F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions
Please read this page before contacting the Life Models’ Society; we might answer your question already here!

Who can be a life model?
We believe that all bodies are good bodies; our society is made up of all sort of different people, and all these bodies have interest, artistic merit, and deserve representation, regardless of gender, age, body type, or disability. Our membership is open to all who successfully complete our Prospective Members Workshop. We encourage life drawing classes to consider and question the body types that are being represented.

How do I become a life model?
To become a model member of the LMS all people are required to attend a Prospective Members Workshop.

We do not need descriptions or resumes or photographs of potential models. The workshop covers issues of professionalism and OH&S.

Our workshop is equally valuable to new and experienced models, and provides an introduction to our collective, how we function, and our culture. We do require that attendees are over 18 years old.

How do I hire a life model?
If you are seeking regular hire of our life models, we encourage you to become a Financial Subscriber. For very reasonable rates, this will give you access to newsletters throughout the year, and access to the frequently updated list of models who have successfully completed our training. The list includes information about our models including what area of Victoria they are located in. To become a paid subscriber please email us and we will send you the form to join.

If you have a once off event requiring models, please email us with some details about your event, and we may be able to recruit one of our members for you. Depending on the nature of the event, we may require that you hire one of our members to attend along with the model, as a support person. We will also ask you:

• When is the event scheduled for?
• Where is the venue (eg; art group, private home, business, etc)?
• What is the nature of the event; eg life drawing, hen’s night, conference, exhibition event, birthday, wedding (Yes, we have had that one!) 
• How many people will be attending?
• Will there be alcohol provided?

All jobs taken by or referred to LMS members must adhere to the Working Conditions.

We host events during the year where artists can meet models and see their work. This can be a great help if you are booking or conducting a life drawing session.

We are not a booking agency, and all fees go directly to the model.

Isn’t life modelling just sitting still?
While it is true that stillness is a necessary requirement of the role, life modelling involves much more than this. Life modelling involves interpersonal work, boundary setting, risk management, educational work, and significant physical effort. Humans are not made to be still, and stillness and knowing how to be safe in one’s body, are not as simple as some people think.

Who is life drawing appropriate for?
We believe that drawing life models is appropriate for all sorts of people. We believe that people from age 16 upwards are able to behave appropriately in life drawing classes; often younger people are able to as well, but this is worth discussing with the life models you are employing. We welcome young people at our events, but if younger than 16 we ask that they are accompanied by a guardian. Life modelling is not inherently sexual, and we often work in schools as part of arts programs. Life drawing provides social and emotional benefits in terms of normalising the diversity of bodies that we all have, and helping to improve the body image of those who participate in life drawing.

How much does a life model cost?
We set minimum standards for our members, which you can view here. Please note that these are the minimum rates, and some models do charge more. These are the rates for standard, academic style life modelling. Costume, erotic, and photographic work incur higher fees.

How are these rates set?
Our minimums are set by taking into consideration the costs of living, CPI, the National Association for Visual Arts Code of Practice, superannuation rates, as well as Award wages for comparable professions.

Why should I hire an LMS member?
When you hire a member of the LMS, you are hiring someone who has recieved world class training and has been vetted by our staff as being safe to work with artists. Additionally, our members are bound to uphold the our Code of Conduct and our Working Conditions. This means that you can feel more comfortable and able to expect professional behaviour. If you have an issue with an LMS member’s behaviour at any point, you are also able to contact us and discuss your concerns, so that we can provide professional development, guidance, or if required, consequences to this member. This helps us to keep everyone safe.

Can I hire you to run an event?
Yes! We are happy to discuss your needs and facilitate an event for you. We have experience running birthdays, Hen’s parties, professional development functions, and more. We can provide art materials, a host, a model, and we have transparent and competitive pricing depending on the location of your event. By hiring us for your event, you helping to support an independent arts organisation.