Is life modeling addictive? - LifeART

Gazira · August 29th, 2012, 09:24

Semi serious thread here!

I think people throw the word addiction around a bit too casually sometimes, which demeans people genuinely suffering from illnesses.

However, it does seem some people do get a bit antsy during the long Summer holiday with no life modeling work. Is it purely the money, or is there something about the job that, once you start, you just can't stop?

PeterWin · August 29th, 2012, 10:24

Whilst the money is very useful it is not the primary reason why I model.I enjoy devising new poses and interpreting the poses asked for by artists and groups.I suppose its my way of contributing to the scene and it gives me a lot of satisfaction.As far as it being addictive, well that is an interesting concept. Peter.

Gazira · August 29th, 2012, 11:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterWin

Whilst the money is very useful it is not the primary reason why I model.I enjoy devising new poses and interpreting the poses asked for by artists and groups.I suppose its my way of contributing to the scene and it gives me a lot of satisfaction.As far as it being addictive, well that is an interesting concept. Peter.

I doubt too many do it purely for the money, although I've done a couple of classes because I was skint.

I have met a fair few models who certainly don't need the money and yet keep doing it. I could reasonably give it up and get by on teaching and drawing instead, but I probably won't!

Bea · August 29th, 2012, 12:32

I am being a bit "picky" I know,but addiction is really only applicable to a compulsion for substances. I think "compulsive obsessive disorder" could be the diagnosis. However anything that requires us to, or we simply WANT to devote most of our lives to, could be classified as this. For example Athletics,Golf,Painting,Tennis etc. The question I suppose is "is it a COD"? Personally I dont think so,and I think most models,certainly male models,model because they want to.Whereas most female models do it because they are asked to,by artists or boyfriends. It certainly has become a compulsion for me,beleiving I was born to model.What do I enjoy about modelling? Yes I DO enjoy being nude in front of a class and being drawn,I do enjoy being creative in the best way"the only way" as I cannot draw,and I do really enjoy the company of artists(REAL people). I also really love the fact I am contributing to the successful future of young students,ok be it in a very small way.So compulsive ? yes! Although I no longer travel huge distances to model as I used to,and know other models,especially the relatively new ones do.

Gazira · August 29th, 2012, 13:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bea

I am being a bit "picky" I know,but addiction is really only applicable to a compulsion for substances. I think "compulsive obsessive disorder" could be the diagnosis. However anything that requires us to, or we simply WANT to devote most of our lives to, could be classified as this. For example Athletics,Golf,Painting,Tennis etc. The question I suppose is "is it a COD"? Personally I dont think so,and I think most models,certainly male models,model because they want to.Whereas most female models do it because they are asked to,by artists or boyfriends. It certainly has become a compulsion for me,beleiving I was born to model.What do I enjoy about modelling? Yes I DO enjoy being nude in front of a class and being drawn,I do enjoy being creative in the best way"the only way" as I cannot draw,and I do really enjoy the company of artists(REAL people). I also really love the fact I am contributing to the successful future of young students,ok be it in a very small way.So compulsive ? yes! Although I no longer travel huge distances to model as I used to,and know other models,especially the relatively new ones do.

You put that much better than I did. Although could models get addicted to the buzz, like weight lifters get addicted to the chemicals released during training?

It's not an addiction like drugs or anything, or one that causes any harm, but some people do seem to be getting withdrawal symptoms over the Summer!

Bea · August 29th, 2012, 14:38

Actually I got it wrong,the name of the condition given by psychologists is OCD! Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Hey Gaz yes maybe we models DO get "addicted" to the chemicals (and Ive forgotten the name of them) formed in the brain when we experience pleasure.

Bea · August 29th, 2012, 14:40

and yep I am one of those that gets withdrawl symptoms over the summer. Oooooo scary!! ha ha

Gazira · August 29th, 2012, 17:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bea

Actually I got it wrong,the name of the condition given by psychologists is OCD! Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Hey Gaz yes maybe we models DO get "addicted" to the chemicals (and Ive forgotten the name of them) formed in the brain when we experience pleasure.

Serotonins?

There's a definite buzz to life modeling which maybe releases the same chemicals.

Graham · August 30th, 2012, 10:06

I had never really thought of it before but, after a modelling session I do always have a feeling of exhilaration and general well-being, so maybe there is something in the idea that it does stimulate the release of serotonins.

Also like Bea, I am absolutely atrocious at art, so also feel that by posing for artists and photographers I am making the only contribution to art that I am able.

HLR · August 30th, 2012, 15:08

Yes Gaziar, I too get a post session buzz. Yes Graham, I too have an aura of well-being.

However, the other feeling I have after a modelling session is that I feel very hungry, which is quite unlike me ! Does anyone else have this feeling ?

Gazira · August 30th, 2012, 15:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by HLR

Yes Gaziar, I too get a post session buzz. Yes Graham, I too have an aura of well-being.

However, the other feeling I have after a modelling session is that I feel very hungry, which is quite unlike me ! Does anyone else have this feeling ?

I get much hungrier drawing than modeling. I'm usually absolutely ravenous after spending a few hours drawing.

Is it the post session buzz that's "addictive" rather than actually doing the class perhaps?

Chris H · August 31st, 2012, 18:07

I get hungry painting still lifes. I have to work quickly before they get eaten.

