Life Drawing Behavior Guidelines

1. Be present, set up and ready to start when the session is scheduled to begin. Session cannot begin without the model(s) or monitor/instructor.

2. If artists come in late, wait for a break to set up. Setting up while the model is posing is very distracting for everyone else in the room.

3. Everyone be kind and polite and all will be well.

4. Minimize talking during pose. Some personability can be helpful, but too much chatter can be distracting.

5. Don't critique art or model work unless asked. Both Artists and Models are vulnerable in this situation.

6. Avoid drugs or alcoholic beverages in the Life Drawing Room (this isn't a party)

7. Communicate any problems respectfully and privately one-on-one with the party involved.

8. Involve the moderator if necessary. We are here to inspire each other and we’re all friends and peers and want a healthy, collaborative and inspiring environment.

1. ALWAYS respect the model's personal space and body.

No touching the model is a cardinal rule, not to be broken, ever. This rule also applies to artists when working with models privately for life drawing or photography sessions. Maintaining five feet of distance is a good starting point. Only moderators may move inside this space, and only with the awareness and consent of the model.

The model stand is the model’s space; Model stands are for the exclusive use of models and for set-ups designated by instructors/moderators. They are not for use as an easel substitute, picnic table, reclining etc. Model stands and environments should be clean and be clearly demarcated from the studio space.

Avoid qualitative comments about a model’s body (positive or negative). Comments about the pose should be directed to the moderator and be informative and for feedback purposes.

Minimize entering or exiting the room while the model is posing. Only take a break from your work space while the model is on break. If you come to the session late, wait outside the classroom until the next break. If you have to leave the room or enter late, please be as discreet as possible so that the model doesn’t feel exposed to the outside world.

2. We are here to make art. Attend drawing sessions or classes only if you're interested in creating art from the human form. Your model is an artist as much as you. Your work with them is collaborative in the creation of art. Treat their work with as much respect as you would ask them to treat yours

DO NOT ask the model out on a date or even ask the model personal questions such as their last name, where they live, etc. This is a place of work, and can be perceived as harassment.

This goes for models as well. Life drawing is not a place to hook up.

3. NO UNAUTHORIZED photography allowed. Cell phones should be put away for the duration of the pose to avoid any unintentional or unauthorized photos from being taken. The model may not have any idea whether you are taking pictures of them or your work, so wait until the model is clothed and done working before taking out your phone. Calls and photos of art can be done outside of the room (if you are able to discreetly exit the room) or when the model is clothed during breaks.

We do not authorize the taking of any photographs that include the model without their explicit and prior consent. Models and Artists may make a separate appointment and financial arrangements for pose photography. Photographic modeling rates are at least two to four times as much per hour as live models. Photographers/artists should have a model release specifically stating the intended use and distribution of the photographs.

1. Notify the Model Coordinator no less than 24 hours to cancel a scheduled booking, or risk not being booked again in the future.

2. Show up no later than 10 minutes before a scheduled session in order to find your room, get changed and be ready to start poses as close to class/session start time as possible.

3. Indicate to the Instructor/Monitor how you would like to be addressed; name, preferred pronouns, etc. at the beginning of the session.

4. Bring a robe or other garment to cover your body and change into it, out of sight from the group, in a bathroom or other space provided.

5. DO NOT wander around naked anywhere other than in pose. Wear a robe on breaks.

6. Always ask artists before photographing their art.

7. Do not share the artist’s work on social media without giving them credit and preferably a link to their profile or website.

1. Moderator should take the lead when communicating with the model to help models maintain their pose and get back into it after break. This person will speak for the group, giving verbal directions to the model rather than having multiple people telling the model what to do.

2. Timing. Moderator is responsible for timing the pose and the breaks unless the model has agreed to time themselves.

3. Marking the Pose; For longer sets that require returning to the same pose after one or more breaks, model should keep track of foot, arm, and head positions before breaking the pose. With the model's consent, the moderator will place tape or other marks around the model to help them return to the same spots after the break. In cases where marking is challenging, offer the model the ability to mark themselves. Be sure to never touch the model when marking the pose.

4. DO make sure the model is warm and as comfortable as possible.

Models should always be offered clean cloths on which to sit or place their bodies, It’s both a psychological comfort and a point of hygiene. Some models may prefer to provide their own. Provide space heaters or cooling air as appropriate. Avoid drafts! Avoid extension cords where possible.

Padding or props can help support a model. Every model is literally different so some require more padding than others, Check in with the model periodically to determine their comfort. Props should not cover the pose from the artist view as much as possible.

5. Music: choose playlists/sources that are appropriate for the mood/pose and agreeable to all present. Model or moderator should set the tone.

6. Breaks, and changing areas: Establish a clean and dedicated space for the model to take a break with sufficient room for their things and personal space. One of the bathrooms should be made available for the model to change before and after the pose

7. Keep the door closed while the model is posing. Avoid allowing non-artists to wander through the room. This is distracting to the artist and may compromise the model's sense of safety.

8. Setting the Pose. Pose setting should be a collaborative process between moderator and Model. Instructions to the model should be clear, precise and neutral as possible. Students should not attempt to direct the model unless invited.

9. There should always be a third person present whenever a model is posing. If the model and moderator are the only ones who show up, the session will be cancelled. The model will still be paid in full if this happens.