Jasmine Birtles
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Make money as a life model
Reading Time: 5 minutesWorking as a life model and performing different life modelling poses is a creative way to make money from your body.
The Register of Artists’ Models (RAM) recommends a rate of £15 per hour for your trouble. Obviously, a big part of the job involves stripping naked, so you’ll have to work out if that’s something you really want to do. If it is, you will get to see yourself recreated in a host of (hopefully) beautiful paintings and sculptures. What’s not to like?
- Life Model Wanted: What does life modelling involve and is it for me?
- Life Model Wanted: Are there many life modelling jobs?
- Life Model Wanted: How much can I make from life modelling?
- Alternatives to life model jobs
Life Model Wanted: What does life modelling involve and is it for me?
The main thrust of the job involves complete strangers staring at you intently – whilst you’re naked of course – for hours on end.
- You can expect life modelling sessions to last around three hours, with a couple of breaks for rest.
- Remember, you don’t have to be 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. This is a very important thing to remember when considering life modelling.
- You may also be asked to create your own poses, so practice in front of the mirror and consider taking some lessons as a life model to get a feel for what art directors may want you to do. If you have a partner, ask them for their opinion on your poses.
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. If you have some doubt, then this may not be for you.
Life Model Wanted: Are there many life modelling jobs?
These days life modelling is a professional occupation and most employers regard life models as employees.
You will 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.
Your first port of call should be local art colleges and education centres. Here a couple of contacts to get you started.
- The Art Academy, 020 7407 6969
- The London Sketch Club, 020 7352 8209, contact them to offer your services to members
- Also 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 as a life model.
- A good place to check for jobs are general job searching websites such as TotalJobs or Indeed.
- If that doesn’t muster up anything, try social media websites, as sometimes ads are put out in Facebook groups or via Twitter.
Always be careful with any advert you see online, and always make sure you are using a reputable company.
The Register of Artists’ Models (RAM)
There’s also a mega handy website The Art Models Register (RAM) – a 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 £35 per year (£38.50 to join) 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.
How much can I make as a Life Model?
Pay varies widely but you can expect, on average, between £12 and £15 per hour depending on where you live in the country.
- In London you should expect to make about £15 an hour (that’s what is recommended by RAM) and it will be around that amount in large cities.
- Outside of the cities and in the regions it’s likely to be a couple of pounds less than that per hour but it does vary from venue to venue.
- Don’t be afraid to have life modelling as a side job. Many people do this as it is an easy way to top-up your main salary.
Alternatives to life model jobs
If you decide being a life model isn’t quite for you, there may be work out there as a hand or foot model.
- Check out websites Body London and Derek’s Hands for more information.
- Or you could try to find work as a regular model. It’s easier to do than you might think, in fact there are companies out there like UK Model who you can submit an application to and wait to find out what they think.
- Alternatively, you may have decided that being a model just isn’t for you. So instead, why not try being a life model director or tutor? You can join RAM as this for £10.
- If you’re not interested in life modelling at all, there is something called wild life drawing, where instead of drawing naked life models, you draw animals instead. If your drawing stands out, you could make money from them.
Have you tried working as a life model? Share your experiences by commenting below – we love to hear about your money-making tips and experiences.
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I am Richard an experienced life model seeking work. I live in Blackpool and I can be contacted on 07722880440 or email:[email protected]
i live in the aberdeenshire area i would be interested in live model work contact me on [email protected]
Hi, Although I’m now primarily an artist, I have done life modelling now and again. I’m male and would have been around 30, 5′ 9″ and average weight. My experience is good in general. I tended to keep away from amateur groups and work for Uni’s and recognised art courses. You will find that real students (as opposed to hobby artists) are much more professional and respectful to their models, although I’m sure this is not always the case as some amateur groups are very good. It can get cold, in which case I found they where happy to give… Read more »
Hi,you can buy soft grip socks now but they look like Nora Batty’s stockings after a few minutes.They are ok under trousers but for Gods sake dont wear them with shorts and sandals… (as if you would)!!
Also go commando as Y pant lines are just as bad.
Julian
Hello!
I am an attractive 26 year old blonde lady who is looking for work in order to become a life model, for artists who would be interested in needing someone to draw.
I have some previous experience in nude photography, but would love to try some life modelling!
I live in the Wiltshire area.
Look forward to hopefully hearing from someone soon xx
please do not hesitate to contact me should you wish to see a photo or obtain any further information xx
Hi Alana.
Although I am a model I do paint myself from time to time.
Would you mind sending me a photo to see of your build is what I’m looking for. It doesn’t have to be nude, although it’s better if it is. thanks Tom
Hi there, I’m 28, Blonde, slim build looking for modelling work. Art nude photography or life modelling. I have experience of modelling for Art Nude Photography so know what is involved etc.
I am based in Gloucestershire area, so if you are looking for a model please let me know.
Thanks,
Charlotte
[email protected] i am a painter
Hi,
I am looking for a life model and I’m only 20 mins from you.
Please send me a message so we can arrange something.
Thanks
Hi Charlotte, I’m in Cheltenham
And I need a life model asap for a project I’m working on for my Uni grad show. Please email me if you’re interested in the details on [email protected]
Hi, I’m Helen blonde hair, athletic fit body. Living in the Cardiff area. I have experience in life drawing and casting. If you are looking for a model please let me know
[email protected]
Hi Helen
I am looking for a life model.
Please send me a message so we can arrange something.
Thanks
I”am a male looking for life model work in the Warwickshire area i have little experience as a life model & may need some direction.I”am 50 yrs of age weighing 10 stone with a decent body,i”am willing to work solo or with a female model.I”am avaliable weekends & maybe some evenings.
[email protected]
Hey, contact me if you need a life model for parties, art, ect. I’m based in the west midlands
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Hi would you be interested in life modelling for a hen party near Stratford Upon Aon this Saturday 19th?
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
Have now done plenty of hen parties, also looking for female life drawing partners to act as a life drawing couple for individuals and art groups 🙂
Hi would you be interested in life modelling for a hen party near Stratford Upon Aon this Saturday 19th?
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?
Hi. Email me if you’re still modelling
Janine
I model in the aberdeen area for various artists and groups etc; let me know if you are still looking as I have a few contacts who would probably be interested in using you in the future
I am from india. do you have any contact from india