PaulC · September 1st, 2012, 09:37

Maybe this hunger is akin to the minchies I hear (ahem) people get after smoking weed...

pixie · September 1st, 2012, 12:28

I eat lightly before I model so I'm always hungry when I'm done. I have a grumbly stomach so to keep it moderately quiet I eat lightly that day. I've been very lucky to have a lot of modeling gigs this summer. I do it for a variety of reasons mostly I like to be involved in the artistic process.

Money? Around here one isn't really making money by modeling for classes and drop ins. I did make money this summer modeling for artists in their studio's. But I make $20 an hour for modeling in classes. I live on Cape Cod, very spread out. So with gas at $4. a gallon and no public transportation and most gigs are a LONG drive. I'm maybe making $10. an hour. I don't know about where you live but you can pay the rent on Cape Cod at $10 an hour even if you worked 40 hour weeks. I wish I could earn a living by modeling, I'm good at it and enjoy it.

martinb · September 1st, 2012, 14:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixie

So with gas at $4. a gallon.

You are lucky to have petrol so cheap. At £1.40/litre here in Britain, this works out at about $5.80 per US gallon.

Bea · September 1st, 2012, 15:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixie

I eat lightly before I model so I'm always hungry when I'm done. I have a grumbly stomach so to keep it moderately quiet I eat lightly that day. I've been very lucky to have a lot of modeling gigs this summer. I do it for a variety of reasons mostly I like to be involved in the artistic process.

Money? Around here one isn't really making money by modeling for classes and drop ins. I did make money this summer modeling for artists in their studio's. But I make $20 an hour for modeling in classes. I live on Cape Cod, very spread out. So with gas at $4. a gallon and no public transportation and most gigs are a LONG drive. I'm maybe making $10. an hour. I don't know about where you live but you can pay the rent on Cape Cod at $10 an hour even if you worked 40 hour weeks. I wish I could earn a living by modeling, I'm good at it and enjoy it.

Hi Pixie, some years ago it was just possible to earn a living by modelling 40 hrs a week,but one needed some savings to back it up during the non term times.Then of course car fuel was much cheaper,and colleges required life models for 6hrs on the day or sometimes days they had life classes.So by modelling for 5 days a week,and supplementing it with 2 to 3hrs in the evening monday through thursday (I never found any classes friday evenings) and say 3hrs saturday mornings and even sometimes sundays.This of course required modelling at at least 2 colleges for weekdays and up to 5 or 6 establishments in the evenings/weekends.I was fortunate in not having far to travel (max 30mins) to each venue and the pay wasnt MUCH less than it is nowadays.Also there were far fewer models around.Now with the reduction in modelling hours in the colleges, and the ever increasing price of fuel,and the increase in the number of models,due largely to the internet making people aware of the opportunitiy,its probably impossible to make a living from modelling.

Gazira · September 2nd, 2012, 15:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bea

Hi Pixie, some years ago it was just possible to earn a living by modelling 40 hrs a week,but one needed some savings to back it up during the non term times.Then of course car fuel was much cheaper,and colleges required life models for 6hrs on the day or sometimes days they had life classes.So by modelling for 5 days a week,and supplementing it with 2 to 3hrs in the evening monday through thursday (I never found any classes friday evenings) and say 3hrs saturday mornings and even sometimes sundays.This of course required modelling at at least 2 colleges for weekdays and up to 5 or 6 establishments in the evenings/weekends.I was fortunate in not having far to travel (max 30mins) to each venue and the pay wasnt MUCH less than it is nowadays.Also there were far fewer models around.Now with the reduction in modelling hours in the colleges, and the ever increasing price of fuel,and the increase in the number of models,due largely to the internet making people aware of the opportunitiy,its probably impossible to make a living from modelling.

There certainly seem more people wanting to do it than are jobs available, although we could really do with more young men and women. The local uni is desperate for any women as it happens. If anyone is in the Carlisle area get in touch with them!

nactual · September 4th, 2012, 12:04

Yes, it must be addictive, at least in my case - why else do I often travel longer than I work for not much money? It would be much easier to earn with something easier (and much less creative), but...
Luckily I have an affordable ticket for public transportation that covers some long distances, too, otherwise I couldn't survive with this job...
It's hard enough already, there is a lot of competition (especially when tutors prefer young models that come from a dance academy), so if it weren't kind of addiction, then I don't know... ;)

CliffordAlls · September 21st, 2012, 05:38

There's a great adrenal buzz that goes with life modelling, especially at the start of a session when you haven't decided finally what poses you are going to fill the time with, wanting to stimulate your 'audiience' and justify your existence (and pay) as a life model. The personal satisfaction and inner glow that follows a successful session is a great stimulant and I would miss that if I did not model.

I filled up the summer dry season by doing a few films. These jobs are harder to come by but are better paid and carry their own satisfaction. Anyone wanting a laugh can see http://vimeo.com/45686495 - deliberately very hammy but GREAT fun to do! Working to camera can also be very adrenal.

DennisS · September 21st, 2012, 12:33

Might explain why I am constantly being texted by a certain model "reminding" me of his existence and begging me to let him model again... very tiresome but perhaps the poor chap is addicted....

Gordy · September 22nd, 2012, 20:50

Personally, I just think that people like being the centre of attention. When I did my first session posing for a photographer I came out of it feeling wonderful. I told the photographer that I could understand why "proper" models are as they are. They are the centre of attention and people are nice to them all the time.