News

Minimum Fees and Travel Costs

Changes to Minimum fees

The Committee advises that as of 1 July 2022, the minimum rate for drawing be increased to $45.00/hr, for at least two hours, and the minimum rate for reference photography be increased to $85.00/hr, for at least two hours.

The last update to model fees was 1 July 2019, generally fees will increase every two years.

Choose one of the following options:
For jobs which require over 90min total travel time (round trip) the LMS recommends the model be paid half hourly rate for all travel time.
OR
For jobs more the 100km (round trip) from the models home the LMS recommends the model be paid at the Australian Tax Office kilometre reimbursement rate for the entire distance.

Time and kilometres are both based on driving time. Models using public transport only are encouraged to charge based on driving time/distance.

Generally speaking, the kilometre reimbursement will be a higher cost than the time reimbursement. It is up to the models’ discretion which is the more reasonable fee to charge.

Expected behaviour while attending a life drawing session

Do not comment on a model’s body
It is highly inappropriate to use objectifying language around a model’s physical appearance or gender presentation. If you would like to express your gratitude to a model, do not do so by complimenting their body. Instead, thank them for their time or tell them what you enjoy about their work. For example:

DON’T SAY

“You have a beautiful body.”

“Wow, you look great, have you
lost weight?”
“I much prefer to draw models
like you with a few curves, you
look like a real woman.”

“Are you a man or a woman?”

INSTEAD, TRY

“Your poses are so
challenging/elegant/fun.”

Never comment on weight.
“I enjoy drawing you because
you’re so expressive/
still/professional.”

“Hi, my pronouns are [she/her,
he/him, they/them, etc.].
What are your pronouns?” *

*Pronouns are widely used in place of a person’s name in a sentence, eg. “Drew is our model for today, they are a member of the Life Models’ Society”. Some of our models, much like the general population, are transgender or gender diverse. We encourage you to introduce yourself with your pronouns, ask the model what theirs are, and then refer to them by the pronouns they state. It is impolite to refer to someone by the wrong pronoun

Never touch the model or approach when they are posing
It is never appropriate to touch a model. When placing tape or charcoal markings
around the model as reference points for a long pose, care must be taken to avoid
contact with the model’s body, and we recommend that the markings are placed by an artist of the same gender as the model. Consent must be gained before approaching.
Please also refrain from walking around the room while the model is posing, as it is
disconcerting to have people moving around, especially behind you, and can create
uncomfortable draughts.

No photography
Unless explicitly agreed upon prior and paid appropriately, it is not okay to photograph the model, whether clothed or nude. Do not take photos of your work until the model is out of their pose, robed, and outside of the photo boundaries.

Be courteous, kind & professional
Models and artists alike are human beings. A model is not a mannequin to be contorted in any which way, and no two models can perform exactly the same. Being a Life Model is a difficult job, and is heavily influenced by how safe, energetic, creative, and comfortable the model feels in the class. Whatever you can do to create a sense of safety, comfort and professionalism is appreciated. As with any other
professional service, keep interactions courteous, without being overly familiar.

Click here to download a printable version.

Common Art/Life Modelling Terms

Contrapposto
Usually characterised by holding body weight all on one side of the body, causing the shoulder and hips on that side to be closer together. Can be standing or sitting.
Classical examples: Statue of David, Birth of Venus

Foreshortening
Foreshortening refers to the phenomenon where parts of the body closer to the artist appear larger than parts of the body further away. Foreshortening depends on the point of view of the artist; a model lying on a bed will appear long, and all parts approximately the same size from a side view, while from the head looking down the body, the feet will be proportionately much smaller and the head much bigger.
Classical examples: The Mourning over the Dead Christ

Open pose
Open poses refer to poses with an open aspect, usually arms spread wide, head up. They frequently display a hopeful mood. Imagine giving an important speech.
Classical examples: Cicero Denouncing Catiline

Closed pose
Closed poses usually have a shrunken, curled, or compact appearances, the limbs often cross one another and sometimes the face is hidden. The mood of a closed pose if often sorrow, grief, shame or fatigue.
Classical examples: At Eternity’s Gate

Gestural Drawing
Many life-drawing classes and sessions will start with short, dynamic or gestural poses. Gestural poses usually display the act of doing something; e.g. running, dancing, swimming, playing tennis, etc.
Classical examples:
Degas’ Ballerinas, Matisse’s The Dance

Figurative
Generally any art that is clearly based on something real, a scene, object or idea, that is representative of an actual thing. As opposed to abstract or surreal art, which do not always represent real objects.
Further information on Figurative Art.

Negative space
Everything that is not the model is characterised as negative space. If an artist requests ‘negative space’, usually they are looking for the spaces between the arms and body, or legs and ground or chair. It can be very useful for correcting proportions.
Classical examples: Discus Thrower

Classical pose
Generally speaking a classical pose will be a pose which brings to mind classical artworks, or classical positioning. It’s hard to be definitive about what a person might mean by classical, so best to ask for further clarification on what they mean.

