Naked and Unafraid

Words by Dorian (he/him)

I’ve been to a few life drawing classes in my time as someone who sketches, though I had never thoroughly thought out the experience for the model. The thought of getting naked for 14 or so artists so that they can draw you isn’t really for everyone, but when I was asked to give it a go so they could get a “young male model” for once, I said yes without thinking twice. The first classes I did offered $60 an hour for my time - and I got to keep some of the portraits for myself.

I didn’t think it would be hard or strange. Everyone is there for the sake of art, the model is nothing more than something to draw. Having drawn in some classes made it easier for me, I know the artists would probably be sitting there thinking about how bad they fucked up some proportions or details instead of sitting there objectifying the model. The only thing that slightly irked me was a single comment on the post saying “young 20-somethings male model tonight”, to which someone added, “is that an enticement,” which I’m sure was in jest. As expected, the classes went fine; turns out, it’s quite easy to stare off into the distance while people draw you. The lack of clothing is irrelevant, posing as still as possible and realizing you probably could have made yourself more comfortable as your leg starts to cramp quickly becomes the only thing you think about.

After a few modelling sessions, with a bit of cash (and a stack of nude portraits I’m not quite sure what I should do with), I got a message from some random guy. One wall of text later and it was clear it was a job offer: life drawing for hens dos. $150 an hour. With that extra pay I thought, why the hell not? I got some professional slutty photos done, and was ready for the first hens-do. After reading the guide I was sent on how to act, it was clear that it was more male-stripper than model. Get close to the hen, get her to take the robe off, crack some shitty pre-written jokes, a bit of topless waitering - I’m sure you get the vibe. I did it anyway, no shame to be had for the kind of cash I was offered.

I only ended up doing a couple hens-dos. Turns out the whole “artists not objectifying the model”, is not what happens there. Which, yeah, no shit, anyone would have seen that coming. I still don’t know why I thought being the only male, nude, with a bunch of drunk middle-aged women would be a simple gig. Between the comments, celebratory screams when my robe gets removed, and the inability to get a bunch of people to just draw, I really did not enjoy it. I never had a truly terrible experience, but I sure as hell wouldn’t say that I had fun.

The cash was nice though, the drunken portraits not so much.

Now I just enjoy the lower rate, higher standard, “normal” life drawing classes. It never really felt strange, before or after the hens do era. And the stack of nude portraits of myself has steadily increased to the point where I have no idea what to do with them.

If modelling for drawing classes interests you (or a bit of cash), I say go for it! The free portraits are one thing, but when an artist “does you well” it can feel great. Life drawing classes are always on the lookout for different models, of any age, gender, or shape, so just ask! The people running the events do their very best to make you comfortable.

…and to answer the most frequent question I get - No, I haven’t gotten hard during a life drawing class, nor do I think it’s possible when you’ve been standing still, getting sore, staring at a wall for 20 minutes, while some artist is shitting themselves at whatever impossible-to-draw angle you’ve given them.