What is it like to be a nude model? Pretty much like other jobs but you don't have to worry much about your wardrobe.
The easiest part of being a nude art model is taking off your clothes. Coming up with interesting poses that you can hold for 20 minutes or more, is hard work.
I often see people advertising on Craig's List that they will model for free because they want the experience of modeling nude for a group. Often these ads have qualifiers e.g. female artist only. If you start specifying which gender you are willing to model for, it sends up a red flag. If you are serious about modeling for artist then you better get comfortable with being nude in front of a group that is often mixed genders. If gender matters then you need to re-examine why you want to do this work.
If you are interested in becoming a model, I will answer any questions you might have e.g. how to find work, what to expect, etc.
The one question I am often asked by people that have never been in a life drawing session is the erection question. Well, it has never happened to me but that is not to say it never will happen. Erections are a normal bodily function and yes it is typically associated with sexual arousal but any guy will tell you that sometimes the penis has a mind of it's own. If a male model gets an erection in a drawing class, I would hope that the artist are mature enough to just keep drawing and accept it as part of life. After all, it is called drawing from life.
But.....even though I accept that getting an erection is a normal response to any number of stimuli, it really should not happen in a classroom setting; at least not from an experienced model. After you have done this a number of times, the fact that you are nude becomes a non issue and you focus your energy on providing interesting and dynamic poses that inspire and challenge the artist. That is your job, provide inspiration and subject for the artist to draw.
Providing inspiration requires a lot from you. First off, you must know your body and what it is capable of tolerating. You don't want to take a pose that you can't hold for the allotted time. If you wan't to be a great model, you will need to lower your outer shell, starting with your clothing and then the emotional shell. Allow yourself to express your feelings through the poses you take. Let your emotions help you find the right pose. That is when you will inspire the artist.
Being nude helps remove the barriers that we erect around ourselves that end up defining who we are. Drop the barriers with your garments and allow yourself to be seen for who you really are - a true child of God. There is a wonderful poster that is often seen at nudist resorts that shows people in their normal office attire then standing in the same pose completely nude. It is amazing how we let outer decorations define who we are as people. Remove the clothing and see more of who the person really is. If you are going to remove your clothing and step up on the model stand, you are choosing to expose your body. Take the next step and expose yourself and you will inspire.
Modeling is not easy work. I have had people say things like, "so you get paid to just stand there?" Okay my friend, before the conversation goes any further I want you to try something. Stand completely still for 20 minutes. Take any pose you want and stand there without moving for 20 minutes........tic tok.......tic tok....... Okay, now we can talk about what it is like to be a model. If you are looking for an easy way to make a few bucks, this is not it.
What does it take to be a successful model? Show up! Show up ON TIME! That is the most important thing you can do as a model......................Now that you have arrived at your modeling gig, take on the right attitude. Understand why you are there. You are there to inspire the students to produce great art. That is your job. Be prepared to be part of the creative process. Tap that raw emotion within you and allow it to come out in your pose. Don't be afraid to let yourself go and express the emotions within you. That will get the artist asking for you to come back. They want to be inspired and that is your job. You are more than just a naked body. Let go of your inhibitions and express yourself. That is how you become a great model. Let your self be expressive.
Got any other questions? Just drop me a line and I will be glad to answer as frank and honest as I know I can be.
