Model FAQ
Life modelling FAQ, answered by an experienced model.
How Do I Prepare to Model For the First Time? Pro tip: Attend a life drawing class as an artist first. It helps to find out what kind of poses you enjoy drawing, what poses you don’t appreciate. Then incorporate that knowledge into your modeling sessions.
This is absolutely NOT required, but if you wish, feel free to come check out a class from the other side of the easel.
Do I Need Prior Experience? Nope! We get plenty of models that are doing it for the first time.
What Typically Happens at a Life Modeling Session? You can see our break-down here, but generally there are a few 1-2 minute poses (called ‘Gestures’ or ‘Warm Ups’), followed by typically increasing lengths of 5, 10, 15, 20, 30+ minute poses.
Sometimes a class is one long pose, sometimes it’s two hours of shorter poses, but generally you can expect a combination. Expect a 5-10 minute break halfway through the class.
How Do I Make Up Poses?It helps to remember that this type of modelling is not about being pretty. You create engaging poses with your whole body that you can hold for 1, 5, 15, 30, 45+ minutes. You may decide to practice at home to see how long your body is comfortable holding different kinds of poses. Some specific tips, if you are stuck:
How Do I Hold Still That Long? It is true, it can get painful. Poses that feel fine after 2 minutes can become agony by 20. If it happens, the main thing to do is just grit your teeth through it, but there are some specific things to avoid if you want a chance:
How Do I Cancel A Session? We would prefer you call at least a week in advance if possible. Let us know as soon as possible so we have some time to schedule a replacement.
What If I’m Stuck in Traffic, or Can’t Find Parking? Call if you can, and say how soon you’ll be there. (It helps to have a copy of the phone number, found on the Contact page)
Life modelling FAQ, answered by an experienced model.
How Do I Prepare to Model For the First Time? Pro tip: Attend a life drawing class as an artist first. It helps to find out what kind of poses you enjoy drawing, what poses you don’t appreciate. Then incorporate that knowledge into your modeling sessions.
This is absolutely NOT required, but if you wish, feel free to come check out a class from the other side of the easel.
Do I Need Prior Experience? Nope! We get plenty of models that are doing it for the first time.
What Typically Happens at a Life Modeling Session? You can see our break-down here, but generally there are a few 1-2 minute poses (called ‘Gestures’ or ‘Warm Ups’), followed by typically increasing lengths of 5, 10, 15, 20, 30+ minute poses.
Sometimes a class is one long pose, sometimes it’s two hours of shorter poses, but generally you can expect a combination. Expect a 5-10 minute break halfway through the class.
How Do I Make Up Poses?It helps to remember that this type of modelling is not about being pretty. You create engaging poses with your whole body that you can hold for 1, 5, 15, 30, 45+ minutes. You may decide to practice at home to see how long your body is comfortable holding different kinds of poses. Some specific tips, if you are stuck:
- Keep it interesting – rotate through low (reclining, crouching), medium (bent over, not at full height) and high (standing) poses.
- Think about the negative space around your body and the shapes you’re creating in it.
- Add a twist! Even if you’re just turning your head, a pose becomes infinitely more interesting when your figure is not all pointing in the same direction. Think hip jut, asymmetry, turn, twist!
- Some pose ideas: think of poses/gestures related to the common activities of everyday life. They could be sports related, hobby related, or part of your everyday routine, like getting out of bed, putting on shoes, catching a bus. The possibilities are limitless.
How Do I Hold Still That Long? It is true, it can get painful. Poses that feel fine after 2 minutes can become agony by 20. If it happens, the main thing to do is just grit your teeth through it, but there are some specific things to avoid if you want a chance:
- Try not to lean on a weaker limb (arms especially) when the pose is 20 minutes or more. It often feels comfy at the start, but the pressure can get painful and the arm can get shaky after an extended time.
- Holding a limb in the air will typically not last longer than 5-10 minutes unless you are very fit.
- For lengthy poses, try not to cut off the circulation to your limbs. While it is a fact that you will have a limb fall asleep at some point, it can be avoided if you keep it in mind.
- If a pose gets unbearably painful, speak up and tell the class something like “Hey guys, I’ve got a cramp that I need to shake out for a sec.” and they will help correct you if you have anything out of place when you resume the pose.
How Do I Cancel A Session? We would prefer you call at least a week in advance if possible. Let us know as soon as possible so we have some time to schedule a replacement.
What If I’m Stuck in Traffic, or Can’t Find Parking? Call if you can, and say how soon you’ll be there. (It helps to have a copy of the phone number, found on the Contact page)