Paying models

[Julie Deane]

Hi Sharon -

What an image you sent our way!

I know I have had success finding models from the teens in my church and their friends. Once there is a relationship and they know you're harmless, it really helps. Plus, another thought besides church teens - if you know anyone who's a friend to homeschooling families, you might be able to make some contacts that way. They're usually really nice kids who are free during the day when their public school counterparts are not available.

It's all about the family knowing you and trusting you. Good luck!

[Chris Saper]

Well, I'm a little late responding here...the Scottsdale Artist's School pays its models, I think, $15/hr 3 hr minimum. Probably $1-2 more for nudes. Let me also mention that all the models are fantastic. They are professional, and absolutely understand how to do what I certainly could not do.

I have paid, usually, nothing - a set of the photographs, an 8x10 print of the painting, a copy of my book.

When I conduct a workshop, I pay $100 per day, with breakfast and lunch, and charming interactions with interesting artists plus a CD of all the photos we take. So it represents a full day of work and a little extra over the school. I have heard that some of the school's more 'ethnic' models charge up to $50 per photo or some such thing. That's way beyond my interest.

Last year I was a last minute exhibitor at a Western Art Show and had to produce 8 original 'western' oils in about 3 -4 weeks time, way too much stress and way too little time to do this leisurely. I went to the local movie extra casting company and asked to see the Native American databases, the Hispanic databases, and the Italian and Jewish databases. I called late Thursday, went in Friday, picked my model out in about 6 minutes, and arranged a photo shoot for the next Monday. My model (professional) was more perfectly gorgeous and gracious than should even be allowed, and I was able to complete three paintings of her for the show. I have about 4-5 more portraits waiting in the batch I took, and hope to actually start one next week. The agency charged $50 per hour , 3 hour minimum. And I knew I could count on her showing up. So, getting 8-9 portraits out of the session was an excellent value. It just doesn't work economically for me to hire for the workshop, although I would love to have her again, for me.

When I asked some western artist friends how they get models, they told me, "Well you have to sign up for a 2- week excrusion in ND, it costs $2000, but it's already over for the year..." or "Drive up to Wickenburg, ( a 1hr+backroad venture,) and ask around for a guy named ____" One of my favorite students from Tucson, says, "Hey, come paint ____. Everyone does." So if you wonder why all of the Indian Chiefs in SW ART Magazine look the same, it's because they ARE the same.

So that's a lot of rambling. I have enjoyed just introducing myself to people I think are beautiful, asking them to model, and have been so very fortunate. They have all turned out to be lovely individuals as well. Too bad I didn't have the same insight in picking boyfriends 25 years ago.

[Kimberly Dow]

I havent lived in a place large enough to have a movie casting company in a long time - or maybe never. What a great idea though.

[Chris Saper]

Oh, well smaller towns wouldn't , you're right. This isn't like 20th Century Fox, it's really to find extras for movies that do get filmed here, and background extras for local commercials.

On the other hand, I met "Richard" when he was the checker at the grocery store, and "Ashley" ( from my recent workshop discussion) I met because she checks people in at the gym. The world is just loaded with beautiful people ( I think).

[Sharon Knettell]

Hi folks,

After I researched Club Balloons, I have had the most interesting sites pop up on my computer. The models enthusiastically engaged in these activities, though quite stunning, are probably not interested in $14 per hour as I am sure they would require a lot more for these particular photo sessions. Apparently ladies involved in 'dancing' at venues like Club Balloons can make as much as $700 per evening.

When I talked to my former model about the trials of finding a suitable replacement, I told her about Club Balloons. She said "Ugh ! How could they do that!" When I told her they got $700 a night she said "REALLY!"
I know she would not do it but a lot of kids like her facing $30,000 per annum college bills probably have tried it.

Julie' church idea is sounding better and better. It would be a strange new experience for me, though a few of my paintings have been of the ministers' daughters who lives behind me.

[John Crowther]

Your post made me chuckle, Chris, since I actually live within easy walking distance of 20th Century Fox. I'm fortunate in that my acting students provide me with an ever ready pool of models. Every medium to large size city has acting classes and schools. A note on the bulletin board can bear fruit. -- John C.