make money as a life model

Henry Bloomfield/Flickr

Life modelling is the ultimate way to make money from your body. You can make around £10 per hour for your trouble plus you’ll get to see yourself recreated in a host of (hopefully) beautiful paintings and sculptures!

What does it involve and is it for me?

First of all you need to decide whether this really is for you. Bear in mind that a bunch of complete strangers will be staring at you intently – whilst you’re naked of course – for hours on end. Expect life-modelling sessions to last around 3 hours, with a couple of breaks for rest.

Remember this isn’t about being beautiful or in top shape – if anything, you’re likely to be in more demand if you have a unique look or an interesting body shape – so don’t let any paranoia about your looks stop you.

However, you need to be comfortable with both nudity and a certain amount of discomfort and boredom. You may also be asked to create your own poses, so practice in front of the mirror and consider taking some life modelling lessons yourself to get a feel for what art directors may want you to do. It is also fairly common to ask two models to pose together – you may be asked to pose with a member of the opposite sex so ask yourself honestly how comfortable you are with the idea.

How much can I make?

Pay varies widely but you can expect, on average, between £8 and £12 per hour.

Here’s a useful breakdown of hourly rates for life models by country:

LONDON: £11.06
REST OF ENGLAND: £9.77
SCOTLAND: £8.48
WALES: £7.80

These days life modeling is a professional occupation and most employers regard life models as employees – you’ll probably find there isn’t much work going that pays in cash so prepare to have to work on PAYE and supply a National Insurance number.

How do I get started?

Your first port of call should be local art colleges and education centres. Here a few contacts to get you started.

The Art Academy, 020 7407 6969
Royal British Society of Sculptors, 020 7373 8615, contact them for a list of figure sculptors in your area
The London Sketch Club, 020 7352 8209, contact them to offer your services to members

Keep an eye out for adverts in shop windows and local papers too – your local Gumtree website may also throw up the odd life modelling job too so check in every now and then. It may also be worthwhile posting on Gumtree yourself stating your availability for life modelling.

There’s also a mega handy website The Art Models Register (RAM) – as sort of unofficial life modelling union – which features jobs all around the country. All the jobs are restricted to RAM members only – but membership only costs £31 per year so it’s probably worthwhile signing up if you’re struggling to find work elsewhere.

Being on the public list of RAM members could make a big difference. Some colleges and private art groups only employ RAM members and Bare Facts model booking service for London also only supports RAM models. London applicants must audition at the life drawing workshops in Holloway or Richmond but RAM does state that most applicants are accepted. Outside of London, there is no need to audition so you join as an Associate Member initially. Then, once you’ve sent two tutor references from jobs you can convert to full membership at any time, for no extra charge.

If you decide life modelling isn’t quite for you, there may be work out there as a hand or foot model. Check out websites Hand Models 1 and Derek’s Hands for more information.

Useful Links

The Art Models Register
The Art Academy, 020 7407 6969
Royal British Society of Sculptors, 020 7373 8615, contact them for a list of figure sculptors in your area
The London Sketch Club, 020 7352 8209, contact them to offer your services to members
Derek’s Hands
Hand Models 1
Have you dabbled in life modelling? Share your experiences and tips on the money making forum.

47 Responses to “Make money as a life model”

Rod says:

May 10, 2012 at 12:29 pm

Hi I am Liverpool based life model looking for art classes, hen parties, female life models to act as couple, photographic/art students, etc

Being relatively new to life modelling I am keen to gain more experience. My stats are 30, slim build, tall, blue eyes, brown hair, let me know if interested.
thanks
Rod x

Reply
Janine says:

April 30, 2012 at 1:36 pm

Hi, I’m 20 year old female in Aberdeen, Scotland. I’ve never done any modeling before but i have done life drawing classes so know what it involves to a certain extent. I’m 5ft 6inchs tall, size 16. Just wondering if there’s anyone ineterested in the aberdeenshire area?

Reply
James says:

April 18, 2012 at 1:08 pm

Hi, im a 30 year old male, 6ft, slim. Would love to do life modelling in north west. Female groups only.

