give away your image for free. Unless it's for charity.
Life modelling is performance. Develop your own style and signature poses. Variety, interest and creative flair will get you noticed and booked.
Be Prepared!
Make no assumptions about the venue and facilities. Invest in a yoga mat, neutral coloured cloths or blankets, other cushioning products etc. A portable folding stool is very useful too.
Get as much information as you can before the event, including the number and duration of poses.
Ensure the booking agreement is in writing, i.e., in an email or text so you can refer back to it. Establish pay, payment method, time requirement, venue, contact details, and any special requests.
Be prepared to do your own timings.
Be as self sufficient as possible.
Plan journeys to new venues; ask for detailed directions if necessary.
Leave plenty of time for your journey, and ensure you have the tutor's phone number.
Comfort is key: find what props and tools will help you achieve those long poses, i.e., foot, hand and elbow cushioning etc.
Buy two robes! (And a spare pair of flip-flops)
Bring your own masking tape in case you have to mark positions - and guard it with your life!
Always check the stability of anything you are asked to pose on or near to. Pay particular attention to the position of chair legs which could slip off the edge of a plinth and send you tumbling.
Unstable light rigs and easels have been known to fall on life models. If something seems unstable, ask for it to be checked before the class commences. If something near you requires adjusting, it is advisable to pause the pose and look just in case you need to move out of the way quickly.
Be prepared to say no to requests by the tutor or artists if you are not completely comfortable, eg, standing on a high platform or a platform that seems unstable, or a pose that you do not feel comfortable doing.
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Have a clear policy on PHOTOGRAPHY. Artists may ask you if they can take photos of you so that they can continue with their work. You are well within your right to decline, or ask for extra payment. If you are amenable to photos, clearly state that image capture can only take place when you are ready, for example, after concealing nudity or your face to preserve privacy.
Look at the drawings/artworks and talk to the artists! New bookings can come from them.
Promote yourself. Social media is a useful calling card. Be nice, be professional, be reliable.
Get to know other life models. We can pass on job opportunities to each other, and warn each other of bad employers and other pitfalls.
If you are invited to work for a school or other formal organisation, be prepared to produce official documentation which may include: passport/right to work in the UK document, bank statement/utility bill from last 3 months, an alternative proof of address, NI number, Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number.
You may also be required to have a DBS Certificate which can be obtained from:
www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record
A Basic DBS costs £23 for 1 year and your prospective employer should cover this, but not always. There is an annual Update Service which costs £13 per year.