Dynamic pose
Usually refers to an expressive pose with a lot of tension and energy. Poses of shorter duration, two and five-minutes, are much more dynamic than longer poses.
Classical examples: Lacoon and his sons, La Danse

Model Opening Address/Introduction
Many models take an opportunity at the start of all sessions to introduce themselves by name, and to reiterate the expectations of the session. In particular to emphasise their boundaries, such as not allowing photography, which applies to all life drawing sessions.

Perspective
is determined by the position of the viewer (artist) to the model and room. the art of representing three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other.
Further information on perspective.

Proportion
Refers to the dimensions of a composition and relationships between height, width and depth. Proportion also describes how the sizes of different parts of a piece of art or design relate to each other. Often tutored art classes will describe techniques to get proportions right, something that is especially difficult with the human body.
Further information on Body Proportions.

Medium
The term medium in art can refer to the material(s) used to create an artwork, for example paper, canvas, charcoal, pastels, clay, oil paint etc. It could refer to the type of artwork, for example painting, sculpture, printmaking etc. In some cases, it can refer specifically to a thinner/solvent used to work with oil paints.

Plinth or pedestal
Generally a circular or square column, box or platform. Often used to display a statue or sculpture but can also be used for a model to pose on.
Further information on plinths.

Background/Foreground
The background of an artwork is everything that is far away from the viewer/artist. The foreground is the part of the artwork that is close to the viewer/artist.

Chiaroscuro
Refers to a specific treatment of light and shade, often associated with the strong contrast in Renaissance paintings.
Classical examples: Bagglione, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Goya

Autumn Extravaganza

Join us for an afternoon of drawing, eating, drinking, music and festivities.

Multiple models in one afternoon.

Please note the venue is on the first floor, with one set of stairs and no lift. Contact the organisers if you need accessibility assistance.

Featuring models: TBC

Date & Time: Sunday 30 April 2023, 2:00 – 5:30pm
Venue: Princes Hill Community Centre
5 Bagung Lane, Princes Hill
(near the Melbourne General Cemetery)

Please note the venue is on the first floor, with one set of stairs and no lift. Contact the organisers if you need accessibility assistance.

Tickets to attend to draw: https://www.trybooking.com/YZNX
Space is limited so get in quick to avoid disapointment. 

Bring your own materials (paper and drawing implements). Easels, tables and boards are available.

Refreshments, tea and coffee will be provided.

Attendees will be asked to wear a mask at all times. Proof of vaccination may be required to attend.

Fleur, President. 

Summer Salons Drawing Sessions

Christmas is approaching, and maybe you’ve got a hankering for some drawing early in the new year. We’ve got you covered: join us for the summer salon life drawing sessions.

Salon Models
7 Jan - Gigi (AM), Peter H (PM)
8 Jan - Rose (AM), Rocky (PM)
9 Jan - Kevin (AM), Ella (PM)
10 Jan - Jade (AM), Sophie S (PM)
11 Jan - Phoebe (AM), Toria (PM)
12 Jan - Steve (AM), Alan M (PM)
13 Jan - Angel (AM), Michaela (PM)
14 Jan - Elevan (AM), Chris A (PM)
15 Jan - Aliska (AM), David J 
& Jane (double PM)

Tickets are available for all sessions, see link
If you would like to attend 7 or more sessions, please contact us for a discount. 

Dates: Saturday 7 January – Sunday 15 January 2023
Times
: Morning: 10:30 – 13:00, Afternoon 13:30 – 16:00
Venue: Princes Hill Community Centre
5 Bagung Lane (rear of 270 MacPherson St)
Princes Hill, VIC 3054

Near the Melbourne General Cemetery, see map snippet.

Please note the venue is on the first floor, with one set of stairs and no lift. Contact us if you need accessibility assistance.

Tickets to attend to draw: https://www.trybooking.com/BQDMP
Space is limited so get in quick to avoid disapointment. 

Bring your own materials (paper and drawing implements). Easels, tables and boards are available.

Light refreshments, tea and coffee will be provided.

Conditions of entry include:
– Drawing devices with cameras will need to have their lenses covered at all times.
– Mobile phones are not permitted to be used in the drawing studio.
– Attendees will be asked to wear a mask at all times.
– Proof of vaccination may be required.

Fleur, President. 

Animals in the Drawing Studio

Recently the Committee has had a query regarding the presence of pets in the drawing studio.

Many artists have pets, and if the pet/s are to be present at the session, this should be discussed with the model at the time of booking to ensure they are aware of the likely presence of your pet. If the model has concerns regarding the presence of an animal in the studio, this should be negotiated at the time of booking. Some models may choose not to take a job where pets or animals will be present, such as in the case of allergies, where it may be unsafe for the model to be in a room with an animal. Some models may be open to posing with the animal/s for an additional fee negotiated when booking the session.