Reply
James says:

April 16, 2012 at 2:02 pm

Hey, I line near
Stoke on
Trent and would be interested in life modelling
for anyone and would travel.
cheers, James.

Reply
Garry says:

April 15, 2012 at 9:37 pm

Would love to be considered for a life model position. I am a 49 year old male based near Manchester, but I can travel up to 50 miles.

Reply
Helen says:

April 11, 2012 at 8:45 pm

I am a 21 year old female in the Southampton area slim / athletic build and would love to do some life modelling work. I am avaliable evenings and weekends, please get in touch if you are interested.

Helen
just__a__girl__@hotmail.co.uk

Reply
david says:

April 7, 2012 at 8:08 pm

hi my mes david from london.would be glad to do some lifework.im 10 stone and availabl pretty much every weekend. i am contactable on 25005735@gmx.com look forward to hearing from you

Reply
Vicky says:

March 28, 2012 at 10:07 am

Hi,
I am a keen artist myself and would like to make myself avaliable for life modelling,ideally portraits,or get involved in body casting and sculpture. I do not have any experience yet, but plenty of free time during the day between 9-3 and weekends. I am in South west Dorset.

Reply
Jonathan Richardson says:

March 26, 2012 at 10:40 pm

Hi,

I’m in the Oxfordshire/Berkshire area and available for life modelling work, contact me at: jonathanrich76@hotmail.co.uk

Reply
suzi says:

March 20, 2012 at 6:22 pm

hi,
im interessed in trying life modeling, iv had no experience in this area before and would like some more details on how it works, whats usually expected … etc
thanks

Reply
John says:

March 3, 2012 at 4:19 am

Hi
I am an experienced mature male life model both college and art schools. References available on request.
Available throughout Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Notts. Manchester.

Reply
Susan E says:

February 16, 2012 at 12:10 pm

I am available in the Wiltshire area as Life Model, Body Paint, Body Casting, Portrait painting. I am a 53 year old grandmother. I live in Swindon, Wiltshire.
I am currently a life model for the art students at Swindon College.
I have done one session and loved it.
It was very liberating.
I don’t have the best body in the world but I’m sure that it is an interesting draw!
Hourly rate can be discussed before booking.
Please contact me on eggletonsue@aol.com

I look forward to hearing from any genuine partie.

Reply
matthew says:

February 10, 2012 at 11:44 pm

hi my name is matthew and i am 20 live in the reading area and am willing to travel i work 5 days a week, and would be looking to start life modelling, sculpting or body painting as a side job have no previous experience and would like to try at least once please feel free to contact me on 07541085821 i am not a physically fit person so have no muscular definition.
thanks for reading this
matt.

Reply
Sophie Ridge says:

January 27, 2012 at 11:59 am

Hello

I’m organising a classy hen party for 10 girls in Bath on the bank holiday weekend in June.

We’re looking for a male life model to pose for around one hour on Saturday 2nd June.
There will be a generous fee.

If you’re interested, please email me with a photograph and any other information that you think would be relevant.

bathhenparty@hotmail.co.uk

Thanks

Sophie

Reply
- Thomas says:
  
  February 15, 2012 at 6:11 pm
  
  Hi Sophie
  I sent you an email. Get in touch if you are stuck if you like.
  
  Reply
Sophie says:

January 27, 2012 at 11:46 am

Hello, I’m organising a classy hen party for 10 girls in Bath and we’re looking for a male life model on Saturday 2nd June.

We’ll only need you for 1-2 hours during the day, and we’re willing to pay a generous fee.

If you’re interested please email henpartybath@hotmail.co.uk

Thanks

Sophy

Reply
Alannah Knowles says:

January 26, 2012 at 1:38 pm

Hiya,

I am 18 and from Southampton and am interested in being a live model.

I am 5 foot 9″ female with olive skin and a naural tan.
I have short dark brown hair with a fringe.
I am a size 12-14 lower body and a size 10 on top.

