“Sex-positivity is the belief that sex and sexiness are…
okay. It’s the belief that people shouldn’t be judged by the sex they have.
It’s the belief that consent matters and social norms do not. It’s the belief
that porn and erotica are valid media of expression (not that the current porn
industry is hunky-dory, cause it’s not) and that sex work ought to be just work
(not that it currently is). It’s the belief that neither “slut” nor “prude”
should be an insult. It’s the belief that every sexual and gender identity is
valid.
Modeling nude for magazine, video production, an artist or art class is
much more complicated than it may seem. In addition to the obvious requirements
of being able to hold still, act natural with an opposite sex and being willing
to appear undressed in front of others, there are many other requirements for
successfully fulfilling the role.
Steps to Becoming a Nude
Model
Step 1
Find places to work: Contact your local art school or college to see if they are hiring art
models. You can also as your modeling agency if they have any firm in need of
nude models. You can start with the art department, but ask if there is someone
in particular assigned to hire models for all classes. Sometimes each
instructor hires their own models. If you want to pose for a photographer, also
look on any one of a number of websites that link models to photographers. Free
online classified advertising websites also often post ads for nude models
(make sure these sites are legit). This is the first step because it may in
fact be difficult to find work in a tight economy like ours. Interestingly,
male models are in especially short supply in some geographic areas.
Step 2
Make a portfolio: If required by the institution, prepare a resume. Include any previous
modeling experience, performances, art schooling, acting, dance, yoga, or other
activity you have done which would benefit an artist model.
Step 3
Inquiry: Ask the person hiring you if there are any rules or guidelines that
models must follow. Discuss payment or hourly sitting rates, which can vary
greatly but generally, are between =N=15,000.00 and =N=25,000.00 for drawing.
Fees for a photographer will generally be higher. Also discuss average length
of poses, how many breaks, and does the artist or group use one pose or many
different, varied poses attract more fees.
PREPARATION
ONE
Plan for the session by thinking about poses:
Length Poses for figure drawing generally fall into three categories:
Gestures which are less than three minutes, short poses which are three to
20 minutes, and long poses which are done for as long as necessary in 20 minute
intervals with a short break in between. The latter is generally the norm for
painting and sculpture; drawing classes will require a number of shorter poses.
Any class may begin with a few gestures as a "warm-up".
Be Expressive - draw on any personal experience to think of poses that are
interesting or inspiring. Any physical activity may be a source of good poses.
Many models draw on the poses done in classical works of art, but these should
only supply ideas, not be copied.
TWO
Put together a "modeling bag" including the following:
·
a warm robe (or cool,
depending on the season)
·
a towel or other cloth to
sit on
·
optional jockstrap or
thong(for men)
·
slippers/sandals (art rooms
have floors covered with charcoal, and perhaps a lost push-pin or tack)
·
a date book and pen for
booking future sessions
·
a timer - it's hard to look
at a watch for many/most poses
·
drinking water and a lunch,
or snacks if required
THREE
Before you leave for your session, shower and apply lotion so that you
won't offend the artist with your body odor and will have nice smooth skin.
Lotion also soothes dry skin which could otherwise cause you to scratch an itch
while posing. Wear minimal jewelry unless otherwise requested.
Begin the Session
1
Upon arrival, you will be expected to change (remove all of your clothing).
A private change room will likely be provided or there may be a folding screen
behind which you can change.
2
Step up onto the model's area and place your wrist watch where you will be
able to view it or set your timer after consulting with the artist how long the
session will last. Remove your slippers and place them neatly to one side.
3
Remove your robe. If you do not have a towel, it is hygienic and highly
recommended that you place your robe beneath your bottom for sitting poses.
Some artists even enjoy drawing the additional "drapery".
4
Follow the artist's direction. Keep your body and eyes very still. It is
useful to fix your gaze on one spot; do not make eye contact with any artist.
Relax into the pose, but not so much that you move from your original position.
You may be asked to time your own poses or the artist may tell you when you're
finished.
Afterward the Session
1
When you are finished with your session, get dressed. Between sessions, put
on your robe to keep your body warm. Don't walk around naked.
2
Have your date book and pen handy when you come out of the change room in
case the artist would like to work with you again. It's also a good idea to
have business cards to hand out to artists if you are doing modeling as your
main job.
Tips
There is a chance that someone may request a photograph to use as a
reference for completing a work outside of class. This would be up to you and
require an additional payment (usually 2-3 times the standard art model rates).
Warnings
Private Sessions will be higher-paying; but bring the slight risk of sexual
harassment or worse. Take as much care as you think necessary.
When responding to an advertisement, whether on the Internet or otherwise,
find out as much as possible before accepting the job.
Cell phone cameras have emerged as another problem. Institutions may have
rules against them but models must be vigilant.
No comments:
Post a Comment