How to Hire a Figure Model (Artist's Model)

Need a figure model for an art project or co-op but don't know where to look? Finding a model can be an overwhelming and somewhat nerve-wracking experience. Follow these simple steps from an experienced figure model and learn how to find the right model for your work!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Time
• Paper and pen for notes
• Public place to meet potential models

1. Start small! One of the best places to look for experienced figure models is on the internet. A great place to look is in the "Artists," "Creative," or "Talent" sections on Craigslist.org. Before you post, ask yourself what the most important things are that the model bring to your studio. Does he/she need to be experienced and willing to come with a number of poses already in mind? What body type do you need? What age? Is the model's gender or race important to your work?

2. Attend a figure drawing co-op for a few weeks and see if there are any models working there whose work or look you particularly like. Models are always looking for extra work, and many enjoy the chance to work one-on-one with an artist whose art they can really feel a part of. It's perfectly acceptable to approach a model after they finish working and ask them whether it is ok to contact them about modeling for your project.

3. Ask artist friends if they can recommend anyone to model, or talk to art professors at your local university or art school to see if they have any suggestions. Most figure models do not work full-time at one studio or school, and many teachers are happy to pass on a good model's email address to another artist so the model gets more work.

4. Once you've heard back from a few models, ask them each to submit a clothed picture so you can see if their look will work for you. Set up a time to meet with any potential models in a public place and be prepared to answer questions about both your art and the place where you work. See if you and the model would work well together - this step is essentially a low-key job interview for both of you.

5. Don't bother asking models for a resume, but you should ask what kind of experience they have and who they've modeled for previously, as well as the type of poses they typically do (i.e.: long poses, short poses, co-op or classes, etc). You should also verify that your potential model is over 18!

6. Your meeting is a good time to talk about payment, if you haven't already. Most models in my area make between $20-22 an hour, and the fee typically does not change whether they are working for several artists at one time or for just one artist (since they are doing the same amount of work regardless). Standard practice dictates that the model work 20 minutes, then have a 10 minute rest - however this can be altered within reason if both you and the model agree. Generally artists pay their models after every modeling session.

7. Set up a time to meet with your model and start your project! Good luck!

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be creepy! Models are your employees when they are working with you - they are there to work, not to be asked out on dates. Flirting with your model is a great way to get them to never come back!
• See my article "How to Create a Figure Drawing Co-op" for tips on how to make your studio space model-friendly.
• If you are a photographic artist, take care to advertise as such! Many figure models will not pose for photographers, because they lose control of what happens to their likeness after their picture is taken. Photographers must provide a release form for all models to sign stating that their image may be used prior to taking any pictures.

Resources

• www.craigslist.org

[brantsbabe]

on 1/7/2009 Great tips. 5*

[530shasta]

on 1/7/2009 Good tips! I've had to do this before, but for a couple fashion show's and fittings. A lot of aspiring models will work for free if you can provide them good pics and a strong character reference to build up their portfolio, it may be different with figure models though.