

To gain work as a figure drawing model, you can apply or audition. Also remember, you can use the same pose and rotate it around to give artists another angle and view to draw. The more experienced you become, the stronger you will be at holding a pose steady. Practicing helps you determine which positions are more comfortable, easier to hold for long periods of time and are visually appealing.īe sure to practice holding these poses for at least 10 minutes to determine your level of stamina with each one. Practice is important, particularly for those new to art modeling, and you can do it in front of a mirror to see the motion, position and view. Positions where you are asymmetrical or show muscle tension give an artist more definition and detail to draw. Also examine how different poses create a sense of motion an artist can capture. If you want to include props into your poses, like a rope, sheet, chair or ball, consider ones that will enhance the pose rather than distract from it.

Classic positions include variations of these poses: Consider positions that are interesting for the artist or viewer and how you can maintain posture while holding them. Study creative posesĪs a figure drawing model, it's important to study poses and how they can influence, assist or challenge an artist.

Given the intimate nature of being a figure drawing model and often posing nude, most art departments, clubs or studios require a model to be at least 18 years of age for legal reasons. Here are six steps to take to pursue a career as a figure drawing model: 1. You maintain a focused and thoughtful demeanor throughout the drawing session, recognizing the importance and value your contribution has for the artist capturing your image. Sessions can last up to three hours, in a studio or drawing class led by an instructor or fellow students.Īs a figure drawing model, you pose for extended periods of time and provide a range of gestures to highlight different parts of the body and show muscles, angles and natural shapes. Figure drawing models often pose nude or partially nude to help emerging artists capture the human form, draw anatomy, mark proper lines and practice their artistic abilities, often in a classroom setting. They act as a live model, posing for observation. Related: 35 Career Paths You Can Pursue in Art What is a figure drawing model?Ī figure drawing model is a person who poses as the subject for artists to sketch, paint or sculpt. In this article, we explore what a figure drawing model is, their salary, how to become one and answers to frequently asked questions about working as a figure drawing model. It's a creative career path that anyone can take part in, with little experience required. You serve as an inspiration and muse, whether an artist draws a highly detailed, anatomically correct piece of art, a relaxed outline or a preparation sketch for future work, like a painting. What time of day is it? Indoor or out? Who is there and what are they doing? What do your characters wear? What do you want to say with this piece of art?Īll of these questions leads you to be specific about the image you will create and ultimately make your image better.Posing for figure drawings as a model helps visual artists with a live reference for capturing the human art form. If you are a new Poser user struggling to decide what you want to create step away from Poser for a few minutes and open up your word processor instead. Of course it is! All art starts with a story even if the artist doesn't want to admit it. What do you want to say? For that is the purpose of art ultimately, isn't it? To say something to the viewer, to express an idea in a way he or she has not considered before? Overwhelming may even be a fair description, right? Where do you even start you may ask yourself as I did so many times. We wade through the amazing content available at and the possibilities are truly endless. I haven't a clue what story I want to tell using that content. The vast majority of it, I'm ashamed to admit, collects digital dust on my hard drive for one simple reason. I've collected lots of amazing Poser content.
