Guidelines for life models
The models who work with our classes, whether as life or portrait models, are a vital part of the artistic process and bring a range of professional skills to the work they do with us in the studio. The Paddock Studios is committed to ensuring that the models who work with us in the studio are. at all times. treated with respect and provided a safe, supportive environment for their work. These guidelines must be observed in all classes at the Paddock.
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On arrival
· Maintain good communication throughout – The model should be welcomed on their arrival, the format of the session explained, and they should be introduced to the group by name. Make them aware of the location of the toilets, kitchen and changing area.
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Physical environment
· Ensure a safe studio environment – Make sure that the studio has good levels of ventilation and that the ventilators are on, to minimise dust & solvent inhalation and risk of illness. Take care that electric cables do not present a trip hazard.
· Ensure a clean & comfortable studio environment – Cushions and padding should be provided and covers cleaned regularly.
· Ensure a warm studio – The studio should never be below 18 degrees or over 30 degrees. Heaters should be offered to ensure models are comfortable. Individual models have different temperature preferences and tutors should regularly check that they are warm enough. It is up to the model to decide how close heaters should be. They must be given the final say in this respect.
· Ensure that the model knows the refreshment arrangements, when breaks are taken, and for how long. If biscuits are served to the group, it is helpful to have checked at the time of booking whether the model has any food allergies or intolerances.
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Physical contact
· The model’s body must not be touched. In exceptional circumstances, in taught classes and with the permission of the model, body areas may be pointed out with a pen or callipers, etc. for instructional purposes – but no skin contact. Any accidental touching must be acknowledged, with apologies given immediately.
· The model’s personal space must be respected at all times. Do not approach the model to closely examine any aspect of their pose without their consent. If there is a need to approach the model, e.g. for taping off a position or adjusting a backdrop etc, permission must be clearly sought from the model prior to the personal space being entered. If they prefer, models may mark their positions themselves or request that a particular member of the group does so.
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Commenting on the model’s appearance
· The model’s body or appearance must not be commented on. A model’s pose & professionalism may be commented on; not the way they look. In taught classes where the tutor may wish to refer to body parts as part of their instruction, or when the tutor and model are negotiating technicalities of establishing a pose, specific aspects of the pose may be referred to, using neutral language. Similarly, showing concern about maintaining a pose is also acceptable e.g. ‘is that knee okay?’ etc.
· Be sensitive in the language used to refer to a model. Do not refer to characteristics of the model’s ethnicity, race, physique, or size, whether intended as a compliment or not. Use language that describes drawing and painting problems, rather than placing emphasis on the particular body of the model, and help other people in the class use language that ensures the model feels supported and respected.
· The model’s personality should not be discussed while they are modelling.
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Ensuring privacy
· Ensure that a private changing area is set up before they arrive and make its location known. The model should not have to ask where it is. Do not enter this space while the model is in it and avoid walking past it.
· The door to the stairs must not be left open while the model is posing, nor should visitors be allowed to enter the studio. The Life Drawing in Progress sign should be displayed on the hallway door during all modelling sessions.
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Photographs
· Taking photographs of the model is not permitted, whether clothed or unclothed. Asking a model to be photographed during sessions may make them feel pressured to agree, or be worried they won’t be asked back if they say no. It is a matter of economics and respect to refrain from photography, as the model’s image and pose are their livelihood. It is not simply about inappropriate use of the images.
· If, for poses lasting more than one session, the tutor feels a photograph is needed for reference the following week, they may ask to take a photo on the model’s phone, so that the image remains in the model’s possession.
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Poses
· Specify any special poses on booking. If the model is unable or unwilling to hold that kind of pose, they can then refuse the booking rather than feeling pressured on the day. Special poses would include dual model poses, moving poses, costumed poses or long, standing poses. A model must not be compelled to adopt a pose they cannot accept or cannot fulfil or be overloaded with many demands.
· Models should be offered the opportunity to stretch at least every 25 minutes during longer poses.
· Pose times must be clearly stated and end promptly at the end of that period. Poses should never be extended beyond an agreed time. Asking to extend the pose while a model is posing puts the model under pressure to agree and may cause discomfort. They may then choose to hold ‘easier’ poses in case the tutor asks for extensions. This can result in the model losing trust in the tutor and the class getting poorer quality poses.
· Tutors should monitor potential discomfort the model may be suffering due to the type or duration of the pose. Remedies, such as more frequent breaks or adjusting the pose, must be offered where there the model expresses discomfort.
· Long poses (30 minutes or longer) should never be requested without the model being offered a one or two-minute break. Ideally, a break of this kind should be offered between 20 and 30 minutes of posing. Some models may choose to waive this break depending on the model and the type of pose. This is the model’s right; however, this situation must be clearly agreed upon and not taken for granted.
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Safety and well-being
· Never leave a model unaccompanied – if the tutor needs to leave the room while they are posing, an experienced member of the class should be nominated to take over timing of the pose and make sure the model knows that person is in charge.
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Courtesy
· Models should not have to ask for their fee at the end of the session. The correct amount should be ready and handed over promptly with thanks at the end.