I have no experience, however i used to do drama so am comfortable and confident with myself and am able to pose still for a long time.

Thankyou for taking the time to read this.

Reply
- Geoff says:
  
  February 19, 2012 at 12:21 pm
  
  Hi Alannah. I am looking for good models for sittings and classes in Alton. This could be a bit too far for you to travel but please drop me a line if you’d like to learn more.
  altonartist@hotmail.co.uk
  
  Reply
Aimee says:

January 19, 2012 at 8:30 pm

HI
Am a 23 year old student in bristol, size 14 5ft 10 and wondering if anyone needed a life model in the area. need the experience.
cheers. 07927935097

Reply
camilla says:

January 17, 2012 at 4:30 pm

Hi I’m 19, female, and based in Birmingham. I have already attended several life drawing classes, I don’t have any experience being the life model but I would like to start. comfortable with one on one or group settings. Please contact me at 07923071573
Thanks

Reply
- Thomas says:
  
  April 14, 2012 at 11:09 am
  
  Hi Camilla
  I’m a male life model in Rubery. I have not sketched other models before. If you would like to pose for me and then I could pose for you. I could give you tips and advice about modelling.
  
  Reply
Geoffrey says:

December 22, 2011 at 5:39 pm

Hi there,

I’d like to do some life-modeling in London; I’m a 21 year-old man, 6f-132lbs, rather skinny and very visible muscles (abs ands pecs), with androgyne face (full lips, big eyes, sharp jaw and semi-long hair). I was a painter myself before, and I can understand what an artist is trying to accomplish with his/her work.
Thanks in advance!
Regards,
Geoffrey

Reply
Jasmin says:

December 19, 2011 at 12:27 pm

I am 22 years old in Buckinghamshire area looking for some life modelling jobs. I have no experience as of yet jchope@hotmail.co.uk

Reply
Mark says:

December 14, 2011 at 2:06 pm

Hi I am male aged 43 interested in life modelling in and around Northampton. 07709 555481

Reply
Eloise says:

November 14, 2011 at 10:21 am

Hi, I am looking to try my hand at life modelling for the first time. I am young and would like to know if you need any female life models in the Cambridgeshire area, preferably Peterborough. I am currently available at any time.
Many thanks, Eloise

Reply
- Lewis says:
  
  December 10, 2011 at 11:35 pm
  
  Hi Eloise
  
  Would you consider lifecasting? I’m willing to pay £10 per hour to make a cast of a female hand and lower leg for a special effects project (NO nudity), i live near to Peterborough. If you are interested, drop me a line at:
  livefrogs@live.co.uk
  
  Thanks:-)
  
  Reply
Polly says:

October 20, 2011 at 9:57 am

I am a female life model and am 5 months pregnant and wonder if any art classes in Leeds/Wakefield area are looking for a pregnant form to draw?

Reply
Sunny says:

October 11, 2011 at 12:09 am

Hi there all!
I’m a female looking to life model around the Manchester area, but I have no experience.
Contact if interested!

hiddensunshine-@hotmail.com

Thanks

Reply
- Franzi says:
  
  December 3, 2011 at 2:03 pm
  
  I want to try life modelling and could get to Manchester – did you find anything?
  
  Reply
chris says:

October 9, 2011 at 8:32 am

Hi
I am looking for work as a male life model anywhere in the Hampshire area..
I hope you can help??
Thanks!!

Reply
Claire says:

October 9, 2011 at 9:20 am

I’m a 34 year old female looking for work as a life model in the Birmingham area, have no previous experience but would really like an opportunity

Reply
Gavin says:

July 15, 2011 at 11:32 am

Hi Im looking to do life modeling in london, Im 29, 193cm tall, 88kgs.

Reply
Sam says:

June 30, 2011 at 8:50 pm

Hello im a meditarrenean female life model
for ethical artists with integrity on a one to one setting rather than group.

