Become a model... official MoneySavingExpert.com discussion

Sazzyukrafc

Although not life modelling, I thought I'd add my experiences and advice here for everyone regarding modelling.

In my first year of university I got into glamour modelling accidently after being approached by a photographer for a lads magazine and did it throughout university to give myself I little extra money when I had spare time. I generally earnt between £15-£30 an hour for lingerie/swimwear work, depending on the length of the shoot, who it was for and the level I worked at. I loved the modelling as while my friends were earning minimum wage at a shop or bar, I was earning fantastic money doing something fun.

However, do not be fooled into thinking that modelling is easy. It is very hardwork, shooting all day can be tiring and you may even be working outside in the cold. You also have to keep your body in great condition, especially for glamour because I needed to keep a curvy but toned figure. Another thing that made it hard sometimes would be some girls willing to work for free just to say they were a model, which is ruining the industry for professional models. You also have to remember that sometimes you will be very busy, while other times very quiet, and you may only get a a days notice before a shoot.

If glamour modelling is something that you are interested in, I would advise that you go through an agency, as that is where the real money and jobs are. I did pick up plenty of jobs by myself but they were mostly with photographers wanting images for their portfolio or sindication.

Here are some tips...
- send simple snapshots of your face, full body front on and full body side on to an agency, many won't accept professional images
- don't pay a photographer to build a portfolio, work on a tfcd or tfp (time for), which means both parties build a portfolio together for free
- don't pay an agency to be on their books, they will get paid when you get work
- if you have to go to a shoot alone, make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will be back

Take a look at these websites to get you started...net model, pure storm, onemodelplace, photo models.

jimmydavey

I'm 45 yrs and male is there a chance of becoming a model?

MarianKendal

Are life models ALWAYS nude, or are there options for life drawing that may require you to dress up? Don't think I've got the guts to get my kit off in front of a class of strangers but I'd be fine with the whole, standing still not doing anything part. Lol.

Sarsie

I'm bumpng this thread up.

I'm about to contact my local art schools and offer my services as a life model, I am a thirty year old female and I am currently pregnant with a fantastic flame pattern of stretchmarks from other pregnancies due to a connective tissue disorder, which I have no doubt would interesting for art students to draw (class note for the day: bring several shades of pink pencils haha).

Does anyone know what I should expect to be paid, I don't want to ask for too much or too little?

Kristy_Lancaster

haha no joke though some really quirky looking people become models (I think they call it unique lol) but i am one of the quirky ones and i actually am giving modeling a shot. I would try the howtomodelcoaching website if you're actually interested.

happybiker

And I would steer clear of that website in post 26. Far better to look at the ones already posted by others. Net-models, Purestorm and Model_mayhem have good forums and advice. I sometimes pay Photographic models but I only go to portraiture and fashion levels, then I only pay if I have a specific shot and non of the people I shoot TFP or TFCD with are suitable, I tend to pay £10-£15 PH + reasonable travelling. I'm more of an event and Gig photographer so don't do a lot of studio work.

TFP = Time for prints ....... this is where the model provides their time and the photographer pays with prints. It's really a collaborration to get hopefully good finished pictures for portfolios
TFCD= Time for CD. the same as above but photo's are supplied on disk or flash drive

From what I can gather from models who work still life at colleges, £12.50 -£17.50 is normal depending on area but private work can pay more. They all say it's generally more demanding and tiring than photo work.

ndawan

I am very interested in doing this as I am student and I have a alot of time to do this and try to learn different experiences

[Deleted User]

Sarsie wrote: »

I'm bumpng this thread up.

I'm about to contact my local art schools and offer my services as a life model, I am a thirty year old female and I am currently pregnant with a fantastic flame pattern of stretchmarks from other pregnancies due to a connective tissue disorder, which I have no doubt would interesting for art students to draw (class note for the day: bring several shades of pink pencils haha).

Does anyone know what I should expect to be paid, I don't want to ask for too much or too little?

I think you'll find that there's a standard rate of pay set by the colleges. I worked as a life model in FE Colleges (I 'retired' about 10 years ago). At that time the model's pay was 1/2 the pay rate of a part-time lecturer.

RetiredOne

What I have learned along the way:

when looking to make a decision about something that could influence your life going forward, think about yourself 12 months hence after you have made that decision. How do you think you would feel looking back? Would you say:

*I wish I had made that decision?
*That really didn't change things much?
*Should I have spent all that money?
*It was the best decision I made all year?

you get the idea.

*Chattie*

RetiredOne wrote: »

What I have learned along the way:

when looking to make a decision about something that could influence your life going forward, think about yourself 12 months hence after you have made that decision. How do you think you would feel looking back? Would you say:

*I wish I had made that decision?
*That really didn't change things much?
*Should I have spent all that money?
*It was the best decision I made all year?

you get the idea.

interesting post, is that what you thought while modelling?