The human figure has long been the most popular subject in the visual arts. Though you can attend figure sessions or have friends pose for you, the best way to work on your own figurative art is to hire an art model to pose for your project.
Instructions
1. Know the going rate for the type of work you are asking the model to perform. Clothed work, nude work and photography have different rates. Talk to other artists or call schools or art centers to find out what models are paid in your community. Models often have a 5 to 10 percent increase in rates for private work.
2. Prepare to explain your project to the model. Your art model will want to know the medium you will be working in, whether it is clothed or nude, figurative or portraiture and how long the project will last. There may be other details you need to share, such as whether he will be working alone or with another model, whether he needs to bring any props and whether you will be taking any reference photos.
3. Find an art model by attending figure drawing sessions. The best way to choose a model is to visit a variety of figure sessions and classes to see which model's work appeals to you and matches your project. Then ask her about private modeling discretely during a break, or wait until the end of a session.
4. Ask other artists for recommendations. Sometimes it isn't feasible to attend a number of figure sessions to locate a model. So if you know other artists in the community who work from models, ask them who they would recommend for your project.
5. Put an advertisement in your local paper or on a community website. If you don't know artists and attending figure drawing sessions is not feasible, taking out an ad is another good way to find models. Word the advertisement so it is absolutely clear that you are a fine artist, or your intentions may seem suspect.
6. Create a consent form if you will be taking photos during your session, even if these are only reference photos for your personal use. The consent form should outline how the photos will be used, including where they might be displayed. Present the form to the model at the beginning of the session.