All pets/animals should be kept under control at all times, and not interact with the model while they are posing, unless prior consent and payment arrangements have been made.

For hygiene reasons, no animals are to be allowed on the model’s sheets or other belongings under any circumstances.

Service animals can of course be present in the studio, however as above should be kept at a distance from the model and their belongings. The model should be notified in advance of the presence of a service animal.

Use of a model’s likeness

We have had a query about the model’s rights with regard to publication of artworks made in their image. Note: this does not include photography. Photographic modelling requires use of a contract, in which all conditions for publication of the photographs are written and agreed to.

As a life model, we are being engaged for the use of our image. The artists are paying us for the privilege of looking upon us, and taking down a version in their artwork.

For some models, privacy is a concern, and they would like to remain anonymous. This is a valid concern. You can ask an artist not to use your real name in their work, and/or use a pseudonym. You can also ask an artist not to tag you or refer to you in their social media or other publication platforms.

It is not reasonable to ask that an artist restrict the use of their artwork (note: this is not applicable to photography). If an artist wants to exhibit, publish, or show their artwork which features you as the model, this is their right. Rights to use of the artwork remain with the artist.

There may be an exception where the artwork depicts you in a manner that is morally in conflict with your values – for example, if you are depicted committing an act of violence. Otherwise, the artist retains the right to use their artwork as they see fit.

If the possible publication of your likeness (drawn, sculpted, painted etc.) is of concern to you, you must make this concern known before you accept any booking. Life modelling for non-photographic artworks may not be a suitable profession for someone with this particular concern.

Please contact the committee if you would like to discuss.

Spring Extravaganza

Join us for the last drawing event hosted by the LMS for 2022.

The Spring Extravaganza will feature multiple models posing together and individually over one afternoon – model announcements to follow.

Models booked: Peter H, Chris A, Sofia, Phoebe, Gigi, Nat, Monika A, Gabrielle

Date & Time: Sunday 13 November, 2:00 – 5:30pm
Venue: Princes Hill Community Centre
5 Bagung Lane, Princes Hill
(near the Melbourne General Cemetery)

Please note the venue is on the first floor, with one set of stairs and no lift. Contact the organisers if you need accessibility assistance.

Tickets to attend to draw: https://www.trybooking.com/YZNX
Space is limited so get in quick to avoid disapointment. 

Bring your own materials (paper and drawing implements). Easels, tables and boards are available.

Light refreshments, tea and coffee will be provided.

Attendees will be asked to wear a mask at all times. Proof of vaccination may be required to attend.

Fleur, President. 

Monkeypox and Life Modelling

There has been a fair amount of coverage in the last few months regarding Monkeypox. Monkeypox may be spread from person-to-person through skin-to-skin contact, contact with contaminated items or surfaces, and respiratory droplets.

People with monkeypox are infectious from the time that they develop their first symptoms (which may be a fever or a rash) and until rash lesions crust, dry or fall off.

Often symptoms and rashes will develop in the genital and anal region, an area of the body usually covered by clothing. When a model is engaged for nude drawing, this region is exposed to contact with surfaces. For more information, refer to the Department of Health warning.

The LMS advises models to bring their own fabric to sit on while posing, however this is even more important as the Monkey Pox may be spread by a models sharing contact with a surface, including fabric.

We advise all models to use only fabric they had supplied to sit on, and never to sit on a surface, such as a chair, stool, or the floor, without a fabric barrier between their skin and the surface. We encourage employers of models to help reinforce this behaviour by asking models to use their own fabric for this purpose, and reminding any models who may forget to use fabric.

Regardless of the responsibilities on models to bring and use their own fabric, we ask employers and venues to uphold high standards of hygiene, including wiping down surfaces with anti-bacterial wipes, and washing of fabric used in the venue.

As with transmission of COVID-19 or any other contagious illness, we remind models and artists alike not to attend a class when they are unwell.

LMS Winter Life-Drawing Salons

We’re back in person with our Life-Drawing Salons

Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 June, Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 July.

Morning 10:30am – 1:00pm (short poses) & Afternoon 1:30pm – 4:00pm (long pose)

Models to be announced.

Hosted at Princes Hill Community Centre, 5 Bagung Lane, Princes Hill.

Tickets are available online here.

Email us for discounts available for bulk purchases

Attendees must provide proof of vaccination and wear masks to enter this venue. Numbers are limited.

‘Fully Vaccinated’ Status

It is becoming clear that many venues and employers define ‘fully vaccinated’ as having had two initial shots, plus as many boosters as are recommended by the government (as at time of writing three vaccinations would be required to be fully vaccinated). Many employers are mandated to require ‘fully vaccinated’ people only to attend their places of work.

In line with this, the Committee will review the vaccination certificates provided to us and update the next edition of the model list to indicate 2V or 3V.

Please note that access to the model list is a paid subscription service, contact us via email to enquire about this service.