Rennaisence, classical based looks with unique complex characteristics and richness/ depth offering interesting painting/ drawing material. Fee on the higher end. Thank you.

contact Sam on 07849 846200

Reply
Steve says:

May 2, 2011 at 9:39 am

Hi Im Steve. I am looking to do some life modeling in the Swansea area. I haven’t tried it before but i really would like to start. Here’s hoping somebody reads this. Please contact me on 07920794668

Reply
- alison says:
  
  May 4, 2011 at 5:57 pm
  
  Hi Steve
  looking for a male still life model for 1 hour on Saturday Sept 10th 2011 for a hen party in a house in Sketty, Swansea. Would you be interested – £100 per hour -many thanks
  
  Reply
  - tHOMAS says:
    
    November 14, 2011 at 8:01 pm
    
    Hi Alison
    Although I live in Worcestershire, I would certtaily be interested in travelling for that fee. regards Thomas
    
    Reply
  - Steve says:
    
    May 8, 2012 at 9:09 am
    
    Hi Alison!
    Im so sorry i didnt see your reply been out of touch
    for a while please let me know of anything else i would love to
    Do it for you. As long as you dont want a gor
    geous hunk Im your man slim body 6ft 3in Thats me
    
    Reply
- Ali says:
  
  March 10, 2012 at 5:57 pm
  
  Hi Steve, did you get any work as a life model in Swansea? I have never modeled before but would love to do some, any tips? (I am a 23 yr old female)
  
  Reply
jeanmarieavril says:

January 10, 2011 at 5:56 pm

Hi

I’m experienced and people say I’m very good at doing life-modelling. Yet, it’s extremely hard to get any job. Some of the people asked don’t even bother to reply like the University of Gloucesterhire. I’ve worked for Rowry in Cheltenham. He said I was good an all that, yet he has never bothered to reply to me asking for further work. What do have to do to get noticed here?

Reply
steve broughton says:

June 26, 2010 at 10:45 am

would like more details about life modeling in or around bedfordshire or london i will be contacting the numbers above but any further help will be great manythanks steve

Reply
Geoffrey Allen says:

March 22, 2010 at 12:21 pm

Am Ram Model 1651 but am now much more experienced as I have been working most weeks at FE colleges and clubs. I work mainly in the Bristol and Somerset area at present but am willing to travel further afield. I do life modelling and portraiture and would like to model for body casting and sculpture
work. I am very reliable and professional in all respects.

Reply
Mark Ogden says:

November 16, 2009 at 4:24 pm

I moved away from London where I used to work part time as a nude life model for various life drawing classes. I now live in Westbury Wiltshire and I am thinking about doing some more life model work but I am not sure if there are any life drawing classes in this area. If anyone knows of any please do get in touch. Many thanks.

Reply
- KB says:
  
  February 26, 2010 at 11:06 pm
  
  Hi Mark,
  We run life-drawing classes in Bath and are looking for experienced male models. Please email if you are still interested.
  Many thanks,
  Kate
  
  Reply
  - Geoffrey Allen says:
    
    March 22, 2010 at 12:25 pm
    
    I am RAM model 1651 and now mainly work in the Somerset and Bristol Area. I am much more experienced having worked at several FE Colleges and Universities and I have posed for body painters and on Portraiture Courses. I enjoy the work and very reliable and professional. I am actually in Bath tomorrow posing at Bath Spa University site/ Falmouth Avenue.
    Would be interested in extending my work and experience.
    Many Thanks.
    
    Reply
  - David says:
    
    January 10, 2011 at 9:27 pm
    
    If you need an experienced male life model in Bath/Bristol, feel free to contact me at any time on 07814 710571.
    
    Regards
    David
    
    Reply
  - Rob says:
    
    February 19, 2011 at 8:17 pm
    
    Hi KB,
    
    I’m Bath based and an experienced male Life Model, having worked for Bath College of FE and Bath Artist Studios. Available Evenings/Weekends. 07816 039077
    
    Cheers,
    Rob.
    
    Reply
  - Nicol says:
    
    December 15, 2011 at 7:15 pm
    
    Hi there,I am Nicol,male,Black and was wondering if u are still looking for male life models because i am very interested.
    
    Reply